Eastern District Conference Winter Retreat

Economic Justice in the Global Economy

February 9-11, 2001 (Friday-Sunday)
Canadensis, PA (in the Poconos)

Family retreat with separate programs for adults, youth, and children, sponsored by The Peace and Social Concerns Committee, Eastern District Conference, General Conference Mennonite Church and Franconia Mennonite Conference.

Adult Program:

Understanding the New World Economy:
Hearing God's Call for Justice

with Dr. Chris D. Gingrich

One sixth of the world's six billion inhabitants try to survive on less than one dollar per day. Meanwhile, governments in many low-income countries owe foreign lenders the equivalent of one thousand dollars per person, thus impeding economic and social progress in their countries. In light of recent protests in Seattle, Washington, D.C., and Prague, many people blame the World Trade Organization, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund for perpetuating these conditions.

How should Christians respond to these events? During this retreat we will identify the main controversies in today's international economy and pay special attention to the problems of low- income countries. We will attempt to separate myth from reality and try to discern God's call for justice amidst much confusion.

Chris Gingrich is Associate Professor of Economics and Chair of the Department of Business and Economics at Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, VA. His research interests include international trade and economic development, with special attention to agriculture. Prior to joining the faculty at EMU, Chris served with Mennonite Central Committee in rural Haiti from 1987-90 and worked as a research economist at the University of Illinois. Chris holds a Ph.D. in economics from Iowa State University and M.S. and B.S. degrees in agricultural economics from the University of Illinois. He lives in Harrisonburg, VA with his wife, Eileen, and two children, Andrew and Bethany.

Youth Program:

Just-fied Lives and Lifestyles

with Christopher Fitz

Together we will explore the deeply rooted injustices in our global society and the even more deeply rooted ways that everyday faithfulness to God's kingdom can support just relationships in the world. Join us for games, simulations, discussion and prayer as we seek first the kingdom of God amidst our complex world.

Christopher Fitz is program director at Camp Eder, a Church of the Brethren camp. Chris has been program director for over two years and does a lot of work with teens. This year he will be leading 9 youth retreats at Camp Eder on the theme of "Simple Living" which stresses the issues of consumerism, global responsibility, environmental issues.

Childrens Programs (led by volunteers)

There will be separate programs for children of all ages and baby-sitting for preschoolers. Childrens age groups are nursery, 5-8, and 9-12. (Additional volunteers are needed; teaching materials will be provided.)

Location

Spruce Lake Retreat Center, RR#1, Box 605, Canadensis, PA 18325. (717) 595-7505.
Spruce Lake Retreat is located 2.5 miles north of Canadensis on PA Rt. 447, in the Pocono Mountains.

Schedule

Friday, February 9
7:00 PM	Check-in
8:00 PM	Opening program for All Music, Stories, and Sharing
9:30 PM	Snack*
11:00 PM	Bedtime (Quiet)
Saturday, February 10
8:00-8:30 AM	Breakfast
9:00 AM	First Adult Session and Youth Session
10:30 AM	Free Time** / Discussion
12:00-12:30 PM	Lunch
12:30 PM	Free Time**
5:30-6:00 PM	Dinner
7:30 PM	Second Adult Session and Youth Session
9:30 PM	Snack*
11:00 PM	Bedtime (Quiet)
Sunday, February 11
8:00-8:30 AM	Breakfast
9:00-10:30 AM	Final Adult and Youth Session
10:45 AM	Worship Service with Communion
12:15-12:45 PM	Lunch

*Please bring bagged snacks (cookies, pretzels, chips, etc) to share with others during the evenings.
**During "Free Time" on Saturday there will be videos and discussion time (on Globalization issues) as an alternative to outdoor recreation.

After lunch you and your family may stay for more recreation or head for home.

Weather permitting, the following winter recreational activies are available at Spruce Lake: cross-country skiing with ski rental, tubing, and ice-skating (bring your own skates).

Registration Information

Please plan to register early; space is limited. In 1999 we had to turn away several families because of the space limitation.

Most rooms accomodate up to four people (a double bed and a bunk bed with private bath), and one or two additional family members may be accomodated in the same room on the floor if you wish to bring sleeping bags for them. Single adults who wish to room together should send in their registration forms together.

Cost to Participants:

$95.00 Adults *($85.00 if paid before Jan. 3, 2000)
$24.00 Children (Ages 6-12)
$50.00 Youth (Ages 13-18)
Children under 6 are free!

--------------------- Registration Form ------------------------------

Name_________________________________________________________

Address______________________________________________________

City, State___________________________________ZIP____________

Phone______________________________E-mail____________________

Child's Name              Age                        Sex
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

____Adults @ $95.00 each*   __________
____Children @ $24.00 each  __________  
____Youth @ $50.00 each     __________  
       (Additional donation __________ )      
                       TOTAL___________
             Amount Enclosed___________
     Amount Due at Check-in _____________________

Make checks payable to:
                   Eastern District Conference

Mail this registration form to:
     Robert Walden
     826 Tioga Avenue
     Bethlehem, PA 18018 

Registration deadline is January 17, 2000

Any questions?  Need more information? 
Call  Robert Walden, 610-861-0653, E-mail: RWaldenPA@entermail.net
  or  Russell Darling, 215-357-6564.

Financial Information

Our registration rates are listed on the registration form above, but the actual cost of the retreat is about 50% greater than what the participants pay. The difference is made up with funds from the Eastern District Peace and Social Concerns budget and Franconia Conference. The actual lodging and meal costs are: $115.50 for adults and youth, and $36.75 for children (ages 6-11). Our costs also include honorariums, travel, and accomodations for our presenters, publicity, and other miscellaneous expenses.

If you wish to pay the actual cost of the retreat, it would be greatly appreciated. Other donations to the retreat are also welcome.

Some financial help is available for those who find it difficult to pay the amount we charge. We want to enable as many people as possible to attend this retreat. (Contact Carl Yusavitz, 215-248-2140.)

If you have dietary restrictions or require other special accomodations (e.g., diabetic, or vegitarian, or difficulty climbing stairs, etc.) please include information about your needs.

Camp Policies

Public areas and recreation areas are to be vacated by 11:00 PM. All areas are to be quiet after this time.
We strongly object to smoking. Under no circumstances is anyone permitted to smoke in any rooms of any building.
Pets are not permitted.
Guests are requested to leave their shirts on while at camp.
Use of alcoholic beverages is not permitted.
Motorized recreational vehicles (minibikes, snowmobiles, etc.) must be registered at the camp office before using them on the grounds.
Electrical appliances, such as electric fry pans, are not permitted.
Radios, tape players, etc. are permitted only in rooms designated for your group and only with the volume low. They are not permitted in public areas or outside.

Contact webmaster: webefpjc@ppjr.org

Location: http://efpjc.pprj.org/efp012.htm
Last Updated: 10/26/00
Created: October 3, 2000