Today is #GivingTuesday!

Thank you for being a part of #GivingTuesday today. As you participate today, your thoughtfulness will benefit many others. You can show your love and support for Zephyr Point by donating and then posting a #UNSELFIE to our Facebook page. Thank you for considering how you will be involved in #GivingTuesday.

Donate Now!

#Giving Tuesday is Tomorrow!
Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Donate to Zephyr Point

Zephyr Point’s Facebook Page

Our mission:
Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center exists to serve as an extension of the ministry of the church and to provide a place apart where God’s Spirit may illuminate hearts and minds as they are exposed to the Gospel and the claims of Jesus Christ, and enable Christians to communicate and relate their faith to the world in which they live.

For five weekends last month, we had volunteer work parties come up to do a variety of tasks. During our own Sprucing Up in the Pines weekend, the following story came to our attention:

“The months leading up to last fall’s Sprucing Up in the Pines were a very rough time for our family. Although we had participated as a family previously, my husband and I had become separated in July of that year and things were looking very bleak. The pain and hurt were overwhelming at times as the divide seemed to be steadily increasing between us, and there was seemingly no ray of hope from my perspective. I was crying out to God and praying for a miracle, but outwardly there seemed to be no change in our situation. Even in my own heart, I could feel how cold and bitter I was becoming because of my husband’s choices.
It was about 3 months after the beginning of our separation that my kids and I decided to go ahead to Zephyr Point and serve as volunteers with a group of our friends at the conference center. One of the nights, there was a devotional from the book of Nehemiah that God used to stir my heart in a most powerful way. We were exhorted from the word to take a step of faith and move forward in an area that God was wanting to do a work in. To take a forward step of action to rebuild in an area that seemed hopeless and destitute, totally trusting God for the results and fruit that would come from our obedience. At that very instant, I KNEW that the Lord was speaking to me about my marriage. The way God used the devotional to breathe life and hope into my own heart was nothing short of a miracle, and I was determined to take the first step in reconciliation when I got home that weekend. I truly believe that it was that very message from God’s word that was instrumental in saving my marriage by preparing my heart for what the Lord was calling me to do, Although I had come to the retreat center to be a blessing and to serve, I was ultimately the one who was beyond blessed and was served in such an unexpected way. Little did I know, God was also back home stirring my husband’s heart during this same time and had given him the same desire and intention of reconciliation and rebuilding.
My family will forever be impacted by what the Lord did there and how he used that weekend of Sprucing Up in the Pines to do a supernatural work in my marriage. This year we got to come back and serve as a complete family, and it was a sweet and awesome time. Zephyr Point Conference Center and Sprucing Up in the Pines will forever be an Ebenezer to me of God’s faithfulness and power. Thank you for the willing sacrifice you make in total faith that makes this kind of blessing possible. My family is grateful beyond words!”

Thank you for praying for milestone moments like this. We are humbled to be used by God in this way. Here are some other items you could pray for:

• Praise for the many ministry opportunities we had this fall.
• In the next nine days, five groups will be coming anticipating God to do some powerful things in the lives of the men, couples, pastors, families, and young adults who will be on the property.
• Praise that gifts keep coming in for our Dobbins Hall Renovation. Between gifts already received and commitments made, we are well over the $700,000 mark on our way to our $1,000,000 goal.
• Please pray that with #GivingTuesday, November 28, two weeks away, that Zephyr Point would be blessed by the generosity of many.
• Praise that our new Operations Director, Doug Pearson, and his wife Jan, arrived yesterday. Please pray as they settle in and ramp up quickly to all that makes Zephyr Point what it is.

A hearty thanks to you for standing with this ministry.

This is how one of the women’s groups using Zephyr Point last month
welcomed their retreat guests – you could not miss her!

2018
ZEPHYR POINT PROGRAM CALENDAR
Jr High Winter Basecamp………… January 19-21
Sr. High Winter Basecamp ………. February 9-11
Lenten Prayer Retreat………..…… March 16-18
Spring Sprucing Up in the Pine………April 20-22
Spring Preaching Pastors Retreat..Apr 30-May 2
Artists Retreat 1 ……………………………… June 3-8
Camp Zephyr Day Camp……June 18-August 10
Zephyr Experience….………………..June 24-29
Family Camp………………………………….. .July 1-6
Sr. High Summer Basecamp ………….July 8-13
Jr High Summer Basecamp .…………July 15-20
Art of Transitional Ministry…………….July 15-20
Handbell Program Conference…………July 22-26
Sr. High Summer Basecamp ………..July 22-27
Summer Sing ………………………………..July 26-29
Jr. High Summer Basecamp .…July 29-August 3
Tuning @ Tahoe …………………July 29- August 3
Artist Retreat 2 …………………………..August 5-10
Sr. & Jr. High High-Camps………..August 5-10
ZP Men’s Retreat……………..September 14-16
Artist Retreat 3 …………………….September 16-21
Fall Preaching Pastors Retreat……….October 1-3
Ethnic Concerns Consultation..…….October 5-7
ZP Women’s Retreat ……………………October 5-7
Fall Sprucing Up in the Pines …….October 19-21
ZP Celtic Prayer Retreat …………November 2-4
PCCCA Annual Conference……November 8-16

The Portal of Prayer has been a “holy” spot on these grounds for decades. Thousands have retreated to this small enclave right on the shore of Lake Tahoe to have some intimate moments with God. For some God has spoken loudly while for others it has been a gentle whisper. However it has taken place, people have left here renewed and refreshed in their walk with Jesus. As we approach the busyness of the Thanksgiving and Christmas season, we hope and pray you will have your own “Portal of Prayer” moments with our Almighty God celebrating all that has been done for us through His Son, Jesus Christ. What a privilege for us to come before our God in this way.

We hope you enjoyed this month’s edition of PointGuard.
Our Christmas edition will be coming your way next month about this time.
If you’ve got a fun or scenic shot taken here at Zephyr Point that you’d like us to consider for possible inclusion in a future edition of PointGuard, please send your digital picture to pointguard@zephyrpoint.org

Our mission:
Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center exists to serve as an extension of the ministry of the church and to provide a place apart where God’s Spirit may illuminate hearts and minds as they are exposed to the Gospel and the claims of Jesus Christ, and enable Christians to communicate and relate their faith to the world in which they live.

Donate

The last few hours of summer saw 3 inches of snow before it turned into fall reminding us that the winter is not too far off!

Our Annual Banquet is always a highlight each year. Ninety-three people gathered on Sunday, September 24, to hear how God has used this ministry and to look forward to the future.

It was a great evening of fun, celebration, and marveling at God’s hand upon this ministry. The 21 silent auction packages, two weeklong stay raffle prizes, and great food created a festive atmosphere where we heard from Bedford Holmes, our director. He gave a ministry update that included the following quote from a girl who attended our new High School BaseCamp this summer:

“I was really nervous because I didn’t know anybody else when I got here, but my mom told me that I would make new friends. She was totally right! I feel like I have a whole new family that we formed here at Basecamp this week! I really appreciated all the leaders. They were really great and helped me to grow in my faith in Jesus. I can make a huge impact on this world by using the gifts and passions that God has given me, and I can’t wait to get home and share that!”
With our theme being “Overflowing with Hope,” we were all encouraged knowing that she left here with great hope of an assured promise. We also saw of video about a woman and her family who escaped from Iraq to Syria as refugees in 2005. She came to Sacramento seven years ago to start anew where she connected with a church that came to Zephyr Point. She found great peace and encouragement in her relationship with God as a result of her times here. She commented that “Zephyr Point is like the open hands of God.” It was a powerful story of God’s working in a person’s life through the ministry of Zephyr Point.
We were also encouraged and blessed by the generosity of God’s people – over $32,000 has been raised so far. These many gifts are being used in three ways:

Our Annual Fund – this fund helps us with the many smaller projects that need to be done from building and cabin upgrades, furniture and bed replacement, vehicle servicing, program equipment; the list could go on and on but all are essential for us to most effectively serve the over 23,000 campers and guests each year.
Scholarship Fund – this means that more people will benefit from a Zephyr Point camp experience because many have helped remove the financial barrier that impacts many.
Dobbins Hall Renovation – thanks to the Lawrence and Moiso families, gifts for Dobbins Hall are being doubled up to $20,000. This added $25,425 to the over $400,000 that had been raised before that Sunday night. We are now able all the more to go forward with many improvements to our 80 year old signature building.

We are grateful and humbled by the care, love, and generosity of God’s people.

We are also grateful for the opportunity to come before our God sharing things that are on our hearts here at Zephyr Point.

• Please continue to pray for the hundreds who return home after a stay here at Zephyr Point. Our hope and desire is that they return to environments that stimulate their growth as a follower of Jesus.
• In the next nine days, over 1000 people will set foot on the property. So many opportunities for God to work!
• Praise that God has provided a new Business Director for us, Rose Fagerhaug. She was promoted from her Bookkeeper position here just the beginning of this week. We are currently considering applications for our Director of Operations’ opening. 
• Safety continues to be a top priority here with our hundreds of campers and guests. Thank you for keeping this as a daily matter of prayer. 
• Our recent board meeting went well as we continue to look to the future with great hope and anticipation.
• Winter preparations are already underway. There is much to do as we prepare for this winter. The big question around Lake Tahoe is will it be as big as last winter?
• We continue to be grateful for the many people who support this ministry financially desiring that thousands have a Zephyr Point experience. This was especially evident at our Annual Banquet. Since the Annual Banquet, a couple came forward earlier this week pledging $100,000 for the Dobbins Hall renovation bringing our total of gifts and pledges to over $525,000!

Thank you for your interest in how God uses the ministry of Zephyr Point.

This vivid sunset during our Annual Banquet was a great reminder of God’s continued creativity at Lake Tahoe and His provision for this ministry.

Upcoming Programs at Zephyr Point This Year

Ethnic Concerns Consultation……….Oct. 6-8
ZP Women’s Retreat ……………………..Oct. 6-8
Sprucing Up in the Pines 2 …………Oct. 20-22
ZP Celtic Prayer Retreat……………….Nov. 3-5

Upcoming Programs at Zephyr Point in 2018
Jr. High Winter Basecamp…………Jan. 19-21
Sr. High Winter Basecamp ………….Feb. 9-11
Lenten Prayer Retreat………………..Apr. 6-8
Sprucing Up in the Pines 1 ………..Apr. 20-22
Preaching Pastors Retreat 1….Apr. 30-May 2
Artists Retreat 1 …………………………..June 3-8
Camp Zephyr Day Camp……June 19-Aug. 11
Zephyr Experience….………………June 24-29
Family Camp…………………………………..July 1-6
Jr. High Summer Basecamp ………..July 8-13
Sr. High Summer Basecamp .……..July 15-20
Art of Transitional Ministry…………..July 15-20
Handbell Program Conference……..July 22-26
Sr. High Summer High Camp………July 22-27
Summer Sing ……………………………..July 26-29
Jr. High Summer High Camp…July 29-Aug. 3
Tuning @ Tahoe ……………………July 29-Aug. 3
Artist Retreat 2 …………………………….Aug. 5-10
ZP Men’s Retreat …………………………Sep.14-16
Artist Retreat 3 ………………………….. Sep. 16-21
Preaching Pastors Retreat 2 ……………Oct. 1-3
Ethnic Concerns Consultation…….….Oct. 5-7
ZP Women’s Retreat ……………………….Oct. 5-7
Sprucing Up in the Pines 2 ………….Oct. 19-21
ZP Celtic Prayer Retreat………………..Nov. 2-4
ZP Winter Family Camp…Dec. 30-Jan. 2, 2019

You can never tire of the sunsets here, especially this one from last week.
God never seems to run out of ideas on how to dazzle and amaze us!

We hope you enjoyed this month’s edition of PointGuard.
Your next edition will be coming your way at the end of this month.
If you’ve got a fun or scenic shot (the picture of the bear came from one of our cabin guest last week) taken here at Zephyr Point that you’d like us to consider for possible inclusion in a future edition of PointGuard, please send your digital picture to pointguard@zephyrpoint.org

Our mission:

Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center exists to serve as an extension of the ministry of the church and to provide a place apart where God’s Spirit may illuminate hearts and minds as they are exposed to the Gospel and the claims of Jesus Christ, and enable Christians to communicate and relate their faith to the world in which they live.

Rita and her two children came to the United States as Iraqi refugees. Rita fled the unrest of Iraq and ended up in the turmoil and challenge of a refugee camp in Syria. To make a long story short, through a refugee program of the United Nations, she ended up in Sacramento seven years ago. Through another series of circumstances, she ended up coming to a retreat with her church at Zephyr Point several years ago. She fell in love with Zephyr Point because it seemed to her that God was really speaking to her here. She and her kids rented a cabin two summers ago which brought in contact with Celtic Cross Presbyterian Church’s family camp being held here at the same time. She made a deep connection with them and now attends there regularly discovering all the more the fullness of Christ and how His hand has been upon her through the years.

Here’s how Rita describes it: “It’s not about the trees, the lake, or the beautiful views. Zephyr Point is like the open hands of God.”

Patti and Jerry Kinder are two of our many volunteers that are a vital part
of our ministry in many ways. Patti and Jerry just completed yesterday
2.5 weeks of serving in the Bear Necessities Store.

One of the keys to creating special summer memories at Zephyr Point are the many volunteers who serve here. They might come up for a day, a week, or even up to a month to help with maintenance, projects, gardening, office tasks, seasonal changeovers, and our Bear Necessities Store. Here’s how Patti and Jerry Kinder (pictured above) describe why they come each year:

“We have always enjoyed meeting people of like faith from various places and backgrounds, and working here has provided ample opportunity for serving, interacting with and sometimes praying with hundreds of them.”

Even though summer is over, there are still things regarding Zephyr Point to be in prayer about: 

• Please continue to pray for the hundreds who had life transforming experiences here this summer as they return to school and work after the long Labor Day weekend. May they find fellowship and encouragement from other believers.
• We are just beginning to receive resumes for our Director of Operations and Business Director openings. 
• We continue to be thankful that God has protected this ministry and our campers and guests from harm. This has become all the more evident in light of recent fires and floods. 
• Even though the summer season is over, we continue to be thankful for the ministry opportunities we have in the next seven days with 12 more groups coming.
• Folks are still registering for our Annual Banquet, two weeks from this Sunday, September 24. We are especially thankful for some friends of Zephyr Point that are willing to match every dollar given up to $20,000.
• During that Monday and Tuesday after our Annual Banquet, our board will be meeting to discuss and make important decisions regarding increasing the effectiveness of the ministry.
• 2018 is less than four months off so we are already planning for our winter youth camps, summer CREW recruiting, and our annual budget.
• Finally, folks are beginning to sign up for our eight different Zephyr Point conferences betweeen now and the end of this year. We are thankful for the opportunity to be used by God in their lives as we anticipate together what God would have in store for them.

We can never thank you enough for your care and concern for the ministry of Zephyr Point.

Last Saturday’s dedication service of the Crawford Memorial Lookout

Part of the legacy of Zephyr Point is what it means to so many people and how they express that love and belief in what God does here. This was never more evident this past weekend when we had two dedications of two special places on the property – the Crawford Memorial Lookout, and the LinnView Cabin (Cabin 28) that will be a warm and cozy coffee shop next summer.
The Crawford Memorial Lookout dedication commemorated the lives of three members of the Crawford family, John, Joe, and their father Michael, who were tragically killed 37 years ago a week after John and Joe had been here for camp. To celebrate their lives, a lookout was built 36 years ago by people from the church they attended, Bethany Presbyterian Church of Sacramento. It was a special and powerful reunion when they gathered on Saturday to re-dedicate the newly renovated memorial lookout (see picture above).
The next day, members of the Linn and Clawson families, whose forefathers, Otis Linn and Bill Clawson (both pastors) were instrumental in the establishment and development of Zephyr Point in the early years, gathered to dedicate the LinnView Cabin (Cabin 28) as Zephyr Point’s new coffee cabin and gathering place starting next summer (see picture below). It was a privilege to hear stories, both serious and humorous, about Otis Linn who was intimately involved from that very first year, 1924, until his passing in 1957. Bill Clawson, who became Otis Linn’s son-in-law, went to be with the Lord in 1994 after 70 years committed to this ministry. What a legacy both men left that all of us and countless thousands have benefited.

Here are some Zephyr Point prayer concerns and praises for you to consider as you come before God with your prayer requests. We are grateful for your continuing prayer support.
• Praise for the 25 members of our 2017 summer CREW. We are very thankful for how they gave of themselves so unselfishly as they honored and blessed our campers and guests. Most of them have left transitioning back to school, home, or a job.
• Please pray for God’s provision to fill two key roles here at Zephyr Point – Director of Operations and Business Director. God has called Doug and Lynne Morton, who have served in those roles, to a Christian camp ministry in Texas, after 14 years of dedicated service here. Doug and Lynne would cherish your prayers as they wrap up things here in the midst of packing.
• With some coolness in the air, it reminds us that fall is not too far away. Even though the seasons change, our pace does not. There are still ample ministry opportunities with many groups and individuals coming in the next three months.
• Praise that God continues to have His hand of protection on all of our campers and guests.
• Please pray for the family of John Kelso, one of our board members. He passed away last week.
• Twelve groups will be coming in the next five days looking forward to seeing what God has for them.
• Our annual Autumn Banquet invitations went out in the mail yesterday. We look forward to seeing many friends of Zephyr Point on Sunday evening, September 24.
Thank you for uplifting this ministry in prayer.

Some of the members of the Linn and Clawson families gather in front
of LinnView Cabin (Cabin 28), the first cabin built at Zephyr Point,
after this past Sunday’s dedication service.

Upcoming Programs at Zephyr Point in 2017
ZP Men’s Retreat ……………………..Sep. 15-17
Artist Retreat 3 …………………………Sep. 24-29
Preaching Pastors Retreat 2 ………….Oct. 2-4
Ethnic Concerns Consultation……….Oct. 6-8
ZP Women’s Retreat ……………………..Oct. 6-8
Sprucing Up in the Pines 2 …………Oct. 20-22
ZP Celtic Prayer Retreat……………….Nov. 3-5
ZP Winter Family Camp…Dec. 30-Jan. 2, 2018

Upcoming Programs at Zephyr Point in 2018
Jr. High Winter Basecamp…………Jan. 19-21
Sr. High Winter Basecamp ………….Feb. 9-11
Lenten Prayer Retreat………………..Apr. 6-8
Sprucing Up in the Pines 1 ………..Apr. 20-22
Preaching Pastors Retreat 1….Apr. 30-May 2
Artists Retreat 1 …………………………..June 3-8
Camp Zephyr Day Camp……June 19-Aug. 11
Zephyr Experience….………………June 24-29
Family Camp…………………………………..July 1-6
Jr. High Summer Basecamp ………..July 8-13
Sr. High Summer Basecamp .……..July 15-20
Art of Transitional Ministry…………..July 15-20
Handbell Program Conference……..July 22-26
Sr. High Summer High Camp………July 22-27
Summer Sing ……………………………..July 26-29
Jr. High Summer High Camp…July 29-Aug. 3
Tuning @ Tahoe ……………………July 29-Aug. 3
Artist Retreat 2 …………………………….Aug. 5-10
ZP Men’s Retreat …………………………Sep.14-16
Artist Retreat 3 ………………………….. Sep. 23-28
Preaching Pastors Retreat 2 ……………Oct. 1-3
Ethnic Concerns Consultation…….….Oct. 5-7
ZP Women’s Retreat ……………………….Oct. 5-7
Sprucing Up in the Pines 2 ………….Oct. 19-21
ZP Prayer Retreat………………………..Nov. 2-4
ZP Winter Family Camp…Dec. 30-Jan. 2, 2019

Our dedicated 2017 summer CREW.
Most have returned to school, jobs, or home. There were many ways God
used them in the lives of kids and students that will have an impact
that will last for eternity. We are so thankful for each of them.

We hope you enjoyed this week’s edition of PointGuard.
If you’ve got a fun scenic shot taken here at Zephyr Point that you’d like us to consider for possible inclusion in a future edition of PointGuard, please send your digital picture to pointguard@zephyrpoint.org

Our mission:
Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center exists to serve as an extension of the ministry of the church and to provide a place apart where God’s Spirit may illuminate hearts and minds as they are exposed to the Gospel and the claims of Jesus Christ, and enable Christians to communicate and relate their faith to the world in which they live.

Four generations of the Hincker Family are here this week utilizing four cabins. Here are the first generation and the fourth generation in front of the office
this morning. They first started coming in 1961! What a great family tradition.

Almost every week of the summer, we have multiple generations of families gather here, often times staying in the same cabins year after year. The fellowship and the fun they experience endears the Zephyr Point experience to people of all ages. Folks have come from all over the country to make sure that they stay connected with their extended family in the beautiful setting of Lake Tahoe where so many rich memories have been created. It’s fun to hear people say, “I grew up here,” even though they only spent a week or two each year on the property. However, it speaks to the powerful and defining moments that thousands have experienced here. We count it a great privilege to have been invited into the lives of hundreds of families every year.

Another privilege is to be able to bring the following before God. Thank you for your continuing prayer support for Zephyr Point:

• Praise for the 10 energetic junior highers who went on the Zephyr Point backpack trip last week. They returned safely full of great memories and insights into who God is. 
• We continue to be thankful for the hundreds of cabin guests that have come this summer. This past Saturday there were forty families that arrived for at least a week of great times together.
• Our last Day Camp is packed with 73 campers this week. What an honor it has been for us to be a part of 486 young and impressionable hearts and minds sharing the hope of Jesus Christ with them.
• Praise for God’s continued protection for all of our campers and guests. 
• We continue to be thankful for the financial support for the Dobbins Hall renovation, activities for our staff, cabin improvements, the annual fund, and scholarships.
• Please pray for the 9 more groups coming in the next five days that all in attendance will deepen their relationship with Christ. Even though kids have returned to school in some areas, we are still running strong.
• Our annual Autumn Banquet invitations go out in the mail next week. 

​Thank you for your interest in this ministry.

One of our adventurous junior high campers on last week’s
backpacking trip trying her hand at rappelling. 

Upcoming Programs at Zephyr Point in 2017

Artists Retreat 2 …………………………Aug. 6-11
ZP Men’s Retreat ……………………..Sep. 15-17
Artist Retreat 3 …………………………Sep. 24-29
Preaching Pastors Retreat 2 ………….Oct. 2-4
Ethnic Concerns Consultation……….Oct. 6-8
ZP Women’s Retreat ……………………..Oct. 6-8
Sprucing Up in the Pines 2 …………Oct. 20-22
ZP Celtic Prayer Retreat……………….Nov. 3-5
ZP Winter Family Camp…Dec. 30-Jan. 2, 2018

Upcoming Programs at Zephyr Point in 2018
Jr. High Winter Basecamp…………Jan. 19-21
Sr. High Winter Basecamp ………….Feb. 9-11
Lenten Prayer Retreat………………..Apr. 6-8
Sprucing Up in the Pines 1 ………..Apr. 20-22
Preaching Pastors Retreat 1….Apr. 30-May 2
Artists Retreat 1 …………………………..June 3-8
Camp Zephyr Day Camp……June 19-Aug. 11
Zephyr Experience….………………June 24-29
Family Camp…………………………………..July 1-6
Jr. High Summer Basecamp ………..July 8-13
Sr. High Summer Basecamp .……..July 15-20
Art of Transitional Ministry…………..July 15-20
Handbell Program Conference……..July 22-26
Sr. High Summer High Camp………July 22-27
Summer Sing ……………………………..July 26-29
Jr. High Summer High Camp…July 29-Aug. 3
Tuning @ Tahoe ……………………July 29-Aug. 3
Artist Retreat 2 …………………………….Aug. 5-10
ZP Men’s Retreat …………………………Sep.14-16
Artist Retreat 3 ………………………….. Sep. 23-28
Preaching Pastors Retreat 2 ……………Oct. 1-3
Ethnic Concerns Consultation…….….Oct. 5-7
ZP Women’s Retreat ……………………….Oct. 5-7
Sprucing Up in the Pines 2 ………….Oct. 19-21
ZP Prayer Retreat………………………..Nov. 2-4
ZP Winter Family Camp…Dec. 30-Jan. 2, 2019

One of the residual outcomes of our heavy winter, this small boat shack, around since at least the 1940s, located below Cabin 10, collapsed last week.
It was a combination of our high water level and strong winds that sent waves crashing into it. These same strong waves dislodged some boards on our pier.

We hope you enjoyed this week’s edition of PointGuard.
If you’ve got a fun scenic shot taken here at Zephyr Point that you’d like us to consider for possible inclusion in a future edition of PointGuard, please send your digital picture to pointguard@zephyrpoint.org

Our mission:

Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center exists to serve as an extension of the ministry of the church and to provide a place apart where God’s Spirit may illuminate hearts and minds as they are exposed to the Gospel and the claims of Jesus Christ, and enable Christians to communicate and relate their faith to the world in which they live.

The baptism of a young child this past Sunday who is a descendant of John Harvey, one of the founders of Zephyr Point 92 years ago.

This past weekend over 65 people related to John Harvey, one of the founders of Zephyr Point, gathered here to celebrate the great legacy of Mr. Harvey and his daughter, Betty Blaikie (she attended the very first conference here in 1924). Both were very involved in the early years of establishing this ministry. Betty Blaikie’s son, Doug (pictured above baptizing the baby) shared of the great legacy of the family and encouraged all the family members present to carry it forward. He also challenged them to support the “Betty Blaikie Young People’s Scholarship Fund” so that one of the key founding desires for Zephyr Point was sharing Christ with students. That aspect of our ministry continues to grow. We are thankful for the encouragement of many who make it possible for those who cannot afford to attend camp to come to share in this wonderful experience. We are very thankful to the entire Harvery/Blaikie clan who were very generous in their support this past weekend. 

Thank you for your continuing prayer support for Zephyr Point. Here are some things on our hearts this week:

• Praise for how well the Junior High School Basecamp with 43 students went last week.
• We continue to look forward to many ministry opportunities almost every day from now until mid-November just when the snow could start arriving!
• Pray for the 68 eager and energetic campers in this week’s Day Camp that God will touch many of their hearts with the Good News of Jesus. It’s hard to believe but there are only two more weeks of Day Camp after this week.
• Pray for the 66 attending this week’s Art of Transitional Ministry conference. It is designed for those who do interim pastoral work giving them a variety of tools and resources along with encouragement as they step into some challenging situations after a pastor leaves.
• Pray for emotional and physical safety for all of our campers and guests. We deeply desire that this be a safe place for God to amazing work in the lives of kids and adults. 
• We are thankful for the Betty Blaikie Young People’s Scholarship Fund that provides financial assistance for those who otherwise could not attend camp.
• Please pray for the 11 groups coming in the next five days that people will be encouraged in their walk with Jesus Christ.
• Preparations for our annual Autumn Banquet, Sunday evening, September 24, are swinging into high gear.

​Thank you for your interest in the ministry of Zephyr Point.

It’s a slow and beautiful afternoon today at the waterfront after a very brief summer shower. It could be a gorgeous sunset tonight during our Wednesday night Vespers service in the Donaldson Amphitheatre.

Upcoming Programs at Zephyr Point in 2017

Camp Zephyr Day Camp…June 19-August 11
Handbell Program Conference….July 23-27
Summer Sing …………………………..July 27-30
Jr. High Summer High Camp …July 30-August 3
Tuning @ Tahoe ……………July 30-August 4
Artists Retreat 2 ……………………August 6-11
ZP Men’s Retreat …………..September 15-17
Artist Retreat 3 ……………….September 24-29
Preaching Pastors Retreat 2 …..October 2-4
Ethnic Concerns Consultation…October 6-8
ZP Women’s Retreat ……………….October 6-8
Sprucing Up in the Pines 2 …..October 20-22
ZP Celtic Prayer Retreat……….November 3-5
ZP Winter Family Camp…December 30-January 2, 2018

A different view of Mt. Tallac (the “cross” on the east facing slope is not visible from this view) with Fallen Leaf Lake in the foreground.

We hope you enjoyed this week’s edition of PointGuard.
If you’ve got a fun scenic shot taken here at Zephyr Point that you’d like us to consider for possible inclusion in a future edition of PointGuard, please send your digital picture to pointguard@zephyrpoint.org

Our mission:

Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center exists to serve as an extension of the ministry of the church and to provide a place apart where God’s Spirit may illuminate hearts and minds as they are exposed to the Gospel and the claims of Jesus Christ, and enable Christians to communicate and relate their faith to the world in which they live.

Some “tunnel” fun at Day Camp

It has been a privilege for us to have two youth camps back to back – High School last week and Junior High this week. Junior High camp has gone well this week for the 43 students in attendance. We are praying that we get a similar response like we did last week from the high schoolers:

•  “The excursions were amazing this year! I was pretty nervous about rock climbing and river rafting, but the leaders were all so encouraging and took it all apart in ways that I knew I could accomplish step by step. I will always cherish what God taught me about life and about who he is through this experience!” – Freshman Girl
• “I was really nervous because I didn’t know anybody else when I got here, but my mom told me that I would make new friends. She was totally right! I feel like I have a whole new family that we formed here at Basecamp this week! I really appreciated all the leaders. They were really great and helped me to grow in my faith in Jesus. I can make a huge impact on this world by using the gifts and passions that God has given me, and I can’t wait to get home and share that! – Sophomore Girl
• “All of the activities this year were awesome! My favorite was going river rafting! I was pretty scared a couple of times, but the guides were great about helping us understand the way the river works and how we were going to be okay if we worked as a team! I feel like I understand my faith so much more now and learned about God not only through the lesson times, but also through the activities. I really liked going rock climbing too! – Freshman Boy

Thank you for praying for Zephyr Point. Here are some current items for your awareness:

• Praise for how well High School Basecamp went last week.
• Pray for the 43 junior high students this week as they are challenged by God’s Word in the midst of the fun and adventure of camp.
• Pray for the 65 campers in this week’s Day Camp that God will touch many of their hearts with the Good News of Jesus.
• Pray for the 66 attending this week’s Art of Transitional Ministry conference. It is designed for those who do interim pastoral work giving them a variety of tools and resources along with encouragement as they step into some challenging situations after a pastor leaves.
• Pray for protection for all of our guests and for the thousands of firefighters involved in the many fires around the western US.
• We are thankful for the donations that keep coming in for the Dobbins Hall renovation.
• Please pray for the 15 groups coming in the next five days that people will be encouraged in their relationship with Jesus.
• We are looking forward to our annual Autumn Banquet, Sunday evening, September 24.

​Thank you for being a part of the Zephyr Point family.

Smoke from the Detwiler Fire near Mariposa fills the Lake Tahoe Basin today. The visibility across the lake has been greatly reduced. 

Upcoming Programs at Zephyr Point in 2017

Camp Zephyr Day Camp…June 19-August 11
Jr. High Summer Basecamp .……July 16-21
Art of Transitional Ministry………July 16-21
Handbell Program Conference….July 23-27
Sr. High Summer High Camp ……July 23-28
Summer Sing …………………………..July 27-30
Jr. High Summer High Camp …July 30-August 3
Tuning @ Tahoe ……………July 30-August 4
Artists Retreat 2 ……………………August 6-11
ZP Men’s Retreat …………..September 15-17
Artist Retreat 3 ……………….September 24-29
Preaching Pastors Retreat 2 …..October 2-4
Ethnic Concerns Consultation…October 6-8
ZP Women’s Retreat ……………….October 6-8
Sprucing Up in the Pines 2 …..October 20-22
ZP Celtic Prayer Retreat……….November 3-5
ZP Winter Family Camp…December 30-January 2, 2018

A session this morning at our Art of Transitional Ministry Conference.

The junior highers eat lunch as fast as they can so they can continue
to play Nine Square at our Junior High BaseCamp.

We hope you enjoyed this week’s edition of PointGuard.
If you’ve got a fun scenic shot taken here at Zephyr Point that you’d like us to consider for possible inclusion in a future edition of PointGuard, please send your digital picture to pointguard@zephyrpoint.org

Our mission:

Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center exists to serve as an extension of the ministry of the church and to provide a place apart where God’s Spirit may illuminate hearts and minds as they are exposed to the Gospel and the claims of Jesus Christ, and enable Christians to communicate and relate their faith to the world in which they live.