Johnsonburg's Future

Autumn sky reflected in lake: Rev. Richard Smith, photographer

Johnsonburg is called to apply its forty-four year tradition of acceptance to providing unique opportunities for people to follow the way of Christ and to function peacefully and positively in a changing world.

• For young people, it is a vision of faith that embraces difference, values others, and takes responsibility for choices.
• For adults, it is a vision that reexamines the frenetic life, recommits to values, feeds deep hungers, and risks new ways to realize the simple life that Jesus taught.

• Capitalizing on the increasing racial-ethnic diversity in New Jersey and beyond as an opportunity for richer community;
• Welcoming all people to the table, given today’s challenges to meaningful relationships and shifting family patterns; and
• Meeting the need to satisfy the deep hunger for time apart and spiritual connection.

1. To expand innovative faith development opportunities for youth, families, and young adults.
2. To facilitate throughout the year a ministry of retreat and sanctuary for adults that feeds spiritual hunger and provides educational opportunities not ordinarily found elsewhere.
3. To rethink the way Johnsonburg provides hospitality in order to render radically uncommon service tailored to the specific needs of each group.
4. To launch a new development initiative that substantially reduces the current $600,000 of debt and secures Johnsonburg’s future as a resource for the congregations of the seven New Jersey Presbyteries for generations to come.

1. Seeds of Leadership is a program for urban youth identified at an early age and followed, taught, and encouraged to make positive life choices.
2. You Rock provides at-risk young people at summer camp with the special attention and opportunity to build small successes.
3. Lakeside Lodge for adult events will serve as the centerpiece of the developing Johnsonburg Spiritual Sanctuary.
4. Regardless of means to pay, Hospitality House will serve people in transition in their relationships, careers, and faith development -- a safe place of sanctuary for a few days or weeks of solace.