2023 Recap: Return to God
Our theme for this year was "Return to God." We believe God never changes - he is the same yesterday and today, and will be the same tomorrow. God has not walked away from us, but humanity has turned its back on him.
We're reminded of 2 Chronicles 7:14, in which God invites the Israelites to return to him and promises, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and forgive their sins and heal their land.” We believe this promise is held out to us today, that we must look within and humble ourselves. Seeking his face is something we must do continually, and we'll always find him waiting to welcome us back home.
Retreats & Events
We have seen many come to faith in Jesus at Harvey Cedars throughout this year, whether during our summer conferences or church retreats, and we're encouraged by how God keeps working in our guests' and staff's lives! While retreats to Harvey Cedars include time to rest and play at the shore, the most important part of our ministry, our mission, is helping people learn about Christ, become more like him, and train for Christian leadership.
This year, we worked with Youth Leader Oasis to introduce the Winter Chill Youth Retreat, an opportunity for teenagers from various churches to come together, take a weekend retreat from the school year, and hear God's word in mid-January. We look forward to seeing this event, along with other HCBC-hosted events, make an impact again in a few weeks!
Facilities
There are lots of improvements to the conference facilities each year thanks to your support as well as our hard-working maintenance team. Here are some highlights of the many facility upgrades in 2023!
Construction of new lodging building The Cove begun
Renovation of Davis Center lounge into cafe space
New kitchenette in Bayview Lodge atrium space
New flooring in Poolside Lodge rooms and East Addition of the dining room
Replaced deck outside the dining room entrance
New wheelchair-accessible door at north entrance of Bayview Lodge
Upgraded and added audio/video equipment in some meeting spaces
New decorative wallpaper in The Canteen (thanks Ann Coen Photography!)
Additional ovens allowing for new snack options in The Avenue
Additional tilt skillet and floor drains in the kitchen
Davis Center Cafe
Summer Staff & Waypoint
Our Summer Staff's theme for this year was "Love Deeply," from 1 Peter 1:22-23. Each day of the week, staffers were encouraged in various ways to show thankfulness for each other and make a positive impact on others in obedience to God. They also studied John Piper's "Don't Waste Your Life" in addition to the many devotionals, chapels, small groups, and leadership opportunities the teen-to-college-age staff program offers.
Our young adult discipleship program Waypoint completed its fourth year in May, and current students have completed the first section of the program, which began in August. This year, Waypoint has a new format focused on personal mentorship and studies on the Bible and personal life. God continues to use this program to develop community and equip young adults to live out his will. (Proverbs 3:5-6)