Join us for our Opening weekend, where volunteers come to help the staff and management team open Camp for the summer season. This is the kickoff for our whole season. Food, and housing is provided. Join us for a weekend of hard work and fellowship!
Like to golf? What about cycling or hiking? Just want to enjoy wine tasting and see the sights? This adult retreat is for you. You will have many opportunities to be active and to rest on the shores of Lake Michigan. We will organize golf outings and direct you to some of the best cycling (road and trail) and hiking in Northwest Michigan – all within 20 minutes of Camp. Each evening we will meet for fellowship, dinner and a Bible study.
This retreat was previously named the Golf & The Gospel retreat.
Jesus and the Old Testament
Jesus was born into a Jewish world steeped in the traditions of the Old Testament. These traditions pointed to Jesus, and he used them in dramatic ways in his ministry to reveal his identity and mission. We will study the Day of Atonement, the Feast of Booths, Passover, and more, and in so doing learn more about the person of Jesus.
Rev. Mark Schulz is the lead pastor of Trinity in Lisle, Illinois. Trinity is a multi-site church that focuses on connecting people to Jesus and helping them look, live, and love more like Jesus every day. This happens through relevant worship, mission-focused small groups, and serving both inside the church and in the community.
As a graduate of the Pastoral Leadership Institute, Pastor Schulz is passionate about leadership in the church – especially as it relates to keeping the church focused on its mission.
When he is not “on the clock” at church you are likely to find him spending time with his family: wife Betty and son Christian. Or you might find him engaged in two of his favorite pursuits, golfing and cheering for Chicago sports teams.
Yahweh: Theme-Weaver
Scripture is a beautiful tapestry whereby Yahweh reveals the story of salvation in Christ. While the first few stories in Genesis might appear like a random introduction, it is here that Yahweh, like an expert artisan, begins on the loom with several themes that like threads He will weave throughout the seemingly simple depiction. Throughout the week, we will explore a handful of these themes that show up in Genesis and see how they play out throughout all of Scripture and hold together in Christ. I promise that once you see these themes, you’ll never read Scripture the same and you’ll marvel at just how stunning the tapestry is.
Sarah Salzberg serves as an Old Testament Theology Teacher at Orange Lutheran High School in Orange, CA. She earned my Masters in Theology from Concordia University in Irvine, but her pride and joy will always be Concordia Seward where she earned her Bachelor’s.
Registration Info
Seeing the Unseeable in Parables
The mysteries of God can be baffling. With spiritual songs and by opening the Scriptures, Monique and John will lead our conversation toward real-life applications of this consideration: What might the Spirit be teaching us in the various parables of Jesus?
John Arthur Nunes is a Lutheran pastor, author, and the president of Concordia College New York. Monique Nunes is a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coach for Concordia University Irvine, CA. The Nuneses have six children and an expanding entourage of eleven grandchildren. John’s new book, Meant For More, In, With, and Under the Ordinary was released in October, 2020 and is available.
Rev. John Nunes, Ph.D, is the President of Concordia College New York
Monique C. Nunes, MA, is the First Lady of Concordia College, New York
Sculptor Spirit
Lutherans are often known in Christendom for their teaching on justification by grace through faith in Christ as the central doctrine of the church. But at times they are criticized, formally or informally, for their supposed lack of a robust teaching on sanctification or holiness. Is it true that, as Lutheran historian Carter Lindberg once put it, Lutherans shout justification but whisper sanctification? It turns out that a deeper look at sources reveals that Lutherans can offer a rich variety of ways to think about and practice the Christian life. Come and receive tools to teach and apply models of sanctification for everyday living.
The week will delve into Leo Sánchez’s book Sculptor Spirit (IVP 2019) and its five models of sanctification (renewal, dramatic, sacrificial, hospitality, and devotional). Through teaching, images, and stories, Dr. Leo will explore the main idea of his book, namely, that the Holy Spirit sculpts, forms, or shapes human persons into the likeness of Christ. How do we discern the Spirit in our lives? What does life in the Spirit look like? What are the Christlike patterns of such life? What difference does sanctification make when it comes to our lives in the world today? Books will be available for purchase at a discounted practice and a book signing event will take place. Come and join us for this Spirit-ual journey!
Dr. Leo Sanchez is the Werner R.H. and Elizabeth R. Krause Professor of Hispanic Ministries at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. A Concordia faculty member since 2004, he is professor of systematic theology and director of the Center for Hispanic Studies.
Born in Chile and raised in Panama, Sánchez completed his post-secondary education in the U.S. Dr. Sánchez’s research interests are in the theology of the Holy Spirit (pneumatology), sanctification, Spirit Christology, Trinitarian theology, and issues related to the intersection of theology and Global South cultures, such as immigration, poverty and marginality, and Hispanic/Latino cultural identity. Sánchez’s latest book in English is Sculptor Spirit: Models of Sanctification from Spirit Christology (IVP Academic, 2019).
In the community, Dr. Sánchez is Principal Double-Bass player with the St. Louis Civic Orchestra. He also enjoys writing poetry, swimming, international cooking, and travel. Sánchez and his wife, Tracy Lynn, have two children.
Quiet Rebellion // Church as an Alternative Polis
In the noise of our hyper-polarized socio-political environment it’s both easy and tempting to define ourselves by who and what we are against. There is certainly a place for the Christian to “take a stand” and yet, Christian identity is not based on what we are against, but on who we are in Christ. Rooted in this identity, how might the church embody an alternative polis to the reductionistic tribes of our day? In 1 Timothy, St. Paul invites us to, “lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” This seemingly simple invitation, when followed, inspires a quiet rebellion amidst the noise of our age. Join us as we explore how to put this into practice in our lives.
Rev. Gabe Kasper is Lead Pastor at University Lutheran Chapel at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Prior to his current role, he spent 5 years as a church planter in Austin, Texas. His passion for preaching and teaching has led him to speak at camps, churches, youth events, universities, and conferences. He is currently pursuing an MA in Philosophy at Eastern Michigan University. His writing has appeared in Lutheran Mission Matters and Sword and Swan Media House. In his spare time, Gabe enjoys soccer, reading books, listening to punk rock and co-hosting the Pint Glass Preachers Podcast. He and his wife Melissa have 3 great kids.
Bob Unger, Director of Worship and Music Ministry at Resurrection Lutheran Church and Schools will be our music leader for this week.
My Big, Fat, Greek Worldview: Exploring the Hebraic and Eastern Aspect of Jesus
Jesus was born in Israel, which means that Jesus was Jewish, but it also means that Jesus was Asian. The Hebrew culture and language reflect an Eastern mindset. Martin Luther once said, “Without this language of Hebrew there can be no understanding of Scripture, for the New Testament, though written in Greek, is full of Hebraisms.” With a rabbinical background, Dr. Chad Yeshayahu Foster, presents the teachings of Jesus and the Gospels in their natural Hebraic eastern culture and context. Have fun learning the Jewish background of our Christian faith, maybe even pick up a little Hebrew, and see some of the most familiar stories of the Bible in an entirely different light.
Rev. Dr. Chad Yeshayahu Foster is both an ordained LCMS pastor and an ordained rabbi. He has studied at Christian seminaries and Jewish yeshivas in England, France, and Israel. Currently, he serves as Teaching Pastor at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Columbus, IN. Dr. Chad’s unique background which is complemented by diverse theological training across denominations and religions. The combination of being both Christian and Jewish; of being both a pastor and a rabbi; of being both trained in Christian seminaries and by Orthodox Jewish rabbis; has produced a unique worldview and an ability to have conversations and build bridges. Dr. Chad’s true joy is simply sharing what he has received from his teachers, particularly in matters of Torah and Messiah.
Bob Unger, Director of Worship and Music Ministry at Resurrection Lutheran Church and Schools will be our music leader for this week.
Questions for Jesus from the Next Generation
The next generation is anxious. They are deeply concerned about a number of cultural and social issues—issues that the Christian faith, in their estimation, has no answer for. But what if they brought their most processing concerns to Christ? What would he say to those worried about mental health, political polarization, the role of science and so much more?
Matt Popovits surveyed hundreds of youth and young adults to discover the issues that matter most to them. In these lectures he’ll offer honest, Biblical responses to their top 5 concerns, equipping you to do the same, all the while demonstrating that their fears matter, God’s Word has answers, and this faith is essential for the flourishing of all.
Rev. Matt Popovits serves as Sr. Pastor of St. Mark Houston, a creative and growing ministry located in America’s most diverse city. Matt is also the founder of VoxCon, a conference for communicators. Matt serves as the host of What Matters Most, a daily radio show, and is the co-host of Engaging Truth Radio. He’s also a frequent presenter at conferences and events, sharing the message of Jesus in ways that engage the heart and connect to everyday life.
Topic still to come.
Rev. Dr. Paul Maier is a bestselling author of fiction & nonfiction and retired Professor of History at Western Michigan University.
Bob Unger, Director of Worship and Music Ministry at Resurrection Lutheran Church and Schools will be our music leader for this week.
Antifragile Faith
Suffering is inevitable in this life, and especially so as Christians. The Scriptures make clear, though, that trials and tribulations aren’t to be feared; our faith isn’t fragile. To the contrary, faith flourishes under fire; it is (to use a word coined by philosopher Nassim Taleb) antifragile. In our week together we’ll explore this concept of antifragility through a biblical lens, and then consider how we as Christians can cultivate a more antifragile faith.
Rev. Dr. Ryan Tinetti is pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Arcadia, author of the book Preaching by Heart, and co-host with Chip May of the podcast “Campfire Conversations.”
Low Anthropology: Translating the Doctrine of Sin into Contemporary Language and Experience
There was an infamous bit of graffiti in my hometown that read simply “Jesus is the Answer.” Above it, some mischievous hand had scrawled “But what is the question?” The addendum, while cheeky, was perceptive. So often our witness gets bogged down by the cultural baggage associated with certain terms, leading us to retreat into comfortable enclaves where we don’t have to explain ourselves. Nowhere is this trend more pronounced than when it comes to “sin”–a truth without which the Christian faith loses much of its coherence and nearly all of its urgency. Together we’ll spend a week looking at how we might connect the Gospel of Jesus Christ with a world very much struggling under the burden of something it has lost the ability (or willingness) to name. Think of it as a crash course in translation for the sake of loving our neighbors.
David Zahl is the founder and director of Mockingbird Ministries, editor-in-chief of the Mockingbird website (www.mbird.com), and co-host of The Mockingcast. He and his family live in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he also serves on the staff of Christ Episcopal Church, supervising their adult education and ministry to college students. Zahl is the author of A Mess of Help: From the Crucified Soul of Rock N’ Roll and coauthor of Law and Gospel: A Theology for Sinners (and Saints). His most recent book, Seculosity: How Career, Parenting, Technology, Food, Politics, and Romance Became Our New Religion and What To Do About It, appeared in 2019 from Fortress Press. His writing has been featured in The Washington Post, Christianity Today, and The Guardian, among other venues.
The Christ Key: Unlocking the Mystery of Jesus in the Old Testament
We might picture the Old Testament as a vast mansion with many rooms: the creation room; the exodus room; the tabernacle, angel, and war rooms. The key to unlock each of these, and fully to understand what God is showing us in them, is Jesus the Messiah. We will take a tour of this Hebrew mansion and see how, in various ways, Jesus is mysteriously present in the life of ancient Israel. We will see him appearing under the guise of “the angel of the Lord.” He will give us pencil sketches of himself in men such as Melchizedek and David. He will reveal his mission of sacrifice in the architecture of the temple. The Christ key is God’s chosen means of unlocking the Old Testament for us.
Chad Bird is a Scholar in Residence at 1517. He has served as a pastor, professor, and guest lecturer in Old Testament and Hebrew. He holds master’s degrees from Concordia Theological Seminary and Hebrew Union College. He has contributed articles to Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, Modern Reformation, The Federalist, Lutheran Forum, and other journals and websites. He is also the author of several books, including Night Driving and Unveiling Mercy: 365 Daily Devotions Based on Insights from Old Testament Hebrew. He and his wife, Stacy, have four children and three grandchildren.
Cost: See Rates Retreat Code: LH
The Lutherhostel retreat will begin Saturday afternoon with our first meal at 6 p.m.. The retreat will conclude after lunch on Thursday.
The Church’s Gospel: Exploring the Gospel of Matthew
Often called “the Church’s Gospel” because of its wide use by the early centuries of believers, the Gospel of Matthew reveals Jesus the Messiah, God’s Son, in remarkable ways. We will ponder selected readings in Matthew, and by God’s mercy, we will hear beautiful Good News and transformative teaching from the One who died as the ransom payment for our sins and rose from death with all authority in heaven and earth!
Rev. Jeff Gibbs is Professor Emeritus, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He taught New Testament there for 28 years after 10 years in parish ministry. He is the author of the three-volume commentary on the Gospel of Matthew in the Concordia Commentary series.
cost: See Rates
Finding Community in an Age of Isolation
Pandemic life and an increasingly divided culture have done a number on us. Tribalism, loneliness, and isolation are on the rise. Thankfully, the Lord offers us a beautiful remedy- the gift of community. Walking through the Scriptures, we’ll explore together how we are wired to live in community, and how community building spiritual practices are a needed path forward.
Rev. Brian Davies is Pastor of Lord of Glory Lutheran Church in Grayslake, IL, and Chaplain for the Grayslake Fire Department. He is author of the forthcoming book, Connected to Christ: Overcoming Isolation through Community. He loves joining his wife, Beth, and their three children- Kate, Megan, and Luke- at Camp Arcadia.
LLL Men’s Retreat
Speaker: Michael Ziegler
Remember, Rejoice, Renew
Since 1946, laymen of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod have gathered annually at Camp Arcadia for fellowship, recreation, relaxation, and most importantly praising God and growing their faith. Whether you are a first timer or returning, you are invited to this multigenerational retreat. Special contributions as well as Sunday’s worship offering will be sent to Lutheran Hour Ministries.
Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler began serving with LHM as Speaker of The Lutheran Hour in October 2018. Prior to that, he served as pastor of Epiphany Lutheran Church and assistant pastor at Timothy Lutheran Church, both in St. Louis. Before becoming a pastor, he served as an aircraft maintenance officer in the Air Force.
cost: See Rates retreat code: WR1
Women’s Retreat 1
Speaker: Priscilla Newton
Women of Strength
Are you a strong woman…or a woman of strength? What’s the difference? What does the world say we should be? We’re told to be “all we can be”…..but what does that mean? Often the focus is on what we can DO, not WHO is working in us. But who are we in Christ and how is that different from the world? Let’s see what it really means to be “women of strength.”
Priscilla Newton is a native Californian (born and raised in the Napa Valley) who recently moved to Michigan with her husband Bob. A mother of 4, grandmother of 14 she has survived the exciting life as a missionary wife (Philippines and Papua New Guinea), a Seminary professor’s wife, parish pastor’s wife (in San Jose, CA), District President’s wife (CNH District), and retired first grade teacher! It has been a thrilling, disillusioning, exciting, humbling, lonely, surprising and faith-filled journey. All along the way, Prov.3:5-6 has led and guided her as Christ has held her along the way.
cost: See Rates retreat code: WR2
Women’s Retreat 2
Speaker: Lynn Corker
Shameless Stories from the Backside – Exploring Humor, Humility, and Hope
Do you have an embarrassing story that maybe is funny now, but wasn’t then? How about a story that is embarrassing because, well, you’re not proud of it? The world tells us to shove our shame way down…but God redeems what is intended for our destruction. We can find humor in our own humbling moments and use them to hear and be God’s voice of hope…and it starts with relationship.
Lynn Corker is a Jesus follower and mother to adopted daughter, Newell. She grew up in Michigan and studied Family Life at Concordia, Ann Arbor. In 2014 she started Women of the Pearl; a ministry in Uganda to help women know Jesus. When she’s not travelling, or in the school drop-off line, she spends time serving women through various Bible studies and sharing her story of hope at retreats.
Arcadia Men’s Retreat
Speaker: David Zahl
Not All Masked Men Are Superheroes
It’s been a big year for masks. No matter where you live, what was once reserved for Halloween or hospitals is now a daily and sometimes hourly accessory. Heaven help you if you leave home without one! Men know all about masks–just not the kind made out of fabric. We wear masks of virtue and strength to hide our fears and frailties. We wear masks of confidence to shield those in our care from uncertainty and doubt. We wear masks of piety to keep judgment at bay. And yet, like a heat-seeking missile, the grace of God targets our unmasked selves. It ushers us into the light of forgiveness, and therefore honesty, that we might experience the love of Jesus–and our Christian brothers–afresh. Join us for a weekend of comparing masks and looking together at how the Gospel burrows beneath them in tireless pursuit of freedom.
David Zahl is the founder and director of Mockingbird Ministries, editor-in-chief of the Mockingbird website (www.mbird.com), and co-host of The Mockingcast. He and his family live in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he also serves on the staff of Christ Episcopal Church, supervising their adult education and ministry to college students. Zahl is the author of A Mess of Help: From the Crucified Soul of Rock N’ Roll and coauthor of Law and Gospel: A Theology for Sinners (and Saints). His most recent book, Seculosity: How Career, Parenting, Technology, Food, Politics, and Romance Became Our New Religion and What To Do About It, appeared in 2019 from Fortress Press. His writing has been featured in The Washington Post, Christianity Today, and The Guardian, among other venues.
Click here for more information about the Arcadia Men’s Retreat
2021 Men’s Retreat Promotional Flyer
Planning Guide and Sample Schedule
Fall Confirmation Retreat 1
Speakers: Dave McGinley
This Fall retreat is designed to be the perfect kick-off to the Confirmation year! Confirmands in 6th, 7th or 8th grade, along with their pastor and adult chaperones, will spend the weekend engaged in meaningful Bible study, group discussion, group-building, and fun camp-wide activities.
Rev. Dave McGinley is an Associate Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lisle, IL where he is called as pastor of their Galewood site – a diverse western neighborhood of Chicago. This site seeks to reflect the neighborhood in which God has placed them, connect people to God first and then to others, and lastly, react to the love that God first shows us.
Read about Fall Confirmation Retreats and how to register
2021 Additional Information Flyer
Fall Confirmation Retreat 2
Speaker: Matt Hoffmann
This Fall retreat is designed to be the perfect kick-off to the Confirmation year! Confirmands in 6th, 7th or 8th grade, along with their pastor and adult chaperones, will spend the weekend engaged in meaningful Bible study, group discussion, group-building, and fun camp-wide activities.
Rev. Matt Hoffmann is Pastor of St. Andrews Lutheran Church and School in park Ridge, IL
Read about Fall Confirmation Retreats and how to register
2021 Additional Information Flyer
Fall Confirmation Retreat 3
Speaker: Scott Giger
This Fall retreat is designed to be the perfect kick-off to the Confirmation year! Confirmands in 6th, 7th or 8th grade, along with their pastor and adult chaperones, will spend the weekend engaged in meaningful Bible study, group discussion, group-building, and fun camp-wide activities.
Rev. Scott Giger is Executive Pastor and Site Pastor of Cornerstone Lutheran Church’s Fishers, IN site.
Read about Fall Confirmation Retreats and how to register
2021 Additional Information Flyer
Close Up Camp
This volunteer weekend is when we close the Camp for winter. Come enjoy a weekend of work, fellowship and FREE ice cream! Please contact the camp office for further information.
Registration Info