Welcome!
Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp is committed to steadily growing in grace. God has been extravagantly faithful and lavishly loving, and in response, we wish to share that abundant love with others. All others. In an effort to be more forward facing and intentional in our welcome to individuals who have often been pushed to the margins – especially in Christian spaces, and maybe even here at camp – the Board of Directors has established a Total Inclusion Task Force.
We invite you along for the journey, as we commit to growing and learning together. All are welcome. You are welcome. There is a place for you in this community.
Welcome Statement (approved by the Board of Directors on October 27, 2023):
Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp commits to live into the truth that all people are made in the Image of God, and we recognize that without the affirmed presence of all people, especially the historically marginalized, we are not fully represented as the Body of Christ. We deem it necessary and imperative to recenter and reaffirm the beloved humanity inherent in all people and to further this emphasis in our outdoor ministry setting.
As we seek to be a place of grace where all may grow in faith, Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp clearly and deliberately welcomes people of any sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, racial/ethnic/national identity, age, religious affiliation, economic status, relationship status, physical and mental ability, education, and other characteristics necessary for the whole Body of Christ into the life and leadership of our ministry.
We confess that while Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp has long-identified as a “place of grace,” we have not fully extended this same grace (“grace” being the unmerited favor of God freely gifted to all of humanity out of God’s radical, inclusive love for all creation) to each of our human siblings. We pledge to continue the work of total inclusion by intentionally turning away from systems that marginalize and dehumanize. We commit to dismantling those systems which have caused us to fracture and devalue the whole people of God. In doing so, we turn instead towards the beloved community revealed to us in the Good News of Jesus Christ with specific focus on racial equity, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and equal access for those living with disabilities. In this we acknowledge that there is work to be done, and we aim not to attain perfection but to celebrate, affirm, and uplift the diverse and beautiful body of Christ.
YOU are welcome here! On this page you’ll find additional information about this effort, an ongoing history of how we got here, a list of our Task Force members, the theological grounding for this work, and opportunities to engage in ongoing study and conversation.
*This page will be updated as the process moves along, so check back as often as you’d like!
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you mean by “Growing in Grace”?
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
– 2 Peter 3:18
The Total Inclusion Task Force works to extend and actualize the mission of Fortune Lake as a “Place of Grace for all.” As many of God’s beloved children are pushed to the margins in our culture, the work of intentional inclusion is necessary and imperative to recenter and reaffirm the humanity and belovedness inherent in all people and to further this emphasis in our outdoor ministry setting.
Within our ministry at Fortune Lake, the Total Inclusion Task Force seeks to work with different populations – including but not limited to members of the LGBTQIA+ community, people of color, and people with disabilities – to build an equitable, inclusive, and safe environment for all. The Task Force understands the primacy, inherent in the gospel of Jesus Christ, of fostering such an environment for those who have been excluded, erased, and discriminated against, especially among faith communities.
We invite you to join Fortune Lake in this journey of faith as we grow in grace.
The mission to grow in grace is an ancient one; we follow in the footsteps of the early Christian community that received the letter we know as 2 Peter and with it the call to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” We affirm that ours is a God of abundance, a God with the space for us to grow, a God of limitless, overflowing love that holds within itself room for all of us and our diversity of perspectives. We understand ourselves, as described in John 1:16, as the recipients of “grace upon grace” from that same God, and we acknowledge that grace is a gift that is meant to be shared and multiplied. In our call to be disciples, we hear clearly the commission to be love in the world. Our response and responsibility to this call involves extending advocacy and a deliberate, authentic welcome to the historically marginalized, and we understand the complicated process and work of reconciliation to be a journey worth taking.
Fortune Lake is:
- growing because we have much to learn and are committed to learning.
- growing because we have all been sown upon different soils and all bear unique fruits.
- growing because the undertaking is a needed challenge – at once fulfilling, illuminating, and daunting.
- growing not to attain perfection but to celebrate, affirm, and uplift the diverse and beautiful body of Christ!
Fortune Lake is growing in grace because, when guided by the Spirit, it is what we do best and who we are called to be. Please join us as the Fortune Lake Community Grows in Grace.
Who is on the task force?
The Total Inclusion Task Force is made up of a thoughtful, committed group of people with a wide variety of life experiences and connections to the ministry of Fortune Lake. They are committed to open dialogue, continued education, and discerning where the Holy Spirit might be calling us as we grow in grace together.
This particular group is engaged in conversation around LGBTQIA inclusivity. As the focus of our inclusion efforts expands to other historically marginalized groups, additional voices will be invited to participate at the task force level.
- Ruth Almen (she/her): Task Force Co-Chair, Congregational Operations Officer at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church (a Reconciling in Christ Congregation), Arlington Heights, IL
- Rev. Bucky Beach (he/him): Retired from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (a Reconciling in Christ Congregation) & Lutheran Campus Ministry, Houghton
- Sam Brink (he/him): FLLC Camp Intern
- Heide Gallagher (she/her): Summer Staff ‘21 & ‘22, Student at Northern Michigan University
- Rev. Jared Howard (he/him): FLLC Board President, Pastor Faith Lutheran Church, Calumet
- Olivia Mai (she/her): Summer Staff ‘21 & ‘22, Student at University of Wisconsin Stout
- Christina Maki (she/her): FLLC Board Treasurer, Administrator at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Iron Mountain
- Taryn Mason (she/her): Director of Training and Prevention Services at Copper Country Mental Health & Regional School Health Coordinator for Copper Country Intermediate School District, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (a Reconciling in Christ Congregation), Houghton
- Amanda Rasner (she/her): FLLC Camp Director
- Rev. Sarah Semmler Smith (she/her): Task Force Co-Chair, Campus Pastor at Finlandia University, Hancock
- Charlotte Strom (she/they): FLLC Guest Services Coordinator
- Rev. Bruce Thorsen (he/him): Intentional Interim Pastor at Bethany, Ishpeming and Interim Consultant at Immanuel, Negaunee
- Rev. Dave Van Kley (he/him): 40+ year ELCA Pastor including at Messiah Lutheran during Reconciling in Christ process, member of Grace Lutheran Church, Gwinn
- Rev. Kelly Ylitalo (she/her): FLLC Board Secretary, Pastor Mission United Lutheran Church, Pelkie
How will RIC status change the Fortune Lake experience?
Reconciling in Christ (RIC) status will only expand campers experience of intentional Christian community during their time at Fortune Lake. Our goal is to be more open and inclusive to all God’s children, through our regular activities of Bible Study, time in nature, singing, games and worship. We have always leaned into the belief that all of God’s children are made, known, and loved by God. We believe that all children and adults should be able to come and experience Fortune Lake!
Why can’t we just say “all are welcome”?
Similarly: Why do we have to rock the boat with naming the LGBT+ community in our welcome?
This language, while seemingly inviting, is the same language used by denominations and churches that are not actually a welcoming or safe space for members of the LGBT+ community. Making our welcome statement more explicit makes it clear that we really do mean “all are welcome.”
How can I voice my thoughts or questions?
We understand that people have varied experiences and opinions around the matter of total inclusion. We are committed to listening to one another in a respectful manner. We value all of our campers, staff members, donors, rental guests, and visitors!
If you have feedback, thoughts, or questions regarding the Growing in Grace process, we invite you to share them by completing this online form.
Events
Watch this page for our next Growing in Grace event!
Total Inclusion Committee Updates
The Total Inclusion Committee continues to meet regularly to discern how the Holy Spirit is calling us to cultivate a welcoming, safe space for all of God’s children, especially those who have been historically marginalized. If you have questions or would like to be a part of this important work, please contact Amanda at campdirector@fortunelake.org
Resources & Links
For Churches & Church Leaders
“Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust” Social Statement Summary
This document summarizes the Social Statement on Human Sexuality that was adopted by the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. It touches on many matters pertaining to human sexuality.
Letter from ELCA Presiding Bishop
Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, Presiding Bishop of the ELCA, issues a statement on anti-transgender legislation on March 20, 2023.
ReconilingWorks
Since 1974, ReconcilingWorks: Lutherans for Full Participation has advocated for the full welcome, inclusion, and equity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual/aromantic (LGBTQIA+) Lutherans in all aspects of the life of their Church, congregations, and community. An independent, Lutheran, membership-supported organization, ReconcilingWorks is committed to strengthen all of God’s beloved for authentic, visible, faithful lives and to work for systemic change within the church and society.
Their Reconciling in Christ (RIC) journey provides a framework for religious organizations to proclaim an inclusive welcome and then work to live into it. Fortune Lake is in the process of becoming an RIC camp and has used many of the resources contained on ReconcilingWorks website throughout the journey.
Made, Known, Loved
Developing LGBTQ-Inclusive Youth Ministry
Book by Ross Murray
Through the debates about the inclusion of LGBTQ people in the life of the church, one overlooked community is LGBTQ youth. Made, Known, Loved builds on experience and wisdom cultivated through The Naming Project, a ministry created at the intersection of youth, faith, and LGBTQ identity. Made, Known, Loved shows congregations how to create a program that affirms LGBTQ youth in their faith and their identity, accepts and welcomes diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, and equips future leaders for the church and the LGBTQ community.
Dancing in the Margins
Meditations for People Who Struggle with Their Churches
Book by Kathy Coffey
“Dancing in the Margins is an invitation to reflect on and move through the often heart-breaking experiences that leave people disappointed, discouraged, disoriented, or disillusioned with their churches. Kathy Coffey’s meditations provide the healing balm of comfort and hope to readers who approach the book with spirits weary. This book gently discloses possibilities of insight and energy for all who accept its invitation to explore God’s presence. A wise companion for all who find themselves battered of heart.” –Patricia O’Connell Killen, PhD from www.kathyjcoffey.com
Scripture Study & Devotional Material
Out in Scripture
This Human Rights Campaign resource places comments about the Bible alongside the real life experiences and concerns of LGBTQ people of faith and our allies. Out in Scripture is a collection of over 175 conversations about the Bible. With the skilled help of 100 diverse scholars and pastors, from over 11 different denominations, you will discover a fresh approach to Scripture. Here you can be honest, question and go deeper. Out in Scripture is a devotional resource as you consider your life of faith and put that faith into action. It is also especially helpful for preachers preparing sermons based on the Revised Common Lectionary.
Reconciling Scripture for Lutherans:
This resource from ReconcilingWorks for purchase offers a short commentary which takes into account biblical integrity and knowledge, key Lutheran interpretative lenses, and the diverse experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community. This commentary addresses eight of the so-called “clobber passages” used to exclude LGBTQIA+ people from the body of Christ, and finishes with eight Bible passages that offer inclusive and expansive understandings of the nature of God’s welcome. Our hope is that these interpretations, based in scripture, tradition, and reason, may lead to a deeper understanding of our LGBTQIA+ siblings in Christ and continued acts of reconciliation within God’s family.
- Purchase at etapestry.com
Cost: $9.60
Fish Out of Water
a film by Ky Dickens
What does the Bible really say about being gay? Inspired by the experience of coming out as a lesbian to her sorority sisters during her senior year at Vanderbilt, filmmaker Ky Dickens explores the Biblical passages used to condemn homosexuality in this informative yet entertaining documentary.Watch the film online at Youtube
Transforming: The Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians
Book by Austen Hartke
Trans biblical scholar Austen Hartke brings a biblically based, educational, and affirming resource to shed light and wisdom on gender expansiveness and Christian theology. This new edition offers updated terminology and statistics, plus new materials for congregational study, preaching, and pastoral care. Transforming deftly weaves ancient and modern stories that will change the way readers think about gender, the Bible, and the faith to which Jesus calls us. Hartke helps readers visualize a more inclusive Christianity, equipping them with the language, understanding, confidence, and tools to change both the church and the world.
Dancing in the Margins
Meditations for People Who Struggle with Their Churches
Book by Kathy Coffey
“Dancing in the Margins is an invitation to reflect on and move through the often heart-breaking experiences that leave people disappointed, discouraged, disoriented, or disillusioned with their churches. Kathy Coffey’s meditations provide the healing balm of comfort and hope to readers who approach the book with spirits weary. This book gently discloses possibilities of insight and energy for all who accept its invitation to explore God’s presence. A wise companion for all who find themselves battered of heart.” –Patricia O’Connell Killen, PhD from www.kathyjcoffey.com
Sexual Fulfillment
For Single and Married, Straight and Gay, Young and Old
Book by Rev. Herb Chilstrom and Rev. Lowell Erdahl.
“What is healthy sexuality for a Christian? This book approaches some of the more difficult-to-discuss areas of human sexuality. The authors distinguish between “life-giving sex” and “life-degrading sex” by establishing four criteria for a healthy relationship: mutual love, mutual respect, mutual openness, and mutual faithfulness. They then discuss healthy sexuality in a variety of life stages and relationships. With a compassionate tone, the authors explore the issues Christian people face with respect to the experience and expression of their sexuality.” (Barnes and Noble) Published before marriage equality passed.
Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity
Osmosis video
This 7-minute video is from Osmosis, a medical education platform. It provides a basic introduction for the healthcare community about SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity).
Gender Spectrum website
Gender Spectrum is a national organization committed to the health and well-being of gender-diverse children and teens through education and support for families, and training and guidance for educators, medical and mental health providers, and other professionals. This website explains how the understandings of gender continually evolve.
LGBTQ+ Youth
Trevor Project’s Mental Health Survey
The 2021 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health from The Trevor Project sheds light on many of the challenges unique to young LGBTQ people by capturing the experiences of nearly 35,000 youth ages 13–24 across the United States.
Please note that this survey references suicide and self harm.
A Kids Book about Being Inclusive
by Ashton Mota and Rebekah Bruesehoff
Being inclusive is a choice we can make every day! Being inclusive means reaching out to and welcoming all people and everything that makes them who they are. When we learn to see the beauty in our differences, we can embrace the rich, diverse, and amazing world we live in together!
Julian is a Mermaid
Picture book by Jessica Love
“An exuberant picture book, a glimpse of costumed mermaids leaves one boy flooded with wonder and ready to dazzle the world. While riding the subway home from the pool with his abuela one day, Julián notices three women spectacularly dressed up.When Julián gets home, daydreaming of the magic he’s seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies in his own fabulous mermaid costume …But what will Abuela think about the mess he makes — and even more importantly, what will she think about how Julián sees himself? Mesmerizing and full of heart, Jessica Love’s author-illustrator debut is a jubilant picture of self-love and a radiant celebration of individuality.” – socialjusticebooks.org
Queerfully and Wonderfully Made: A Guide for LGBTQ+ Christian Teens
Book by Leigh Finke
Whether you’re queer or questioning, understanding sexuality and gender identity can be confusing. And if you’re a Christian, questions of identity can be even scarier. Is there something wrong with you? Will your friends accept you? When should you tell your family? What about church? Queerfully and Wonderfully Made: A Guide for LGBTQ+ Christian Teens has answers to all these questions and more. You’ll get insight and support from an amazing group of LGBTQ+ professionals, as well as testimonies from young adult queer Christians who’ve recently been exactly where you are. You’ll walk away with a lot of answers, prepared with tools to help. But most importantly, you’ll hear the good news: God loves you exactly as you are.
Now That You Know
A Parents’ Guide to Understanding Their Gay and Lesbian Children
Book by Betty Fairchild & Nancy Hayward
“If the coming out process is difficult for gay people, it is often equally difficult for their parents. Confusion, anger, and fear frequently cause fathers and mothers of gay men and lesbians to disavow, strike out against, and even resent their children. For many parents, a child’s coming out feels like the ultimate rejection–not only of their dreams and hopes but of their own heterosexuality. In Now That You Know: A Parent’s Guide to Understanding Their Gay and Lesbian Children, Betty Fairchild and Nancy Hayward–the mothers of, respectively, a gay man and a lesbian–have charted the rough seas that almost every parent of a gay person travels.
Fairchild and Hayward presume that homosexuality is a positive good, and that it is willful ignorance and homophobia that are moral wrongs. They also believe that families can and should love all members and that it is distraught or confused parents (not their gay offspring) who must change. Mixing common sense with a firm sense of social justice and love, the authors systematically address almost all of the problems faced by parents of gay people. Answering questions on religion, AIDS, health, children, alternative families, and sex, they make the complicated gay world–often a nightmare vision for “just out” parents of gays–not only manageable but happy and nurturing.”–Michael Bronski, Amazon Review
How to be an Ally
Being an LGBTQ+ Ally by Human Rights Campaign:
This report provides an accessible inroad to becoming an LGBTQ+ ally. It covers everything from an introduction to the identities included in the LGBTQ+ community, the practical application of being an ally, and many additional resources for supporting our LGBTQ+ siblings.
Clunky Questions Video Series:
At ReconcilingWorks, they often hear people with good intentions who feel they aren’t able to ask questions about what it means to be LGBTQ+ because they are afraid of offending someone or they don’t have the right words with which to ask. If this sounds familiar, or if your faith community is interested in how to better support LGBTQ+ Lutherans, then the “Clunky Questions” video series is for you.
Missing Voices Factsheet
This study from GLAAD of mainstream news coverage dismantles the disproportionately negative portrayal of the relationship between LGBT people and religion. The news media often ignores individuals who identify as both LGBT and religious, particularly those who identify as Christian. This resource helps all media consumers to reorient their perspective.
A Kids Book about Being Inclusive
by Ashton Mota and Rebekah Bruesehoff
Being inclusive is a choice we can make every day! Being inclusive means reaching out to and welcoming all people and everything that makes them who they are. When we learn to see the beauty in our differences, we can embrace the rich, diverse, and amazing world we live in together!
Now That You Know
A Parents’ Guide to Understanding Their Gay and Lesbian Children
Book by Betty Fairchild & Nancy Hayward
“If the coming out process is difficult for gay people, it is often equally difficult for their parents. Confusion, anger, and fear frequently cause fathers and mothers of gay men and lesbians to disavow, strike out against, and even resent their children. For many parents, a child’s coming out feels like the ultimate rejection–not only of their dreams and hopes but of their own heterosexuality. In Now That You Know: A Parent’s Guide to Understanding Their Gay and Lesbian Children, Betty Fairchild and Nancy Hayward–the mothers of, respectively, a gay man and a lesbian–have charted the rough seas that almost every parent of a gay person travels.
Fairchild and Hayward presume that homosexuality is a positive good, and that it is willful ignorance and homophobia that are moral wrongs. They also believe that families can and should love all members and that it is distraught or confused parents (not their gay offspring) who must change. Mixing common sense with a firm sense of social justice and love, the authors systematically address almost all of the problems faced by parents of gay people. Answering questions on religion, AIDS, health, children, alternative families, and sex, they make the complicated gay world–often a nightmare vision for “just out” parents of gays–not only manageable but happy and nurturing.”–Michael Bronski, Amazon Review
Personal Stories
For Colored Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Still Not Enough
Coming of Age, Coming Out, and Coming Home
Book by Keith Boykin
“For Colored Boys addresses issues of sexual abuse, AIDS/HIV, suicide, homophobia, and racism in the African American and Latina communities. Created both to educate and inspire, Boykin has curated a collection of stories by people who have something to teach readers about what it is to be a gay man of color.”
Stranger at the Gate: To be Gay and Christian in America
Book by Mel White
In this moving, best-selling autobiography, Mel White comes out of the closet to give hope to other gay and lesbian Christians, to confront the misleading anti-gay rhetoric of the radical right, and to launch his own fight for justice and understanding for God’s gay and lesbian children.
