COVID-19 UPDATES

Dear CranHill Family, Friends, and Guests;
 
The CranHill Ministry Team is paying attention to the ever-changing situation in Michigan and around the world, and we are doing our very best to respond. 
 
Last week, you and I received emails from just about every business and ministry we’ve ever been in contact with, telling us how they are maintaining safe and clean standards, and not to worry about using their services or attending their event.  As I received those emails, I thought to myself, “I really needed to get something similar out to you, too”.  But two things happened. 
 
First, I’m confident that you know we are doing all of those things and will continue to take all the safest measures for your visit.  That’s one of the reasons you’ve chosen CranHill.  
 
And second, because the situation and responses are literally changing by the hour, those emails from last week are now obsolete. Things are in a constant state of change as those in authority keep raising the level of alert.  At the end of last week, schools were shut down across the country, and yesterday, along with governors around the country, Governor Whitmer issued a new Executive Order No. 2020-9, closing dine-in restaurant services, gym facilities, accommodation, and recreational venues, among other increasingly stringent actions to combat this virus.  The CDC has also just recommended even more stringent suggestions of limiting large group gatherings to less than 50 people including events and weddings, etc.  Then, yesterday afternoon, the federal government has suggested more stringent recommendations of trying not to meet in groups larger than 10 as well as including travel and other items for the next 15 days. And then this morning the Governor issued another Executive Order No. 2020-11 essentially changing the 250-maximum person gathering to a maximum of 50 persons, making it a misdemeanor to meet in groups of more than 50.

So regardless of what you think or how you feel about this event, it is happening, and the panic in society continues to grow as media continues 24/7 coverage, and local, state and federal government officials take more action and more control of the public and private marketplace.
 
We know that this touches us all, and it is certainly impacting CranHill too.  So, there are a few things we would like you to know:

1. PEACE - God is still on the throne and He calls us to not fear and not panic.  My mind is drawn to all the Scriptures that assure us to not fear, trust in the Lord, and find His peace. May the Lord help us to be the peace of Christ to all those we come into contact with.  “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and a sound mind.” 2 Tim 1:7

2. PARTNERSHIP - We are privileged to serve and partner with so many ministries and organizations.  We ask you to continue to stand with CranHill in mutual partnership so that we all can emerge successful and strong!  As churches and organizations cancel their upcoming events at CranHill, we not only lose the opportunity to share the Gospel and serve these groups with the love of Christ, we also lose the ministry income from that group/event. This income is crucial to paying our ministry expenses and keeping CranHill moving forward. Please be patient and continue your mindset of partnership with our ministry just as you would want with your ministry and organization.

3. PRAYER - May we use this time as a season of prayer.  Everyone is feeling the stress.  Especially as the media seems to talk about it continually and it seems that the government continues to make more restrictions upon the public. We are also feeling it here at CranHill.  So, may we all be in prayer for Christ to be glorified and made known in all of this.

4. PLANNING - CranHill is still here, open and operating to meet your family and ministry needs.  Although camp and conference centers, or even hotels for that matter, are not directly mentioned in the Executive Order, the intent is to limit groups congregating and to create distance to help slow the spread of the virus.  We are aligning with this action because a retreat at CranHill is all about coming together and fellowshipping with others.  Right now, this current Executive Order lasts through April 5th.  We desire to serve your small groups, individual retreats, and cottages rentals after that.  So, please give us a call and set up a cottage booking or a retreat. It might be a nice break for you to get away from the city and the chaos and come and book a personal retreat.  We have plenty of toilet paper too!

5. CAMPGROUND RESERVATIONS - CranHill is also currently taking reservations for the campground.  I just heard a state governor encourage going to parks and campgrounds.  What a great idea!!!  Our campground water gets turned on April 24th, so come and take advantage of the lower campground rates for pre-summer campground spaces.  Come experience God’s creation and fresh air.  Bathrooms and common spaces will be cleaned at the highest levels.  So, make your reservations now.

6. REGISTER FOR SUMMER CAMP - Register your child for SUMMER CAMP now!  After a spring like this one, I encourage you to be even more intentional in pointing your kids to the Savior.  Summer camp is a great way to do just that.  So register today before spaces fill up.  We’re trusting God that this year’s summer camp will be one of the best ever.  We will continue to exceed health and safety standards for summer camp, so no worries.  Get them signed up.  You’ll be glad you did.

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Lastly, would you pray for CranHill?  You can imagine how the circumstances affect us and we want to be wise and make the best decisions with our partnering organizations, summer camp plan and campground plans.  Will you join with us as we pray for wisdom as things continue to change and develop?
 
Blessings to you and your families.  God is sovereign over all things.
 
We look forward to seeing you here at The Ranch soon.