As we enter this period of discernment for Stony Point Center (SPC), we would like to introduce you to Brian Frick, Associate for Camp and Retreats of the Presbyterian Mission Agency. Brian will be moving to SPC in December to begin the process of discerning a viable path forward for SPC while helping transition the Center to a focus on Retreat groups through at least 2021.
Frick hails from New Jersey and has served for twenty-five years in leadership at camp and retreat centers of the Presbyterian Church, USA, including working at three centers across the country. Most recently, he has served for the past eleven years as the Presbyterian Mission Agency National Staff for Camp and Retreats. In this role, Frick has interacted with the work and leadership of the 120 plus PC(USA) affiliated camp and retreat centers nationwide. The majority of his work has been focused on consulting in transitions as camp and retreat centers deal with changes in finances, usage, and governance.
“I am a firm believer in retreats being an essential part of healthy communities. We all need time away to learn and grow together, and for our underlying assumptions to be continually challenged,” Frick shares. “SPC has such a rich history and has had a deep impact by inviting all of us to explore our calls to be active in social justice. That starts with Understanding and Welcome, both of which have been hallmarks of SPC hospitality.” Frick continues, “the successes both in mission and finances under the leadership of Rick and Kitty Ufford-Chase and their staff are to be celebrated. Without the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, SPC was on a markedly different trajectory. Now, we need to respond to the realities brought on by the virus’ impact on SPC, pull in our focus for 2021, and deeply investigate the path forward. Over the next six months, it will be my primary task to develop a viable plan to enable SPC to emerge from this period with purpose and vitality.”
Frick is looking forward to engaging in conversations and deep listening with all SPC constituents. “It is through hearing the joys of the past, and the hopes and desires for the future that we will be able to weave a sustainable path forward. I have no doubt that there is a robust and missionally important role for SPC to play long into the future. Though SPC has changed throughout the decades, I don’t believe that SPC is finished with us yet.”
Frick invites you to reach out during this time of discernment by emailing him at Brian.Frick@PCUSA.org or by calling SPC, 845-786-5674, after December 10th, to speak with him directly.