Progress

Timeline

2025
November 7
Organized a Board of Directors

with intentional representation across generations, the tri-state conference, and areas of expertise.

November 9
Launched a Survey

via the Silver Lake Alumni Facebook page to begin gathering the community.

November 10
Filed for Non-Profit Status

to operate as an official entity to carry on the work of Silver Lake. Received Notice of Acceptance from Secretary of the State of Connecticut November 12. (Establishing a 501(c)3 in accordance with IRS guidelines takes time. Status is pending.)

November 17
Held the Inaugural Board of Directors Meeting

to operationalize FOSL as an official organization, establish bylaws, elect officers, and create work groups.

November 19
Launched Independent Social Media Channels

on Facebook and Instagram.

November 20
Launched Friends of Silver Lake Website

to continue uniting the community, and to provide a space for connecting and a mechanism for dialogue.

December 7
Hosted a Zoom Welcome Gathering

A Time of Sharing and Healing

December 10
Attended SNEUCC’s Online Event

Building the Bridge to What’s Next

December 15
Received Tax EIN

(Employer Identification Number).

December 15
Entered into partnership with Spring Glen Church UCC

as our Fiscal Sponsor until the 501(c)3 status is finalized.

December 15
The Board of Directors pledged matching funds

with full participation of all Board Members.

December 17
Invited Initial Donations From the Community

to cover start-up operational costs such as filing fees for 501(c)3, insurance, software licenses, website hosting, banking, stationery, postage, phone, fax, and Zoom. Funds will be allocated for professional services as needs arise for legal, real estate, and finances.

December 28
Hosted an In-Person Gathering

Celebrating the Gifts of Silver Lake, at the Congregational Church in South Glastonbury, where we introduced the Friends of Silver Lake Board and Vision.

December 31
Surpassed Our Initial Fundraising Goal

with $50,000+ in donations and pledges.

2026
January 3
Reached out to SNEUCC leadership

in an introductory letter.

January 6
Received a welcome response

from SNEUCC leadership.

January 13
Lakeville Journal Published an Article

interviewing Co-Chairs Andrew Wicks and Brian Lapis about Silver Lake and Friends of Silver Lake.

January 29
Co-Chairs Met with SNEUCC Leadership

to enter into dialogue regarding the historic mission of Silver Lake and possible futures.

February 6
Resurrected Silver Lake Roadshow

with volunteer Emily Hale McKenna and SNEUCC approval to ensure churches, young people, and families know that Silver Lake Summer 2026 is on and the place to be!

February 11
Attended SNEUCC’s webinar

Silver Lake Building the Bridge to What’s Next – UPDATE. 

February 21
Held our first Board Retreat

at Granby Congregational Church, where we met with the UCC Outdoor Ministries Association Executive Director Bill Bourdon. We learned more about camps in transition across denominations and across the country to deepen our understanding of different models and processes that have helped outdoor ministry sites and programs survive and thrive. 

February 25
Participated in SNEUCC Strategic Planning Listening Session

along with clergy and lay leaders.

On the Horizon

Silver Lake 

Registration is Open for Silver Lake 2026 Programs! 
 

Friends of Silver Lake

  • The Silver Lake Roadshow was revived with volunteer Emily Hale McKenna to ensure churches, young people, and families know that Silver Lake Summer 2026 is on and it’s the place to be! If your church would like a Roadshow visit, please contact info@friendsofsilverlake.com. 
  • Friends of Silver Lake Spring Gathering – Date and Location TBA. Stay tuned! 

SNEUCC

  • 2026 Strategic Plan – Learn about the Strategic Planning Process and how to voice your perspectives. 
  • Survey – Invest 10 minutes in completing SNEUCC’s Strategic Discernment Survey. Responses will be reviewed by Yvette-Michelle Wynn, CFP®, with Dr. Edith Guffey, Sacred Strategies Consulting LLC. The last day to participate is March 12, 2026. 
  • Listening Sessions – Register to participate in one of several online events led by Yvette-Michelle Wynn and Dr. Edith Guffey. Responses will only be reviewed by them. These are different from the listening sessions held by SNEUCC. View the list of Scheduled Listening Sessions to find one that suits you. Feedback gathered through these initiatives will be compiled in a report to the SNEUCC. 
  • 7th Annual Meeting of the SNEUCC – September 25-27, 2026 at DCU Center, Worcester MA