a new name, a continued mission
Water is one of the simplest and best gifts from God. It is where Jesus called disciples, gathered crowds, and transformed lives. In baptism, we are claimed and sent to share God’s love. With this deep spiritual meaning in mind, we are excited to announce a new chapter in our ministry: Green Lake Lutheran Ministries is becoming Water’s Edge Ministries.
This change is more than just a name—it is a reflection of who we are and the mission we continue to live out every day.
This change is more than just a name—it is a reflection of who we are and the mission we continue to live out every day.
why the name change?
For decades, Green Lake Lutheran Ministries has provided meaningful faith experiences through camps, retreats, service opportunities, and community gatherings. As our ministry has grown and expanded, we recognized that our name needed to better reflect:
- Clarity & Accessibility – Our previous name sometimes created confusion, as people associated it with only one location. The name “Green Lake Lutheran Ministries” can feel too tied to one location, even though our ministry spans multiple sites and nationwide programs like Serve Boldly.
- A Name that Reflects Our Mission – “Water’s Edge” symbolizes the place where Jesus met, called, and transformed people—just as we do in our camps, retreats, and accompaniment programs.
- A Unifying Identity – Our three camps--Green Lake Bible Camp, Shores of St. Andrew Bible Camp, and Camp House—will keep their names, but the new organizational name unites all we do under a clear, inspiring vision.
the rebranding & renaming process
Rebranding is more than just a new name—it’s a reflection of who we are and the mission we continue to live out. Our rebranding journey was a deliberate, multi-step process guided by a Rebranding Task Force of board members, staff, and stakeholders. The task force worked to engage in deep reflection and research, gathering input from campers, families, and ministry partners while considering how our name and visual identity reflects our ministry's impact.
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A Fresh Logo for a Growing Ministry
The first phase of this process focused on updating our logo while keeping the existing name, Green Lake Lutheran Ministries (GLLM). We wanted a fresh, modern design that visually reflected the heart of our mission. The Task Force enlisted the expertise of a talented, professional designer to collaborate on the visual brand and work with us to update the logo of the organization. This partnership aimed to create a fresh, modern, and impactful representation of GLLM that reflects our mission, values, and vision, setting us apart from other ministries and creating a unique and recognizable presence in the community. |
Digging into some history:
Until the organizational merger in 1992, three sites operated separately. An example of Green Lake Lutheran Bible Camp’s logo is shown below. The merger in 1992 brought these ministries under one umbrella, necessitating an organizational name and logo for Green Lake Lutheran Ministries which has stood strong for over 30 years. 
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To delve deeper into the symbolism and evolution of our logo, visit our blog post "Logo Evolution Reflects Vision for the Future".
This updated branding helped lay the foundation for the next step: aligning our name with our expanding reach and vision.
This updated branding helped lay the foundation for the next step: aligning our name with our expanding reach and vision.
A Name that Reflects our Future
As we engaged in this work, we realized that the name Green Lake Lutheran Ministries didn’t fully capture the breadth of our ministry. Many people associated it with only one of our camps, and donors often confused various site names.
Through months of reflection, discussions, and community input, we discerned a new name that better embodies our work: Water’s Edge Ministries.
Why “Water’s Edge”?
In February 2025, this name was unanimously approved at our Annual Meeting, marking a new and exciting chapter in our journey.
To delve deeper into the organizational name change, visit our blog post "A New Chapter: Organizational Name Change".
As we engaged in this work, we realized that the name Green Lake Lutheran Ministries didn’t fully capture the breadth of our ministry. Many people associated it with only one of our camps, and donors often confused various site names.
Through months of reflection, discussions, and community input, we discerned a new name that better embodies our work: Water’s Edge Ministries.
Why “Water’s Edge”?
- It reflects the places where Jesus called, healed, and transformed lives—where people encountered God in profound ways.
- It speaks to the way we invite all people to experience renewal, connection, and faith formation.
- It embraces all our sites and programs, from Green Lake Bible Camp to Day Camp, Shores of St. Andrew to Serve Boldly, Retreats to Camp House, and beyond.
In February 2025, this name was unanimously approved at our Annual Meeting, marking a new and exciting chapter in our journey.
To delve deeper into the organizational name change, visit our blog post "A New Chapter: Organizational Name Change".
The sites of Green Lake Bible Camp, Shores of St. Andrew Bible Camp, and Camp House, along with the ministries of summer camp, retreats, rentals, day camp, and service learning, merge like currents converging in a body of water.
They are not separate entities, but elemental parts of our shared journey.
Together, they create a beautiful, nourishing and powerful force that sustains and enriches us all.
They are not separate entities, but elemental parts of our shared journey.
Together, they create a beautiful, nourishing and powerful force that sustains and enriches us all.
What's changing
- Our Name – Starting in Fall 2025, we will transition to Water’s Edge Ministries. Work to update the logo under the Green Lake Lutheran Ministries name has begun in earnest and you may see the updated name of Water's Edge Ministries happening in some areas now. We are diligently working to efficiently use up resources while balancing a plan for cost-effective updating.
What's NOT changing
- Our Mission – Inviting all people to experience the life-changing love of Jesus in vibrant settings in community and creation. That will never change.
- Our camp sites & Programs – Green Lake Bible Camp, Shores of St. Andrew, Camp House, summer camp, retreats, day camps, and Serve Boldly will continue just as they always have.
what this means for you
If you love and support this ministry, you can expect the same welcoming spaces, Christ-centered programs, and life-changing experiences. We invite you to:
- Stay Connected – Follow updates here on our website, sign up for our emails, read our blog, and follow us on Facebook & Instagram.
- Spread the Word – Share with your church, family, and friends! Also, we welcome and invite you to share your feedback with us!
- Pray With Us – Join us in prayer as we embrace this exciting new chapter together.
We give thanks for the many ways You have worked through this ministry, shaping lives, deepening faith, and creating spaces of renewal. As we step into this new chapter as Water’s Edge Ministries, we trust in Your guidance and grace. Bless this transition, that it may strengthen our mission and expand our reach. May our camps and programs continue to be places of welcome, transformation, and encounter with You. We pray for our campers, staff, volunteers, and supporters—that they may be renewed in faith and inspired to share Your love with the world. Lord, lead us forward with courage, unity, and joy. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
At the heart of this ministry are the friendships, campfires, songs, worships, and the moments when faith comes alive. We are excited for the future and grateful for each of you who make this ministry possible.
For questions or more information, please contact:
Kenzie Ruiz, Director of Marketing & Communications – [email protected] or 320-796-2181
Travis Aufderheide, Executive Director – [email protected] or 320-796-2181
Kenzie Ruiz, Director of Marketing & Communications – [email protected] or 320-796-2181
Travis Aufderheide, Executive Director – [email protected] or 320-796-2181