Alton Bay Campmeeting Association

DBA Alton Bay Christian Retreat Center

 

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION (STRIPE ACH PAYMENTS)

Alton Bay Campmeeting Association Post Office Box 321, Alton Bay, NH 03810

 

Please select the membership option below that you want to pay for. The fee for Stripe ACH payments is 0.8% (capped at $5). This fee has already been added on to the packages for you.

The membership fee is mandatory for all Cottage Owners, Seasonal RV Sites and Seasonal Boat Docks and must be received by January 1.

 

*ONLY SELECT THE PRODUCTS YOU WISH TO PAY FOR.*

 

*FOR 2026 AND BEYOND, MEMBERSHIP FEES ARE INCLUDED IN THE COTTAGE AND RV PARK FEES SO DO NOT CHECK MEMBERSHIP BOXES.*

By signing below, I/we acknowledge that I/we have read, and do agree with and will abide by the following: (These documents can be found on the webpage: (altonbay.org)

- ABCA STATEMENT OF FAITH

- ABCA STATEMENT OF MISSION

-ABCA RULES & REGULATIONS

Church Membership Verification

This information needs to be completed yearly in order to keep our database current.

This section is for office use only. Please do not fill out.

Please complete the application, read and sign the Statement of Faith and Statement of Mission, and written testimonies of each applicant.

Applicant(s): List both names separately for membership (husband and wife ONLY)

Church Information

Required References (Pastor and 3 evangelical friends)

P4-(6) CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK

 

Each applicant submitting an application for Tenancy or membership, shall include in the packet,a Criminal Record Check shall be a record check that includes the database of all fifty (50) states. The CRC shall be conducted as part of the Tenancy and Membership application process and will be paid for by the applicant. ABCCC will perform a criminal record check on all Tenancy applicants using a designated record check company and all applicants will be required to e-sign a release for the criminal record check.

Although the results of a CRC may not necessarily exclude an applicant from having their Tenancy approved, it will serve to allow the Executive Board to determine if an individual may be a detriment to the safety of the Alton Bay Christian Conference Center community.

 

Updated: September 14, 2019

Updated: July 27, 2018

Approved: November 18, 2017

COMMUNITY COVENANT

 

We are a community of Christians who live according to holy obligations which we believe are true to the character of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are called to humility, purity, justice and truth because Jesus modeled these for us. Along with the privileges and blessings of membership in such a community come responsibilities. The members of the Alton Bay Campmeeting Association take these responsibilities seriously. We "freely and joyfully choose to live in the light of His holiness and hold each other accountable".

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16).

The biblical foundation of Christian community is expressed in Jesus' two great commandments: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind," and, "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matt: 22:37-40 Jesus himself perfectly demonstrated the pattern: love for God, acted out in love for others, in obedience to God's Word. Acknowledging our dependence on the power and grace of God, the members of the Alton Bay Campmeeting Association humbly covenant to endeavor to live according to this ideal.

 

The purposes of this community covenant are as follows:

 

• to cultivate an atmosphere that encourages spiritual, moral and intellectual growth.

 

• to integrate our lives around Christian principles and devotion to Christ.

 

• to remove whatever may hinder us from our calling as a Christ-centered community.

 

• to encourage one another to see that living for Christ involves dependence on God's Spirit and obedience to his Word, rather than a passive acceptance of prevailing practices.

 

We believe that biblical standards will show themselves in a distinctly Christian way of life. This lifestyle involves practicing those attitudes and actions the Bible portrays as virtues, and avoiding those the Bible portrays as sinful.

Refusal to conduct oneself in harmony with the objectives and the rules of the Association as herein set forth shall constitute cause for termination of the privilege to occupy the grounds.

By signing below I/we acknowledge that I/we have read, and do agree with and will abide with the above.

STATEMENT OF MISSION

 

The Alton Bay Campmeeting Association is to be a place that welcomes people to experience God through Christian community and Biblical truth, impacting the New England church and beyond.

 

STATEMENT OF FAITH

 

• We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible authoritative Word of God.

 

• We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

 

• We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory.

 

• We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful man, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential.

 

• We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.

 

• We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.

 

• We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ. Adopted from the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) Statement of Faith.

 

We agree to abide by the rules, the spirit, and the Christian standards of the Alton Bay Campmeeting Association including the above Statement of Mission and Statement of Faith.

By signing below I/we acknowledge that I/we have read, and do agree with and will abide with the above.

A-2 RULES AND REGULATIONS

 

The Alton Bay Campmeeting Association is a year-round Christian Retreat Center, which exists to promote the cause of Christ through the proclamation, study, and application of God's Word. As a specialized ministry, the Association seeks to fulfill this purpose in a relaxed atmosphere that provides opportunity for fellowship, reflection, prayer, rest, recreation and participation in a wide variety of activities geared to spiritual life and growth. (Article II, Bylaws These objectives shall be the rule for life and conduct for all who are on the grounds, whether cottage owners, renters, or visitors.

COMMUNITY COVENANT

 

We are a community of Christians who live according to holy obligations which we believe are true to the character of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are called to humility, purity, justice and truth because Jesus modeled these for us. Along with the privileges and blessings of membership in such a community come responsibilities. The members of the Alton Bay Campmeeting Association take these responsibilities seriously. We "freely and joyfully choose to live in the light of His holiness and hold each other accountable".

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16).

The biblical foundation of Christian community is expressed in Jesus' two great commandments: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind," and, "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matt: 22:37-40 Jesus himself perfectly demonstrated the pattern: love for God, acted out in love for others, in obedience to God's Word. Acknowledging our dependence on the power and grace of God, the members of the Alton Bay Campmeeting Association humbly covenant to endeavor to live according to this ideal.

 

The purposes of this community covenant are as follows:

 

• to cultivate an atmosphere that encourages spiritual, moral and intellectual growth.

 

• to integrate our lives around Christian principles and devotion to Christ.

 

• to remove whatever may hinder us from our calling as a Christ-centered community.

 

• to encourage one another to see that living for Christ involves dependence on God's Spirit and obedience to his Word, rather than a passive acceptance of prevailing practices.

 

We believe that biblical standards will show themselves in a distinctly Christian way of life. This lifestyle involves practicing those attitudes and actions the Bible portrays as virtues, and avoiding those the Bible portrays as sinful.

Refusal to conduct oneself in harmony with the objectives and the rules of the Association as herein set forth shall constitute cause for termination of the privilege to occupy the grounds.

AFFIRMING BIBLICAL STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

RULES OF THE ASSOCIATION

 

 

Our community covenant is built on basic biblical standards for godly Christian character and behavior. We evidence our commitment to God, first, by doing what is enjoined in the Word of God, which is our rule of both faith and practice.

We acknowledge the Lordship of Christ over all of life and thought. This involves a wholehearted obedience to Jesus and careful stewardship in all dimensions of life: our time, our possessions, our God- given capacities, our opportunities (Deut. 6:5-6; I Cor. 10:31; Col. 1:18, 3:17).

1. PERSONAL CONDUCT

a) We love God with our whole being, including our heart, soul, mind and strength, and love our neighbor as oneself (Exodus 20:3-6; Matt. 22:37-40; Rom. 13:8-10; Mark 12:28-31; I John 4:7- 12). The use and/or promotion of astrology, palm reading, fortune telling, occult practices and gambling are strictly forbidden anywhere on the grounds. No person without permission from the ABCA leadership shall conduct a business or distribute literature on the Retreat Center grounds. (Lev.20:6,27; Gal.5: 19-20; Eph. 5: 1-18; I Tim. 6: 6-11; Heb. 13: 5-6).

b) We pursue holiness in every aspect of our thought and behavior (2 Cor. 7:1; I Thess. 4:7, 5:23-24; Heb. 12:14; I Pet. 1:15-16 Modesty in dress is required of all men, women and children. Bikinis, bikini trunks and other abbreviated swimwear are not appropriate for our beach. A covering over bathing suits is required when away from the beach area. (I Pet. 3: 3-4; I John 2:15-17; James 4:6).

c) We treat our own bodies, and those of others, with the honor due the very temple of the Holy Spirit. (I Cor. 6:17-20). The use of alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, or tobacco is strictly forbidden anywhere on the Retreat grounds. (Prov. 20:1; Prov. 23: 29-35; I Cor. 6:9-12, 19-20; 2 Cor. 7:1; Gal. 5: 21; Hab. 2:5; Eph. 5:18).

d) We believe that the Biblical definition of marriage is a union between one man and one woman. We view all other forms of sexual intimacy that occur outside the biblical definition of marriage as sinful distortions of the holiness and beauty that God intended for it. We affirm the biblical position that such acts are sinful. We will not rent any area knowingly to biblically unmarried couples, and sexual activity between unmarried persons is not permitted on these grounds. (Rom. 1:21-27; I Cor. 6:9-10, 7: 1-3; Gen. 1:27, 2:24, 19: 1-25; Ex. 20:14; Lev.20:13; I Tim. 1: 8-10; Matt. 5: 27-32; Gal. 5:19).

e) We honor the Holy Spirit who lives within us, by exhibiting "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Gal. 5: 22-23).

f) We give faithful witness to the Gospel (Acts 1:8; I Pet. 3:15), practicing good works toward all (Gal. 6:10; Eph. 2:10; Heb. 10:24; I Pet. 2:11), and living lives of prayer and thanksgiving (I Thess. 5:17-18; James 5:16; Titus 2: 7-8).

2. SANITARY CONCERNS

a) No refuse or other health threatening material shall be disposed of anywhere on the grounds except in the sanitary receptacles provided.

b) Cottage owners, renters, and guests are NOT to dispose of disposable diapers, feminine sanitary disposables, paper towels, facial tissues or other such objects in the toilets or sewer system of the Retreat Center.

c) No soap or detergent or other pollutant is to be used or placed in or near Back Bay.

3. DOG REGULATIONS

Dogs shall be registered yearly at the ABCA office, shall have a current license (from home residence if required there), a name tag, current proof of rabies inoculation, and wear a collar with tags attached. Dogs shall be leashed when being walked and may not be tied outside. Owners will use only approved dog walks for curbing and will remove and dispose of all defecation properly. No pets are allowed on the beach, in the swimming area, ballfield area, or in Retreat Center buildings.

4. FIRE SAFETY

a) The use or keeping of fireworks and the keeping or discharge of firearms (except with ABCA permission) anywhere on the Retreat Center grounds is strictly forbidden.

b) Storage of gasoline must be in State Approved containers in a ventilated area.

c) There shall be no open fires except with approved types of cooking grills, and these must be located a minimum of 5 ft. from any building or flammable materials. These fires must be attended at all times. Use with care.

d) Each cottage must have a 5 pound ABC UL APPROVED FIRE EXTINGUISHER and APPROVED SMOKE DETECTORS.

e) Parents are to be sure that their children do not carry matches or lighters anywhere on our grounds or the surrounding woodlands.

f) There will be no fires on the beach, except in the Fire Pit.

5. PROPERTY AND ROADS

a) Traffic on Retreat Center grounds shall be limited to 5 (five) MPH and by any other regulation as posted or announced by the Executive Director. For safety reasons, no motorized scooters may be used on the grounds except for Retreat Center personnel when used in connection with his work.

b) No person shall make any alteration or addition to any Retreat Center property or connect or disconnect to any service to or from any Retreat Center facility.

c) Traffic on Conference Center grounds shall be limited to 5 (five) MPH and by any other regulation as posted or announced by the Executive Director. No OHRV (off-highway recreational vehicle) may be used on the grounds except for by Conference Center personnel when used in connection with work. All persons operating a motorized vehicle must have a valid driver's license.

 

6. CONDUCT DURING ABCA RELIGIOUS SERVICES

Initials a) All persons on the Association property should respect the Lord's Day by attending scheduled worship services and by not engaging in secular work (construction, remodeling, etc (Ex. 20: 8- 11; Deut. 5:14; Acts 20:7a; Mark 2:27-28).

b) The beach and other sports areas are closed during Sunday services and the beach is closed at dusk daily. (Isaiah 58:13-14; Rev. 1:10).

c) During services or concerts in the Tabernacle and in the Chapel, we expect respect for the 7:12 speakers, musicians, and worshipers with quiet behavior in and around these buildings. (Matt. 7:12).

7. GUIDANCE FOR CHILDREN

a) Parents are responsible to instruct their children not to injure live trees, strip bark from white birches, or deface any building, picnic table, or other facility on the Retreat Center grounds.

b) Bicycles are to be used cautiously and cannot be used in the circle drive between the Chapel and the Lombard Center, Back Bay Path, and the Trailer Park Path during the summer.

c) A responsible person should accompany preschool children when using the public restrooms, visitor's lounge, the playground, or other public facilities.

8. OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

a) All who use cottages, other than the owners, for overnight or longer shall register at the ABCA office.

b) Renters shall leave lodging facility or campsite as neat and clean as it was found.

c) All persons on the Retreat Center grounds are to maintain quiet between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.

d) All boat trailers shall be parked only in designated areas.

e) Building and Grounds permits are required for all construction, structural alterations, exterior painting, cutting trees, construction of fences or walks, and soil alterations. The ABCA office will provide information about obtaining the needed permits.

 

The Board of Directors may designate officials to enforce these rules and any other rules enacted by the Association. All rules shall apply to the entire grounds, all buildings thereon, all cottage owners, renters, and the occupants of the grounds whether permanent or transient. Covenant directives are intended to foster a harmonious community in which all participants can freely worship and glorify the Lord. Violation of the rules shall constitute cause for termination of the privilege to participate in the ABCA grounds.

POLICY REGARDING LOSS OF TENANCY

 

The Executive Committee may terminate any previously granted tenancy at will for any reason or for no reason at all. A tenancy automatically shall terminate when an individual or a married couple who previously has been granted tenancy has:

a) Consistently ignored the rules of the Association and/or its statement of Purpose, Statement of 

b) Failed to pay the Cottage fee in a timely manner and are two years behind in their payment of the

c) Not dealt with debt obligations including town taxes for up to two years.

 

If a decision is made to terminate tenancy, each of the following shall occur:

a) A written notice shall be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the tenant(s) stating

b) The notice shall clearly indicate that the tenant(s) has a sixty (60) day period in which to apply to the Executive Committee for the reinstatement of tenancy.

c) In the event such tenancy is not reinstated, the owner(s) shall vacate the cottage immediately; remove all contents to be retained, and sell the cottage and/or other structures within one year to a person or persons who have been approved for tenancy. If such sale has not occurred within one year, the Association shall be entitled to purchase the cottage and/or structure at a price equal to the assessed value set by the Town of Alton at the time of termination of the tenancy, less any indebtedness, including, but not limited to, unpaid interest, fines, or penalties assessed, or other amounts owed to the Association.

Updated: April 29, 2023

Revised and Approved - November 8, 2014

Faith, or Statement of Mission.

same without the express written permission of the Board of Directors.

that such tenancy is terminated.