Through the commitment and vision of many faithful church leaders, Briarwood Retreat Center was purchased from the Presbyterian church in 1995.  Many upgrades and improvements were made in the early years.



In 1998, Briarwood became independent of its former agency, Lutheran Outdoor and Retreat Ministries of the Southwest (LORMS), affording more local ownership and control over its programming and facilities use.



The ministry of Briarwood is rapidly growing.  Summer camp registrations are up, weekends are booked many months in advance, and the people and congregations of the synod are committed to seeing Briarwood grow (including the recent completion of three new cabins).