2011 WOMEN'S RETREAT

Report by Janet Garner

    It was a fabulous women’s retreat this year as 54 wonderful sisters from ten different states gathered at Lake Doniphan Conference & Retreat Center. Sister Diane Vacca opened by giving us a brief overview of what we would be doing the next few days. She then gave the floor to Sister Laura Meyer who gave a report on a venture that she has spent a lot of time and research on. It is called Odyssey Brigade. Odyssey Brigade is a girls’ club organization that is in the early developing stages. The goal is to offer a program that promotes spiritual, educational, physical, and discipleship principles through merit badges, community service projects, and membership activities.

    Through Odyssey Brigade, we can facilitate spiritual growth in girls starting from 5 years old through the adolescent years, helping them become the women YHWH created them to be. It can also support parents and assembly leaders as they assist girls through the early developing years; moreover, help girls navigate the difficult adolescent years. Odyssey Brigade is in the developing stages. We would greatly appreciate any assistance and encouragement from you.

    [If you're interested in helping Laura with this project, click here for her contact page on the Odyssey Brigade website.]

    After Sister Laura’s program, Sister Erin Schwarting gave a scriptural and inspiring talk on all the aspects of prayer. The most important part of her discussion was on how to begin  or improve upon our own personal prayer time, with rewarding results. Some thought-provoking discussion followed. Then, the rest of the evening was spent in fellowshipping with all the sisters that we hadn’t seen over the past year, and getting to know the ladies that were there for the first time. We had many new sisters to meet and get to know better.

    Sabbath morning, Sister Theresa Cecil gave a message on, “Scripture Memorization,” and how important it is to have scriptures in our minds and hearts, ready to draw from, when we need them. She put a lot of her favorite scripture verses on small cards and handed them out to us, to help make it convenient in memorizing these encouraging scriptures. It was a great idea and we appreciate the time and effort she put into her presentation.

    After a delicious lunch provided by Sister Susie Zecca, she gave a talk on, “The Gifts of the Spirit,” spoken of in 1 Cor. 12:1-11. She offered words of advice on how we could use our Yah- given gifts to help one another and to edify the Body of Messiah—the assembly. Verse 12 talks about how the body is many parts but they form one body. The women’s retreat is a good example of sisters from many assemblies coming together and using their spiritual gifts to uplift and edify each other. 

    After a very nice dinner, once again provided by Sister Susie, we all enjoyed an evening of “fun and games” with Sisters Elise and Amanda Wilson playing a “Clue” game. The ladies had to listen to facts given and then decide who was guilty of the "crime" with prizes going to the winning team. The characters were hilariously funny and did a great job acting and looking the part. Thanks to Sisters Elise and Amanda for all their work and preparation. 

    Then Sister Salome Klopfenstein brought her camera and set-up a "studio" with props of all kinds.  We could pick out whatever we wanted and, after putting on our chosen props, she took our photos, laughing at all the funny characters we had become. Thanks to all for a really fun evening.

    After breakfast on Sunday morning, the final presentation was given by Sister Tiffani Robinson from Emory, Texas. She gave an emotional and uplifting talk on “Being More.” She feels that Yahweh has more for her life and she is searching and questioning what it is. An excellent discussion followed, as sisters felt compelled to bring out things that were heavy on their hearts. Prayer requests were taken and Sister Theresa Cecil gave a beautiful prayer for those on the list. Sister Tiffani summarized her talk by saying that, until we find out exactly what Yahweh has for us, we can be more--by giving more of ourselves; by being more of a friend; by glorifying Yahweh more; by helping others; by letting Him be in control of our lives, and many more ways. It was an excellent message.

    Yahweh gave us a beautiful day for our travels home. We reminisced about our departure in a snow storm last year and were thankful for the great weather Yahweh provided.

    Plans are already being made for next year’s retreat (which will probably be the first weekend in March, 2012), with suggestions being taken on how to make it even better. If you've never attended one of these retreats, you might want to take the time to check out Lake Doniphan and its website by clicking here. We're very pleased with the lodge, all the facilities and staff. 

    We hope that everyone was blessed by attending and we hope to see all you wonderful sisters again next year. And now, you can enjoy the slide show below!! 

01/19 

   

HalleluYAH!