Author’s Note: I love women’s retreats! In February 2024, St. Mark will host our 27th annual women’s retreat. It’s a little bit like VBS for women. Shortly after I retired from teaching the opportunity to become retreat planner knocked on my door. I opened the door and oh what at time it’s been! This is copied from an article in the Linkletter (a newsletter of Presbyterian Women from Giddings Lovejoy)
The invitation to retreat is a very special one. Jesus showed us the importance of being away for reflection, rest and personal time with God. An invitation to a PW retreat is an opportunity to turn off the “real world” for a time period and move into a time of fellowship, bible study, service, creativity, sharing our faith stories, worship, contemplation, and luscious meals and treats. Alone time is always an essential option. It is not difficult to organize this event. There are so many resources available. Creative Women’s Ministry and Group Publishing were the first resources St. Mark PW utilized 16 years ago. Today there are many more sources which provide ideas, suggestions, and study materials for day-long to weekend retreats. Some will even give you a step-by-step planner with print materials which can be used to publicize the event. Sometimes the most difficult part is choosing from all the options.
I’m a theme person who needs a visual image to embody our purpose and focus. This then provides a framework forplanning activity and study. The tulip originated in what is now Turkey. Bible scholars write that the tulip would be part of “the lilies of the field.” Tulip tidbits provided all kinds of information and fun to use throughout the retreat.
Let’s take a walk-through last year’s retreat:
Friday, February 10, 2023 1:00-4:00 p.m. Arrival, check in and relax: Participants arrive as their schedules allow and get their roomassignments, retreat information packet and then can just settle in. Refreshments are available. A mission activity is always available this is time to read, explore the grounds, etc.
1:30-4:00 p.m. Mission Matters: Green Bags for Isaiah 58 Pillowcase dresses, Soul Hope care bags and denim shoes, PW Boutique items, Newborns in Need project.
4:30 p.m. Opening of Retreat Wonderfully Made! Rev. MP Panco: Pastor MP led the retreat this year. We used Woman of God, Wonderfully Made (CTA) which can also be done by women in your group. Welcome, housekeeping chores, and ice breakers. MP did an introduction to the study and finished with simple Vespers.
5:30 p.m. Dinner Seated with a different group according to the sticker on nametag. (different colored tulips)
6:30–7:30 p.m. Wonderfully Made for Love Rev. MP Panco
7:45 p.m. What’s in the bag? Is it red? This is a “getting to know you activity. Everyone brings an item in a bag that relates to a theme and then we have “show and tell.”
9:00 p.m. Retreat Game Night —Something Wonderful Teams earn points by answering questions (our version of Jeopardy). The grab bag of prizes for the winning team has been most popular.
Saturday, February 11, 20238:00 a.m. Breakfast seated with a different group according to the sticker on nametag.
9:00 a.m. Wonderfully Made for Joy Rev. MP Panco
10:30 a.m. Sealed with Love Craft activity varies with the topic. Bookmarks, planters, beads/keychains, sealing wax
11:00 a.m. Reflection Quiet time for individual activities Noon Lunch Seated with a different group according to the sticker on nametag. 1
2:45 p.m. Gathering Together Announcements, thank yous.
1:00 p.m. Wonderfully Made for Service Rev. MP Panco
2:00 p.m. Wonderfully Made to Witness Rev. MP Panco Closing Worship/Communion
The St. Mark women have made our annual retreat a “must do.” Lots of little jobs make the whole event possible. I try very hard to plan this activity so it can be relaxing and a time to just appreciate the many gifts and talents of our women. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can provide you with resources and information about doing a retreat with your women. I like to talk about retreats. Do consider this an invitation to join us for the St. Mark Women’s Retreat in February 2024. Mary Beth Powell St. Mark Presbyterian Women
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