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Author Archive

An Array of Bookmark Remembrances

Posted by Debby on August 31, 2010

In our “Retreat-in-a-Bag” book series, we suggest making a bookmark for your events, particularly your retreats. These bookmarks include the event, guest speaker, date and location, as well as the theme, theme verse and artwork. I know I’m not the only one of our ladies who has a collection of these bookmarks, each one bringing back retreat memories. Some bookmarks represent retreats that were turning points and milestones in my walk with the Lord; others remind me of a special skit or quiet time study; others remind me of special people or places, a special teaching or afterglow. Just about all remind me of elements of the retreat theme that applied to my life.

So many times in the Bible, God tells us to “remember” what God did. God used a pile of stones in the Old Testament to be a reminder to His people; He used bread and wine in the New Testament. He wants his people to remember the great things He has done! “…Consider what great things He has done for you! (I Sam. 12:24)

Posted in: Ingredients for a Great Retreat, Retreat and Event Planning, Retreat Remembrances

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Planning Your Retreat – A Book Review

Posted by Debby on August 30, 2010

“Planning Your Retreat” is a short 25-page spiral bound booklet by June Hesterly of Acts 1:8 Ministries and a former Calvary Chapel pastor’s wife. It can be purchased through Calvary Distribution. Though small, it is packed with very practical and to-the-point advice for anyone planning a women’s retreat. The advice ranges from developing a “retreat board,” raising funds to provide scholarship aid, registration, finding a location and guest speaker, to giving the reader retreat theme ideas and sample forms useful for retreat planning. In fact, the book briefly covers many of the topics we hope to cover more thoroughly on this website.

Ms. Hesterly’s advice comes from years of experience and the perspective of one who has participated in retreats, has planned retreats as a pastor’s wife, and has often been the guest speaker at retreats. This makes her wise advice particularly insightful.

Posted in: Book Reviews

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Secret Angels

Posted by Debby on August 30, 2010

An “angel” is a messenger, and we have a group of ladies designated as “secret angels” at every retreat. These ladies “secretly” deliver treats and remembrances to all of the ladies in attendance. When at a hotel, this means using a time when the meetings are not in session to put a treat or retreat remembrance at every seat. When we were much smaller and meeting in a retreat center where this was possible, it might have meant putting a mint or a chocolate treat on each lady’s pillow.

These special deliveries are done several times during a retreat weekend. One time, the secret angel will leave a sweet treat or treat bag. Later during the weekend, the secret angel may hand out the retreat bookmark or a fancy chocolate. Prior to the final session, the secret angels deliver the retreat remembrances.

Yes, the women could just pick these up as they walk in to the session, and we wouldn’t need secret angels. But this is a fun way to involve a couple women in serving behind the scenes. And discovering what awaits them each session is a sweet surprise for our ladies.

Posted in: Little Things Make a Big Difference!, Retreat and Event Planning

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Pros and Cons – Hotel

Posted by Debby on August 27, 2010

In determining a location for your retreat, you can choose from basically two general categories: hotels and retreat camps. We have held retreats in both over the years. This year, we again looked into hotels and retreat camps, comparing amenities and costs. We listed our Pros and Cons for a Retreat Camp. These are our thought on hotels:

HOTEL – Pros

Rooms are private and comfortable;
Cleanliness;
More staff available to meet needs;
Possibly better equipment and set-up (lighting, tables, podium, etc.);
Weather issues are a non-issue with everything under one roof;
Food quality may be better with better selection and service;
Food can be served according to our schedule;
More conducive environment for older or disable guests.

HOTEL – Cons

Generally more expensive than a retreat camp, depending on accommodations;
Other groups and functions at the hotel can be a distraction;
Traffic in the city;
Fire drills (and yes, we have experienced fire drills in the middle of the night more than once!);
Bar in the lobby may create a worldly atmosphere;
Not allowed to provide your own snacks in the meeting room for the group;
Staff may be too busy to be attentive to your group.

Posted in: Location, Location, Location, Retreat and Event Planning

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Lessons from Aaron and Hur (Part 1)

Posted by Debby on August 25, 2010

In Exodus 17:8-13, we read of the battle of Israel with the army of Amalek. Moses stood at the top of the hill with the rod of God in his hand. As long as Moses held up the staff, the Israelites had the advantage; but when he lowered the staff, the Amalekites gained the upper hand. When Moses’ arms became too tired, Aaron and Hur, who were with him, found a stone for him to sit on, and then they stood on either side of him, holding up his arms and keeping the rod of God in the air. Somehow, holding up the “rod of God” was significant to the outcome of the battle. As a result, Joshua and his troops crushed the army of Amalek.

There are many lessons to be derived from this event, particularly for those of us who work beside our pastor’s wife or another leader in the women’s ministry. First, we need to recognize that it was not Moses that gained the victory; it was God, working in their midst, as symbolized by the rod of God which Moses held up. The rod of God indicated that Moses looked to God alone for the victory and did not trust in man. Victory depended on the power of God. But, of course, Moses on his own, got weary. So Aaron and Hur coming alongside Moses at this critical time made the difference between victory and defeat.

Moses was the one the people looked to and recognized as their leader. He had a great burden of responsibility–to hold his hands in the air, elevating the rod of God, until victory was achieved. And yet, he was just a human being. He got weary; his arms grew weak. He could not do it alone.

This relates to our leaders. God has put one (perhaps our pastor’s wife) in leadership of the women’s ministry, and the ladies recognize her authority. They look to see her leading them, and feel secure when she is present and in charge. But she cannot do it all by herself. Your leader may have a young family or aging parents to care for; she may have a full-time job, deal with chronic illness, or have other permanent or temporary issues which also demand her time and energy. She needs those to come alongside and “hold up her arms.” (For more on Aaron and Hur, go to Part 2)

Posted in: Inspirations, Realities of Ministry

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