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Using the One God Brings

Posted by Debby on August 1, 2011

If I were an employer, planning a women’s event, I would naturally want to hire those who have training and experience in the various areas of need. I would choose someone who came highly recommended. In the world, that would be the wise plan of action. It’s just common sense to use those best qualified for the job!

However, as we plan a retreat or women’s event, God always reminds us that His ways are not our ways. His ways are often the opposite of the ways of the world. We don’t get to hire those most suited and gifted for each particular job. We primarily rely on volunteers to fill positions and do the work. And while churches may be fortunate to have talented and experienced people within their membership, the truth is that those people whom we might choose in the flesh are not always those who volunteer. We may initially be disappointed or tempted to look elsewhere for help. But God often chooses the one who is willing and available to be used by God, rather than the one most qualified (by worldly standards) for the job. “But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; (I Cor. 1:27). He uses the ordinary to accomplish the extraordinary!

Of course we want to use people as much as possible with regard to the gifts God has given them. But often, opportunities to serve are the vehicle God uses to reveals His gifting.

Posted in: Retreat and Event Planning

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Announcements

Posted by Debby on July 27, 2011

There are always announcements to be made at the beginning of a retreat. While many of your women may have heard these announcements repeated over the years, or they seem “obvious” and unnecessary to most, they are particularly important to “retreat rookies”–those who have never been to a retreat before. While there may be some adjustments or changes every year, the basic list remains the same. So we keep our list of announcements from year to year, to be adjusted as needed.

Here is a sampling some of our regular announcements:

Put your name and room number on your booklet;
Write your promise verse in your booklet;
Wear your name tags;
Any procedures or amenities specific to your retreat locations (i.e. where they can buy coffee or snacks, pool/spa, walking trails, fitness centers);
Don’t use the TV in your room–instead, allow this to truly be a “retreat” from worldly distractions;
Silence your phones;
Don’t make charges to your room (phone calls, room service); if you do, know that you will be asked to “settle up” before you leave the retreat;
Call attention to the contents of their retreat booklet or program (i.e. schedule, evening devotions, order forms, book lists, etc.);
Call attention to where the bathrooms are located, and note the scheduled breaks on your order of events;
Call attention to the hospitality table, if you have one;
If there is a problem, how should they deal with it? Introduce the authorized person (or persons) that the women should contact (coordinator, hotel liaison) for resolution of any issue.
Fire alarm procedures (for some reason, our retreats have been prone to having fire alarms in the late night!)

Posted in: Lessons Learned, Retreat and Event Planning

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Welcome

Posted by Debby on July 20, 2011

It goes without saying that you should start your retreat with a welcome to the ladies. For many, getting to the retreat has been a battle in itself. Some women have had to overcome many adversities just to get to the retreat. Others have traveled a long distance. Begin with a “Welcome, we’re glad you’re here!” Assure them that God has a purpose for them being at the retreat, even if they don’t know what it is at this point.

The welcome actually can begin at the registration table, and continue at the door, where our “greeter” welcomes each woman as she arrives. Then, the first session always begins with a welcome. (Sometimes, since our retreat starts on Friday night, and some women don’t arrive until Saturday morning, we add a welcome at the first session on Saturday morning, too.) We always make sure to welcome and recognize visitors, other churches and pastor’s wives who are in attendance. A “meet and greet” time might be appropriate,if your schedule allows for it. If time is limited, we do some group ice breaker questions, such as “Who has never been to a retreat before?” or “Who has traveled the furthest to be at this retreat?” A warm, receptive welcome will be a good start to your event!

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

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Our “Backbone”

Posted by Debby on July 13, 2011

I was at a prayer meeting recently where one of the ladies declared: “Lord, You are our backbone.” It made me think. When we think of someone as “having a backbone,” we normally consider their character, their courage and their firm resolve, as opposed to someone who is “spineless” and wishy-washy. One with “backbone” does not back down under pressure and can not be manipulated. Certainly the Lord can be said to have “backbone.” His character is one of firm resolve. He determines to keep His Word, and He does not change.

Physically, a backbone is the fundamental support system of an organism, the main source of support and stability. We take for granted the stability provided by our spine, unless we have back problems. Those dealing with back problems are very aware that nearly every activity is dependent upon the strength of the backbone. Likewise, the Lord is our source of support and stability. We have all learned that striving to serve in our own strength is worthless in the long run.

Yes, the Lord truly is our backbone. The Bible expresses the same thought when it declares God as our “Rock,” our “Fortress” and an “Anchor.” He is solid, unmoving, steadfast and reliable. Our “Backbone” enables us to be “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (I Cor. 15:58); to be “steadfast and grounded and not moved away from the hope of the gospel” (Col. 1:23). We need to rely on our Heavenly “Backbone” so that we can say with the psalmist “I will not be moved!” (Psalm 62:6) and with Paul “None of these things move me!” (Acts 20:24).

Posted in: Inspirations

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The Hotel Liaison – Authorized!

Posted by Debby on July 6, 2011

To add a little more about our “hotel liaison“:

One of the reasons it is wise to assign a person to this job is that those authorized to make decisions or bring complaints to hotel management should be limited. This avoids the confusion caused by allowing anyone and everyone (all well-meaning, of course) to bring issues to hotel personnel. Without a designated person authorized to speak for the group (normally our retreat coordinator and/or hotel liaison), you can end up, for instance, with women going to the front desk to complain that the room is too hot, while others are complaining that they are too cold.

The person authorized to be the “hotel liaison” needs to be introduced to your group, as well as to the hotel management. Your women need to know that they are not authorized to speak for the group, and that they should take any complaints to the “hotel liaison.” The hotel needs to know that only the “hotel liaison” is authorized to give them instructions or changes.

Posted in: Retreat and Event Planning

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