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Books – A Matter of Discernment

Posted by Debby on September 6, 2010

Have you ever had someone recommend a movie and when you went to see it, you were disappointed or even shocked that they would recommend it? Of course you have. Even within our churches, individuals vary greatly not only in taste but also in what they think is morally acceptable. While some restrict themselves to G-rated, others may allow themselves to see certain R-rated movies. It is no different with books. You may find that women read and recommend books, but they are not discerning readers. If you don’t have time to read every word of every book, how do you trust that you are offering pure and Biblically sound books?

We have several guidelines we use. They are not infallible. But I will list them anyway.

There are a couple publishers that I trust. Among them: Thomas Nelson, Word, Harvest House.
Since we are a Calvary Chapel, we trust that books sold through Calvary Distribution (www.calvaryd.org) are doctrinally sound. Often, before we select a book to offer on our book table, we check to make sure that it is offered on their website (whether we actually purchase from them or not).
We refer to book lists from conferences/retreats within Calvary Chapel. We have compiled an extensive list on this website (see Resources).

We never want to offer a book for sale or for donation that is questionable or that could stumble or lead astray a young or unknowledgeable believer.

Posted in: Book Table, Retreat and Event Planning

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Why Have a Book Table at your Retreat?

Posted by Debby on September 4, 2010

There are very few substitutes for spending time reading a good book. And godly reading material is far superior to other forms of entertainment such as watching TV and surfing the web. However, choosing reading material can be a challenge, especially when you cannot even go into a Christian bookstore and trust that what you come out with will be profitable and based on truth. This is the reason that we like to have a book table at our retreats. We like to provide books that the women can trust to be Biblically sound. A secondary goal is to make every effort to make those book as affordable as possible.

Establishing a book table does require some money to be spent up front; if done prudently, however, your profits will cover any cash outlay. The key is to estimate as closely as possible the number of books ladies will purchase and not overbuy. Choose books that are affordable, for the women have just spent money to attend the retreat. Your women have varied interests, so the book table should have some variety–Bibles, godly books for singles, marriage, parenting, devotionals, biographies of godly men and women, and even some Christian fiction that is uplifting. As our retreats have grown in size, we have expanded our offerings to include teen and children’s books. Scheduling time for book recommendations during the retreat schedule is a way of letting the women know what is available.

Back in our early days, when we had no budget for buying books up front, we established a relationship with a Christian bookstore, and they allowed us to take books on consignment for the weekend.

Posted in: Retreat and Event Planning

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A Hospitality Table

Posted by Debby on September 3, 2010

I’m not sure when we started this, but the presence of a “hospitality table” has become an amenity our ladies have come to expect at our retreats. This table is stocked with a little bit of everything–anything one could need at a retreat–or forget to bring from home. The table is staffed during all main sessions and is located in the back of the room, convenient–yet unobtrusive.

At the table, a variety of items may be found. This is a list of suggested items for the hospitality table:

Advil/Tylenol
Feminine products
Protein bars/Snack bars
Chocolate/Gummy bears
Mints
Needle/thread
Cough drops
Small water bottles
Cheap toothbrushes/toothpaste
Small bottles of shampoo
Shawls or sweaters (available to be borrowed)

A lot of ladies make use of the hospitality table and appreciate the availability of these items. Besides the candy, the Advil and Tylenol are most requested. We have found that the hospitality table becomes a gathering spot during breaks and free moments as ladies grab a piece of candy and chat. It’s true that most of these items could be purchased if the hotel has a tiny convenience store or if there is a store nearby. But it is just another service we provide for our ladies in our efforts to take care of their every need at the retreat.

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

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Lessons from Aaron and Hur (Part 2)

Posted by Debby on September 1, 2010

Moses could not do it alone. He physically couldn’t keep that rod of God elevated for the time required for the Israelite army to prevail in this battle. Every servant of God needs those who will stand by and support him/her in the ministry. I wonder if Moses specifically invited Aaron and Hur to come with him…or did they just accompany him to the top of the hill because they wanted to be there should he need their help? Did they have any idea what might be required of them? Sometimes our leader’s biggest need is our availability. Our physical presence at the time of need gives us opportunities to serve as the need arises. Aaron and Hur were not only present, they were observant to the leader’s needs. They saw Moses’ physical need for rest and assistance.

How does this translate to us? If our leader is going in early to set up or make early preparations, does she need to invite you to be there and ask for your help? Or, are you there, regardless, available to help in whatever capacity she needs you? Are you being observant to needs she may have?

(For more on Aaron and Hur, go to Part 3)

Posted in: Inspirations, Realities of Ministry

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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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