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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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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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