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The “WOW” Factor

Posted by Debby on June 6, 2017

Something I love: I love walking into a women’s event and, at my first glimpse of the room and its decorations, my first reaction is “WOW.” I love being surprised and excited about what is to come based on the look of the room. The world calls that “The WOW Factor.” I’m here to tell you that “The WOW Factor” does not require a huge decorating budget, which most smaller churches do not have.

What the “WOW Factor” does require is someone with vision who is willing to develop it within your working budget. We are a small church. Sometimes we may have a little left in our account from previous retreats or events which is available to use. We are trying to keep the price of the retreat down as much as possible, so we try to add as little as possible to the individual retreat price.

Here are a few ideas for creating a budgetary margin for decorations:

Offer table decoration for sale after the event
Add a small amount to the individual’s cost for the event designated to decorations
Use multi-purpose decorations that can double as give-aways
Use the crafting talents of your ladies to create what would be too expensive to purchase
Do focal point decorating

Posted in: Little Things Make a Big Difference!, Decorations, Money-Saving Tips, News & Information, Retreat and Event Planning

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Plot Twist

Posted by Debby on May 30, 2017

My husband has the “unfortunate” ability to predict the outcome of movies and TV shows. He is rarely surprised by a plot twist; somehow he instinctively knows who the bad guys are and what will happen before it happens. Sometimes I will ask “Have you seen this before?” His answer is “No, it just makes sense.” And normally within a few minutes, it happens just as he has predicted.

Me–I’m perfectly content not knowing ahead of time, and being surprised as the story unfolds–at least when we’re talking movies or TV.

However, when it comes to retreat or event planning, I prefer NO surprises. I appreciate being able to predict the course of events, and to plan ahead for any contingencies or unforeseen glitches. Of course, we do try to anticipate potential problems and plan for them. But there are always “plot twists” — things that come up that are totally unpredictable and out of our control. A speaker gets ill at the last minute; the venue makes a last-minute change; the equipment doesn’t work or is incompatible; a skit prop doesn’t make it to the venue; or, at the very least, you have a bad hair day… You can pretty much count on something happening.

We’ve been there many times. My advice? Remember that what we consider a “plot twist” was ultimately orchestrated by our loving Father, who is in control. Do your best and commit the rest. These “plot twists” are not a surprise to Him. Sometimes I think God allows something unpredictable so that He can work in a new way in our midst, and then He will get the glory.

Posted in: Lessons Learned, News & Information, Realities of Ministry, Retreat and Event Planning

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A Versatile Giveaway

Posted by Debby on April 25, 2017

We are always on the lookout for little remembrances or “giveaways” for our women’s events. I have mentioned before that bookmarks or magnets can sometimes be the easy way to give your women something that will remind them of the message of your event. This year, at our women’s dessert, we used chalkboards as a decorating theme throughout the venue. But we found this great “mini” chalkboard stand on which we wrote the theme and theme verse. We used a permanent chalkboard pen as opposed to real chalk that would easily wipe off. Aren’t they cute? And so affordable! Check out these mini-chalkboard stands! (affiliate link)

Posted in: Retreat Remembrances, News & Information, Resources, Retreat and Event Planning

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Communicating with Your Guest Speaker

Posted by Debby on April 4, 2017

After your three major decisions have been made regarding your retreat (speaker, date and location), communication can then begin with your guest speaker. Your guest speaker needs to know what she is to speak about, how many times she will be speaking, how long she will be speaking at each session. Provide this information to your speaker as early as you can–months before your event. This way she can prayerfully prepare her teachings to fit your theme and schedule.

At some of our retreats, we use a theme that the guest speaker has done before at retreats. At our 2015 retreat, our speaker was an experienced retreat speaker who had done previous retreats with the theme “Deeper Still.” We gave her our schedule and let her run with it.

However, if you are providing the theme to the speaker, try to communicate as clearly as possible what your vision for the theme may be. Just giving her a title for the retreat is not enough if God has clearly given you a vision. Communicate with the speaker to let her know if you have a particular emphasis or theme scripture for your retreat. Sometimes your theme scripture will provide an outline for the teaching sessions.

For instance, our 2016 retreat theme was “SHINE!” We are using as the theme scripture Philippians 2:15-16a. We suggested a general outline and other relevant scriptures to give her direction. By doing this, as much as possible we insure that we are on the same page as our speaker as we prepare for the retreat (with decorations, giveaway, quiet time study, etc.).

Posted in: Lessons Learned, News & Information, Retreat and Event Planning, Your Guest Speaker

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The Oscars

Posted by Debby on February 28, 2017

And the Oscar goes to…….(drum roll, please)…..(cut to commercial)…..(cue dramatic background music)…..(play one more commercial)…..(make sure the correct envelope is in hand)……

What angst!! All those poor actors/actresses/directors/etc.! Imagine the stress and uncertainty they all feel during those pivotal, and probably uncomfortable, hours awaiting the official announcement that will let them and the world know who is, without a doubt, the BEST. And then what? What if your name isn’t called? Awe…..poor babies. The plight of going home without a prize. Sad, and double sad!

Well, here’s the good news today and every day….we are of no consequence to the scrutinizing, fickle eye of Hollywood. Woo-Hoo!! That is good news. How could that be good news? Well, I’m glad you asked. Because, even though the “who’s who” may never know who we are, we’ll never be recognized on the street by autograph-seeking fans, our names will never be announced on national TV as ‘the winner’…..God says we’re Number 1 – THE BEST – in His book!! He has given us a prize more valuable than anything the Hollywood Mucky-Mucks could ever hand out! Not to mention, we don’t have to wear Spanx when accepting our award!

Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing. 2Timothy 4:8

Posted in: Inspirations, News & Information

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