Michigan Women’s Retreat

The Michigan women presented a wonderful Women’s Ministries Retreat September 11-13, 2009, at Gladwin Springs. This annual event is a time of fun and fellowship. D.O.T.S (Daughters Obeying the Savior) used Isaiah 57:15 as the theme scripture:
For thus says the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones” (NKJV).

Testimonies, special music, skits, praise, and worship were followed by a campfire Friday evening. There we were each given a piece of a puzzle and asked to write on it a worry or problem that is keeping us from joy. Then we were asked to turn our pieces over to God and throw them in the fire as a symbol of releasing our burdens.
Sabbath was a time of workshops, skits, and much praise and prayer. The theme, D.O.T.S, was carried out in numerous ways throughout the retreat, including wearing dots. We enjoyed a pizza party and lots of fun Saturday evening. At the wrap-up, we received a Wearing Jesus package.

The closing praise and prayer time sent us on the road home determined to reach out in our communities to share our joy and peace in serving and obeying our Savior.

Retreats are always meant to be twofold: to refresh those attending and to invite those not acquainted with the Church of God (Seventh Day) in a non-pressuring atmosphere. In addition to the fun we have as sisters, two outstanding things impressed me. The first was the number of women attending who were not from our church. This definitely showed that the women of Michigan are serious about their outreach ministries. The second was the number of young women who not only attended but also participated in the programs.

It was well worth the miles to attend. I am blessed to serve as women’s representative in the Northeast District.

Coming up: The Northeast District will hold a Women’s Retreat April 2-4, 2010, at Oberlin Ohio, focusing on “The Grandest Theme.” Oberlin is a quaint college town that has kept its small town atmosphere, and the venue is comfortable and peaceful. The women in the Eastern Canada District have traditionally been a part of this retreat. We are hoping to hear from women in the Eastern Seaboard and New England churches. More information will be available in the near future.

— Mary Ling