“SeaSide Escape” Women’s Retreat at Bethel (September 24, 2011)

Christian discipleship is a lifelong journey of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ in word and deed. Along that journey, we keep on learning about Scripture, the fundamentals of the Christian faith, the purpose of our lives, and the individual spiritual gifts entrusted to us by God. Although many among us have been confirmed in their teens, that rite of confirmation s not a graduation, in the sense that we now know all we need to know about God and the Christian faith. Rather, the more we learn about God’s Word, the better equipped for ministry we will be and the better we will be able to discern to what specific kind of ministry God is calling us.

Each one of us has spiritual gifts that are as unique to us as our finger prints or dental records.

Yet, while we don’t doubt that we have finger prints or teeth, many among us doubt that we have been equipped with spiritual gifts. Often, we may not recognize these gifts in ourselves; it may take others around us to validate and confirm these gifts in us. It helps, to intentionally set aside times for reflection and the study of Scripture.

One opportunity to listen to the words of Scripture and to set aside time for reflection is coming up on September 24 at Bethel – this year’s women’s retreat. From 9am through 4pm, we will have the opportunity to spend time with God’s word, to worship, and to some fun journaling and crafts activities.

This year’s theme – SeaSide Escape –sets a relaxing beach-themed backdrop. The retreat will consist of seven unique sessions, each of which uses an item typically found at the beach as metaphor for what we are learning. Most sessions include worship and Bible study focusing on the story of Sarah and Hagar from Genesis. All sessions allow time for laughter and fun.

The planning team is made up of women of a variety of ages – in the hope that this retreat, likewise, will be attended by the greatest possible number of women and teenage girls from our congregation and beyond. Unlike in previous years, this retreat is planned entirely in-house. All program and session leaders are members of the Bethel community. This year’s retreat is also shorter than previous women’s retreats.

Lunch and snacks will be provided. Childcare will be available upon request. Currently, the registration fee is $35. If you delay registering until after September 11, we ask for $42 registration fee to offset the increased mailing costs for program materials. Scholarships are available upon request. For more information contact Norita Hoegel (norita.hoegel@gmail.com) or me (pastorgabi@bethelcupertino).

Wishing a wonderful week,
Pr. Gabi