What a wonderful way to spend a Memorial Day Weekend! People from the Phoenix, northern Arizona and Albuquerque congregations came together to enjoy God’s creation; and to fellowship by strengthening our brotherly bonds and learning together. The weather was great. We had a touch of rain, but other than that the temperature was nearly perfect. Cool evenings included friendly conversations and communal singing accompanied by soft guitars played by talented children and adults. Warm daytime temperatures invited us into the cool waters of nearby Clear Creek.

Sabbath services were phenomenal. The sermonette talked about roots of trees. They are connected similarly to how the Children of God are connected to our root Jesus Christ. The sermon focused on the grain sheaves of Pentecost, how they were gathered and how it relates to the greater Church of God. The Sabbath noon meal was a wonderful combination of each family’s contributions, healthy and enjoyable. The afternoon Bible Study showed us how God works in each of our lives. He allows us a glimpse of His awesome Holy Spirit and how He can use use to effect other people.

On Sunday, 30 ladies, young and old, gathered in Camp Verde for an Arizona Women’s Retreat. The topic of study, “Building Godly Fruit,” was based upon Colossians 1:10 (NASB): “So that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”

Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. We recognize these as the fruit of the spirit as defined in Galatians 5:22, but what must be done to produce and use these godly characteristics in our daily lives? How do we make this goal a reality? Through a variety of methods and activities we explored godly spiritual fruit, how to grow them and how to use them to strengthen relationships with God and one another. The ladies learned that attitudes and behaviors can affect others—for good or bad. Spiritual fruit was not all we had, as Bonie Loiselle fed us with wonderful breakfast and lunch—consisting of a lot of delicious fruit. The planning team did a great job of organizing the day’s activities so everyone could participate and bond with other women of like mind.