Around 60 overnight and 20 day-only attendees gathered at the Aldersgate retreat facility in Turner, Oregon, to enjoy a relaxing atmosphere with friends on February 24-27. Early arrivals trickled in on Thursday and enjoyed an extra day to shop, visit or explore the surrounding area until the bulk of the attendees arrived on Friday. Friday afternoon offered ample time for visiting on the many comfortable chairs next to a huge stone fireplace in the main lodge common room. As the closing time for two of the silent auction tables approached, activity became more flurried as each of several women good-naturedly tried to outbid her neighbor to take home beautiful homemade crafts or gift baskets. Dinner and sunset coincided, so it was nice to relax into the Sabbath with friends over a meal that we did not have to prepare or clean up after. Following dinner, we trooped over to the adjacent meeting hall to view a slide show of the ministerial trip to Israel last year as humorously narrated by Patti Sexton, Sandy Cafourek and Becky Hornor. The presentation highlighted the beauty, history, politics and tension found in that region of the world. The evening schedule concluded with a quartet singing “A Sabbath Prayer.” Then it was off to visit some more or to head for bed.

Saturday began with breakfast followed by church in the meeting hall. John Cafourek gave the first message on being anchored in the truth and urged us to learn about truth, love the truth and live it to avoid spiritual shipwreck. The ladies’ retreat choir sang “Let All Creation Sing” and “A Celtic Thanksgiving.” Bob Dick gave an interactive sermon that included a worksheet, allowing for group discussion on the practical side of love as described in 1 Corinthians 13. After lunch we gathered in the meeting hall again for more instruction. Carmella Weiss opened with the song “How Beautiful,” and then Mrs. Hornor discussed the importance of setting healthy boundaries. She showed that setting boundaries and showing love go hand in hand. Lonna Cole sang “Your Hands,” and then Mrs. Cafourek talked about what love is and what it is not and how to channel love into service. Karen Walker shared an insightful poem that she had written. The group then headed off for the evening meal.

After sunset, many returned to the common room and got started on the retreat service project: creating fleece blankets for Project Linus, which gives the blankets to children who have lost their homes in a fire, are placed in foster care or are in a hospital. The women energetically created 105 blankets to give away. More silent auction tables attracted eager bidders, and overall the auctions brought in $455 for the Good Works program.

On Sunday, we met again for Dyanne Dick to give a wrap-up talk focused on learning to love and forgive others. She also led a lively discussion on ideas for the retreat next year. Many hard workers were acknowledged for their contributions to the sound system, the beautiful decorations, the music and the various organizational aspects of the retreat. After brunch, we all headed home with stronger friendships and much food for thought as we entered the pre-Passover season. It was truly a weekend of learning from each other in the spirit of Titus 2:3-5 and Proverbs 27:17. We hope to see you with us next year!