Spring 2007
Facing Bench

Spring Retreats Offer Renewal

Eastern Region volunteers work, plan, and coordinate quality retreats to many age groups and levels of responsibility.

Effective retreat planning committees begin planning and praying for their retreats at least a year in advance. Their dedication, experience, and deliberate attention to detail result in times of fun, learning, and rest. Spring 2007 was no exception to this pattern.

SOY (Sponsors of Youth) Retreat is offered every spring. “One main goal of this retreat is fellowship for our youth sponsors." explained co-coordinator, Pam Rice of East Richland (OH) Friends Church. “So many of our youth groups are led by volunteers who feel isolated in their ministry. We want to provide enough time to hang out and get to know each other. They share ideas, concerns, and to get great ideas for their ministries." Eighty-one youth sponsors enjoyed the sharing and fun.

Men in Missions Retreat. “One main focus of this retreat is to educate and inspire our men in Eastern Region to participate in Missions.” explained Men in Missions President, Rick Wilson. Close to two hundred men gathered in May. Well over $5,000 was raised to complete the funding for a new water well in Haiti. Remaining funds were sent to Hungary.

Pastors Conference in Myrtle Beach, SC brought 116 pastors and families to warm weather. Many appreciate time as families with others in ministry. “Many appreciated that our speaker and his wife shared together about ministering as a couple.

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