2017 Women in Christ Retreat Report

Prepared by Scarlett Stough

Women and girls ages 12 through 80 something came together at the Heartland Center northwest of Kansas City, Missouri, for a weekend of focusing our minds and hearts on our Lord Jesus and his teachings. Most reported a positive experience at this new to us facility. Even though the facilities did not foster the same opportunities for fellowship between sessions as we had at Sojourn, mealtime did provide opportunity for conversation at tables reserved for our group.

This is only the second year that we have opened the retreat to the "tween" and "teen" age group. One of our older participants who have attended all but one year in the past commented, "I was really impressed with the young girls and how they took part!" One of the mothers said her daughter really "blossomed" with the opportunity she had to participate. She also said she could see "God’s hand all over it."

Arryn Groom enthusiastically reported: "This year wandered into new territory, literally, with the initiation of the facility [Heartland Center, Parkville, Missouri] by Women in Christ. As a veteran of the Women in Christ retreat, I was pleasantly surprised by the cozy rooms (linens included), the beautiful grounds… and the better location for many more ladies to be able to attend.

Meeting more of my "sisters" in Christ was definitely a boon. We shared our insights and gained wisdom. The amount of inspirational and directional insight from old and young alike was motivating. Adding our "daughters" was, in my humble opinion, the best direction this ministry could have taken. The mentorship gained and the infusion of young ideas and energy was truly stimulating.

Our speakers gave us solid information about overcoming, and there truly is so much to overcome on a daily basis. We had lively interactive sessions following each presentation, which afforded us all the bounty of the wisdom represented by each well of life experiences [of those] attending. Validation, affirmation, admonition, inspiration, comfort, solidarity, resilience are just a few words I can summon to describe my experience. I'm thankful to all of the participants for sharing your life's journey. Our tapestry is stronger and more beautiful each year we assemble."

Nancy and I are grateful to all the women and girls who set up the meeting room and provided beverages and snacks as well as helping to register, welcome and escort the arrivals to their rooms. We are also grateful to each of those who gave us special music and led each session. No retreat can be successful without the enthusiasm and participation of each one who attends.