This year’s place-of-choice was close home for many in beautiful Lancaster County, PA. We stayed at the Bird-in-Hand Family Inn which offered us an excellent continental breakfast buffet. The hotel also provided us with a large assembly room for our group activities and Sunday morning worship. Chuck Frank took care of the technology stuff, while Wayne and Elaine Good served as the retreat leaders. They serve our Newville, PA congregation. |
The Goods shared a number of video clips to illustrate their points and provided “homework” exercises for couples to explore their relationship dynamics. The three sessions were geared to renewing each couple’s marriage covenant before God. As Wayne said, “Without a right vertical relationship, horizontal relationships (especially in a marriage) will be difficult.” Friday and Saturday nights also incorporated a later evening time for fellowship and games. |
After the Saturday morning session, everybody traveled to Shady Maple Smorgasbord for a meal of gargantuan proportions. Shady Maple is the mother of all such establishments in Lancaster County and likely across PA, if not the USA. Anyone who’s been there will tell you so! As in life, it’s all about the choices you make. However, the big treat of the weekend (other than spousal time together) was the Saturday afternoon visit to the Sight and Sound Theatre near Strasburg “where the Bible comes to life.” |
The current drama is “Moses,” which I found as an interesting contrast to the current Hollywood remake of the Exodus story. Sight and Sound certainly did a much better rendition of the burning bush than the movie, not to mention the portrayal of God. In any case the stage sets were outstanding and the special effects impressive, especially Moses’ flight into the wilderness and the parting of the sea. |
Over the weekend I heard many God stories that just warmed and encouraged my heart. Let Jon and BJ Neely tell you the miraculous story of their son Steve’s deliverance from certain death. Ask Darrel or Teresa Schrade to share how God is working in their little country church. Do be in prayer for George and Rebecca Spangler as they received a call on Saturday that Rebecca’s father, Donald Reinhard, died unexpectedly that day. When the group came together Sunday, Kevin Richardson led us all in prayer for Rebecca’s family. God is good, and it’s a joy to be together in His name and fulfill the law of Christ.
Ed
Soli Deo Gloria!
The Spring Women's Retreat is just around the corner!
Register online or print off a form at the CGWM website. A video is also available to share with the ladies in your congregation.