[Gospelchristianity] Retreat

[Robinson B. Heath]

When I think of a church retreat several images come to my mind.  The  
church we were a part of in Lyon had a yearly vision retreat.  They  
would re-examine the vision and plan all the activities for the coming  
year.  Our church in Orlando, St. Paul's, had a family retreat one  
year.  Together, we learned from Paul Tripp about sin and being a  
parent, played softball, and square danced.  It was a great chance for  
a young married couple to see people they worshiped and learned with  
and under interact with their kids and spouses.  I also think about  
youth ski trips and camps.  Finally, I think of the TBC Men's  
Conference and the times of learning and reflection I have had there.

Since we started the small group, I have thought that a retreat and a  
small group went well together.  God has blessed our group with a  
growing intimacy and maturity.  I have been reflecting on how we might  
grow both in our fellowship and our understanding of who we are as  
followers of Christ together in a retreat setting.  Courtney, the  
boys, and I brainstormed this afternoon about what we might do at such  
an event.  Gage kept interrupting to ask when and where it was going  
to be.

One area that I think we are lacking is how we use the small group  
time with our kids.  Several of you have mentioned this, and we have  
never really come to a conclusion.  I think a retreat might be on one  
hand a great time to kick off this change, and a good time to  
establish a clear direction.  I can see where we might be able to  
intentionally involve our kids in various body-life activities in an  
environment that they will be excited about.

I also think it would be a good time to indulge in some more intense  
and prolonged fellowship.  New environments like this also open up new  
experiences of each other to enjoy.  Perhaps someone grates on your  
nerves in a discussion, but is a diligent worker in service or just an  
awesome croquet player (something I always appreciate).  Or, perhaps  
such close encounters will open up some opportunities for us to  
practice our new peacemaking skills :-).

I would love a chance to talk with all of you more about what you see  
God doing in your life. I would love to play some vigorous games of  
softball, basketball or volleyball.  I'd love to hear how God has used  
the small group in your life and how he might use you in the life of  
others in our group or a branch of the group.  I'd like to hear your  
ideas for how we might change to group to be more faithful to  
scripture or more able to reach your friends and neighbors with the  
Good News.

Here are a sample of the brainstorm ideas our family came up with:
- Singing together
- Game night
- Free/Reflection time
- Talk about the Gospel
- Boating
- A speaker
- Planning
- Hang out
- Have fun
- Share ideas about marriage or child-rearing

I hope this gets your mind moving on your own list.  I am sure you and  
your family would come up with some good ideas as well.  Please send  
them to me or the group.

Something like this would take some planning and logistics.  You all  
probably know by know these are not my strong points.    If we are  
going to do a retreat, I would need someone to be my partner to  
working on things like location, food, cost, agenda, activities.  It  
might be good to have each family responsible for one piece.  Even so,  
it would be good to have an event coordinator.

See how this strikes your family and let me know what you think.

Peace,
Heath