[Gospelchristianity] Retreat

[The Godleys]

Heath,

This sounds like a great idea.  I would really like to help plan this kind 
of event.

Paul

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Robinson B. Heath" <heath at rsqrd.com>
To: "Heath Robinson" <GospelChristianity at midnighthour.org>
Sent: Sunday, July 12, 2009 10:28 PM
Subject: [Gospelchristianity] Retreat


> 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
>
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