The PebbleCreek Community Church women and men spiritual retreats held October 29, 2016 at Eagle’s Nest Clubhouse were a great success! They were attended by over 100 from the PebbleCreek Community. Dr. James and Liz Prette from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada were the guest speakers. Women attendee comments included, “Enjoyed spending time with Christian sisters and getting to know them better, in depth information on the process of loss and grieving and opportunity to share with one another.” Men’s comments regarding the teaching of the Book of Titus included, “Learning to be more Godly men, the challenge to ‘man-up’ to leading by example and the focus on essential versus non-essential of life.”
Women’s Retreat
The theme for the women’s retreat was, Life – Walking with God through a Series of Losses. Liz reminded the ladies that sometimes life seems like nothing more than a series of losses, from beginning to end. But how one responds to those losses and moves forward is the part we have to work out with God.
Change and loss come with this broken state we are in on this side of eternity: friendships change, spouses die, children don’t follow Christ, bodies fall apart, careers are lost, hopes and expectations aren’t met, morals shift and so many other things leave us grappling with loss. These are all things we love and by loving we open ourselves to great suffering, but if we avoid suffering we will never experience the joy of loving. Liz emphasized how we need to respond to all of these losses with honesty not avoidance, compassion not judgment, hope not despair, courage not fear and risk not defense and allow God to walk with us and guide us through those hard places.
Several of the women shared that they received new insights from the presentation and the materials presented, plus the small group discussions were very helpful. They appreciated the excellent presentation by Liz and felt she related to all.
Men’s Retreat
The men’s retreat focused on God’s Purpose for Every Man. Dr. James Prette explored some of the main messages found in the Apostle Paul’s New Testament Letter to Titus. The elder (Paul) writes to his younger protégé (Titus) and gives him a vision for God’s purpose for every man. That vision is for every man to grow in wisdom and maturity and take his place in servant leadership in the Kingdom of God.
Dr. Prette challenged the men to find places of service in our church, to be mentored and find someone to mentor, love our communities (families, churches and neighborhoods) and grow in our relationship with God. These ideas were explored through several sessions with inspiring, humorous teaching, a resource handout for personal notes, interactive, responsive discussions and follow up questions which participants can use for continued personal meditation or group studies.
Several men shared that they gained a new and excellent perspective on Paul’s letter to Titus. The topic was well presented and was applicable to their lives. They especially enjoyed interacting with the other men.
Please join us at PebbleCreek Community Church each week on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. in the Eagle’s Nest Ballroom.