Men's Fellowship Weekend – September 14th - 16th 2007

The "2007" Men's Retreat was an awesome experience. Good times were had by all. I want to thank the other eleven guys that took time out of their busy schedules to spend some quality time with other faithful brothers. I hope that our other brothers that couldn't make it this year, after hearing the stories will try for next year. A special thanks to Justin & Chris for driving the bus. We all waited with anticipation as our brothers on motorcycles (The Kingdom Riders) had a brrrrr-isk ride up. Their leader (Matt Howe) always has a great story about the ride and he did mention that the "Wild Hogs" got whipped into shape pretty good on the ride home. Sure is good having God watching over us. We started off with praises to God, Fellowship, and good eats. Then as the friendly "trash talks" started, so did the pairing up for the Euchre tournament. I'm sure the signals will be sharper by next year. We are not sure who won, but just ask anyone who played and you'll get a few different answers, as the rollover to Saturday night couldn't be avoided. The Bob Dutko rules were interpreted many different ways. Another special thanks to brothers Biff & Justin for their wonderful bible studies on being good servants and one anothering. The special prayers brought forth and the presence of the Holy Spirit was exciting. Each of us walked away a little bit closer to God and each other. We were able to take time for an excursion to the Amish Hardware Store where I saw smiles and heard laughter from all. There was something about those little wooden boxes and mice that got everyone's attention as well as John Harden's special gift "The Illuminator" for his wife Dorothy. Another stop at the Amish furniture barn and then back towards home base. More friendly "trash" talk on the way back kept our transportation specialist, Justin with that sly grin on his face, remembering where those jabs came from. More good eats and time for some R & R. Good Fellowship and naps were in order. Pastor Bill made a "secret" trip into town, only to return with some "long johns" for the ride home. Good move. We then did an exercise on team concept about an arctic survival. Each team did a great job and the debate lasted a couple of hours. All I know is that whatever the circumstances are, that this is the group of guys that I want to be with. General consensus was that we were glad to have Matt Howe along on the Arctic Adventure. There's something about snaring a Caribou with an innertube and carving it up for food with a mirror that intrigued us all. The evening wound down with a comedy DVD, more cards and munchies. You could just see the tension and stress from everyone's everyday activities had faded away. The next morning as we scurried around getting ready for the journey home, Matt Coleman was heading out to the woods for signs of Deer and Bear. Hopefully not taking Chris's advice about carry along some smoked salmon with him. When everyone made it to church that afternoon you could just see that everyone had had a great time. Each on of us had a little more spring in their step and something exciting to talk about. The service was electric. You could just feel the Holy Spirit taking over the service. Everyone seemed pumped up. The extra boost the men brought back from retreat got the entire congregation fired up. Thank you Lord for guiding us and helping us get to a new level of worship.

Psalm 146:5-6 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose HOPE is in the Lord his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them, the Lord who remains faithful forever

Thank you Lord for helping to renew our faith and to aid us in remembering to always keep our eyes upon you Lord. In Jesus precious name. AMEN!

Some quotes from the guys.

"Hey guys, what a great time we had at the 2007 Men's Retreat at the Glassford's cottage in Harrison. If you were unable to attend or couldn't, definitely plan on attending next year. Not only did we have a good time fellowship together [playing cards according to the "Dutko Rules" (Thanks M. Coleman/ Pastor for the insight)] but we also enjoyed the visiting shops of the Amish. Biff and Justin gave devotionals that seem to fit hand in hand and I believe had a great impact on all of us. The highlight of the weekend had to be the prayer time we had on Saturday. God was present during this time were walls were broken down and healing's were received in faith. I think everyone agreed that we walking on cloud nine after that. It definitely brought the men of this church closer together, like the "family" we truly are. Thanks guys for the great time....See ya around" Matthew Howe.

Going to the retreat was enjoyable and refreshing. I enjoyed fellowshipping with everyone, I especially enjoyed prayer, laying on of hands and the abundant presence of the Holy Spirit. Here are two scriptures that represent our time together. Psalm 131:1 and Romans 12:9-13" Matt Coleman