John Roddam Spencer Stanhope (1829-1908), 1877
Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain
What was it like for those caught up in the grip of darkness to be called by the Lord into the glorious light of freedom? To be freed from bondage into wholeness, love, and life?
Designed for a wide audience, from beginners to the seasoned believer, this two or three day retreat will explore the stories of Eve, Potiphar’s Wife, Mary of Magdala, Lydia, The Woman Caught in Adultery, and Jarius’ Daughter, and the choices they made–whether to respond to God’s light, or to turn towards darkness.
Saturday will feature an interactive workshop on recognizing the conflict between darkness and light in the spiritual realm, and how to stand firm in the power of God’s Spirit and word. “Fear not,” Jesus reassured His disciples, and us today, “For I have overcome.” For the three day retreat, we will close with a time of worship, teaching, and prayer Sunday morning.
Bible studies and devotionals for each of the characters will provide further study for the weeks following this retreat.
FRIDAY
6:30pm – Registration/fellowship
7-7:30pm – Worship with song
TALK 7:30-8:30pm – “Fruit of the Tree”
DISCUSSION* 8:30-9pm – Discussion groups
SATURDAY
[DEVOTIONAL] – Participants may do on their own time, either during the retreat for quiet time, or after the retreat for further study
8:30 – Breakfast
9:30-10am – Worship with song
TALK 10-10:45am – “From Darkness to Light”
DISCUSSION* 11-11:45am – Discussion groups
12noon – Lunch
WORKSHOP 1-3pm – “Stand in the Light”
6pm – Dinner
TALK 7-8pm – “Living in the Light”
DISCUSSION* 8:15-8:45pm –Discussion groups
8:45-9pm – Worship in Song
*Training videos and materials are available for discussion group facilitators in prepartion for the retreats, combined with a one hour session with Joanne Friday, before retreat begins
SUNDAY
[DEVOTIONAL] – Participants may do on their own time, either during the retreat for quiet time, or after the retreat for further study
8:30 – Breakfast
9:30-10am – Worship with song
PROGRAM 10-11am Participants share how God met them over the weekend (Joanne, facilitator)
TALK 11-11:30am – “The Light of Love”
Through a unique blend of Bible study, discussion, personal reflection, and interactive workshops, relevant historical background is presented, understanding provided, and emotional connection offered. Through it all, encouragement is given to learn and live out the truths of scripture.