Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church Women's 27th Annual Retreat - By: Kathy Halligan
If you have been to any worship service or event at BELC, you are immediately aware of how involved in ministry are the women’s groups. There are 3 vibrant Circles (Friendship, Harmony, and Rainbow) of women who support SO many ministries (Katie’s Fund, Punks with Lunch, Samaritas, the Soup Kitchen, Women’s Resource Center, LWR Disaster Relief, Hospice) just to name a few. The group also gives to so many worthy causes with the gifts of our labors—FAB (needle crafts), Quilting, BELC Food Bank, Faith, Family, Fun Day—because of the on-going needs in these ministries.
Near the end of April, the women of Bethlehem (sisters, mothers, daughters, grandmothers, and our women friends) gathered at Beechpoint Christian Camp and Retreat Center in Allegan, MI. This gathering was our 27th Retreat. Pastor Joan Herbon was our guest speaker, giving us this message: "Nevertheless…JOY!" She was dynamic, sweet, bold, encouraging, thought-provoking, and always seemed to be smiling.
The weekend was full of games, good food, devotions, crafts, sharing … and candy … lots and lots of candy! Renewal of commitment to our God, our beliefs, and each other made this weekend amazing.
If you have never attended this Retreat I would encourage you to spend the next year giving it some serious thought. If you used to attend and haven’t in years … come again … you are missed.
“Rejoice in the Lord always! Again, I will say, Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4a
