Almost 200 women and young women were rejuvenated at the Upper Columbia Conference Women’s Retreat held in October at Camp MiVoden at Hayden Lake, Idaho.
The theme, "Confident," was based on Phil. 1:6 which says, “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Jo Ann Davison, Andrews University professor, was the main speaker. “I still remember a talk she gave on the Sabbath many years ago,” says Patty Marsh, Upper Columbia Conference women’s ministries director. “Her rich biblical knowledge given in such a practical way is so inspiring to our relationship with Jesus.”
Davison also provided the young women a Q-and-A time during their Sunday breakout session.
Vocalist and violinist Margie Salcedo Rice shared her incredible musical talents throughout the weekend along with a mini concert and breakout session on conflict resolution.
Other breakout sessions included "Joy in the Journey" by Becky Chen, "The Power to Conquer Heart Disease" and "Legacy of Health" by Anabel Facemire, "Journaling the Psalms" by Patti Hoover and “Bringing the Bible to Life (With Art)” by Sara Peterson.
The young women’s Sabbath breakout sessions were provided by Nancy Manente.
The praise team included Kristi Browning, Heather Benado, Olivia Shrock, Carla Peavey, Natalie Patzer and Tracy Tupper. They led hymns and praise songs before each main meeting, including the theme song, “He Who Began a Good Work in You,” written by Steve Green.
There was a little something for everyone including a relaxing Saturday evening with choices from swimming, crafts and games. For those interested, 90 names were drawn to receive a paraffin hand treatment and 10-minute head-and-neck massages during the spa time organized by Margie Wilfley, a Spokane-area massage therapist. “The spa treatment is such a wonderful addition to the weekend,” one attendee said.
One of the best parts for many was not having to cook or clean. “Since this weekend is designed as a retreat to enrich and inspire the ladies to increase their focused-time with God, we don’t want to have them worrying about some of the tasks they probably have to do at home,” Marsh explains. “We also provide a prayer room where they can write down prayer requests for our prayer warriors to pray over or pray with someone at that time. The power of prayer is an incredible experience for all.”
Plan now to attend the 2016 women’s ministries events. The spring Women’s One Day Retreat is scheduled for Sabbath, May 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the conference office. The fall Women’s Retreat at Camp MiVoden is scheduled for Oct. 21–23. Online registration is available, and you can also register someone as a gift.
Audio files of this year's Women's Retreat at Camp MiVoden with Jo Ann Davidson's talks is available online. For more information about the 2016 events for children’s and women’s ministries or Adventist Community Service and Disaster Response, or to request a CD of the main sessions by Jo Ann Davison, please contact Tamara Terry at tamarat@uccsda.org.
Jo Ann Davidson gives practical ways to live for Christ.
A Sabbath evening spa supper with elaborate table decorations provides a weekend highlight.
Decorations for the weekend underscore how we can be confident in Christ.
Spokane South Hill Church women attend the weekend retreat at Camp MiVoden.
