by Pastor Dan Baumgartner

Here’s an invitation that’s hard to resist! Slow down, reflect and pray, rediscover God’s presence. Meet new people, deepen relationships. Laugh, sing, play and rest. Enjoy the good company of other women ages 18 – 88 from every stage of life.

Can you imagine - No meals to fix, no e-mails, no endless driving around the city on errands? If you need quiet space for renewal and time to yourself, there’s a place for you. Or if you’re energized by people and doing activities there’s plenty going on.

No matter where we are on our journey of faith, a brand new Christian or mature in faith, there’s always more to explore about the incredible invitation to be in God’s presence.

This year our theme is “Our Stories ~ Remembering the past, Restoring the present and living the Rest of our Stories.” Two Bethany ladies, Marisa Gronholz and Cindy Palmer will share with us what they’re learning about stories and how reflecting on theirs has changed them. These gals are honest, down to earth women who are insightful, humorous, excited and humbled to lead us. We’ll be in the scriptures and have the chance to explore new ways of approaching our life’s story.

The setting is Camp Berachah about one hour south east of Seattle in Auburn. Lodging is very comfortable in Hillside Lodge where rooms feature a Queen and two single bunks with private bathrooms. All linens are provided!

Our meeting room is attached to Hillside Lodge. Meals and recreation are within easy walking distance. The camp features a huge gymnasium with everything from ping pong, to volleyball… and a heated swimming pool. If you love being outside you’ll find hiking trails, soccer fields, tracks, basketball and tennis courts. There’s plenty of level ground for quiet strolls after looking through the bookstore and enjoying a hot beverage at the coffee bar. If the weather cooperates we’re hoping for a campfire!

Full-time participation at the retreat ranges between $125 (if you have three roommates), $138 (with two roommates) or $190 (if you choose a private room). These prices include 5 home-style meals, lodging, a meeting room with audio visual equipment, use of recreation facilities, pool and coffee/tea service. We invite women to pay what they can. Some women contribute more so that other women can come on partial scholarships.

One night part-time and Saturday only packages are also available. Women have full lives and we want you to be able to come to as much of the retreat as possible. See registration for part-time cost details.

Sign ups for the retreat at the registration table in the Lobby on Sundays began March 14 and will continue through April 11, which is our deadline.

Now is the time to step up to help plan our retreat. We need artists and singers, poets and worship leaders, instrumentalists, small group leaders, registration hosts, supply Queen, emcee, crafts, sports enthusiasts, aerobic or yoga leader, ambiance for prayer room and many helping hands for setting up. Contact lindac@bethanypc.org.