When the tulips welcome spring and the shuffling leaves echo fall’s arrival, women from around the country gather for food, fun, fellowship, and finding out what God wants to teach them from his Word.
A tremendous opportunity is available for women in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church in 2010. Groups of churches and Presbyterials from coast to coast are offering retreats and Women’s Presbyterial meetings, which thrive on fellowship, prayer, and delving into the Scriptures.
Wonder how to better serve your family and your congregation? Think about giving a day, an evening, or even a weekend to attend one near to you. You can literally learn more to serve more.
Beginning this spring, consider attending at least one of the following events.
April 9-11
The Southern California OPC Women’s Retreat
Tahquitz Pines Conference Center, Idyllwild, California
- Elyse Fitzpatrick will speak on “Because He Loves Me” at the 28th annual Southern California OPC Women’s Retreat on April 9-11.
- The retreat will be held at the Tahquitz Pines Conference Center, 55251 S Circle Drive, Idyllwild, California.
- The retreat seeks to promote fellowship among the women of the presbytery, to educate them about OPC missionary endeavors at home and abroad, and to encourage missionaries through prayer and ministrations.
- Cost: $140 if registered by March 16; $160 if registered after March 16. The price includes lodging for two nights and five meals.
- For more information, contact Diana Post (562) 420-9258 or Elly deRu at (760) 728-5063.
April 15-17
The OPC Women’s Retreat of the Presbytery of New York and New England
Lakeside Conference Center, Pittsfield, Massachusetts
- “Spiritual Metamorphosis: Change—God’s Assignment for Growth” is the focus of the 16th annual OPC Women’s Retreat of the Presbytery of New York and New England.
- The retreat is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. Friday, April 15, through 1:45 p.m. Saturday, April 17 at the Lakeside Conference Center, 195 Cloverdale Street, Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
- Maureen Sutton, an adjunct professor of English Literature at Kean University in New Jersey and wife of Stan Sutton, pastor of Grace OPC in Westfield, New Jersey, will speak on “God’s purpose, God’s promise, and God’s process.” She is certified with the National Association of Nouthetic Counselors (NANC) and the Christian Counseling and Education Foundation (CCEF).
- Retreat workshops include “The Balance” by Debbie Chapa; “Great Shall Be the Peace of Your Children” by Pam Malkus, Kathy Scarbrough, and Cindy Gregson; and “A Journey Toward Praise: How to Read the Psalms for All They’re Worth” by Elizabeth Holmlund.
- Younger women will enjoy Janet Barker, who will speak on the “Secrets of Becoming a Happy Christian Woman” at a Young Women’s Workshop.
- Cost is $40 for adult, $25 for teens; and $34 for lodging at the Lakewood Lodge. Additional cost options also are available.
- Reservation deadline is April 5.
- For more information or to register, contact Cathy Beich at ctb18@rochester.rr.com or call (585) 964-5721.
May 8
Women’s Auxiliary of the Presbytery of Southern California
Bonita, California
- In sunny California, David Nakhla will speak about his recent trip to Haiti with OP missionary Ben Hopp at the Women’s Auxiliary of the Presbytery of Southern California.
- The event will begin at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, May 8, at Bonita OPC, 5111 Central Ave., Bonita, California.
- The women seek to promote fellowship among women within the presbytery, to educate about OPC missionary endeavors at home and abroad, and to encourage our missionaries through prayer and ministrations.
- The women will also work on a quilt to present to Steve and Linda Larson, our newest missionaries, on their departure to Uruguay in August.
- There is no cost.
- For more information, please contact Linda Pasarilla at lap@dslextreme.com or (714) 577-1180 or Suzanne Sanchez at suzanne0926@yahoo.com
September 24-25
The Ohio Presbytery Women’s Retreat
Camp Akita, Logan, Ohio
- Enjoy the beauty of creation and learn about serving others at Camp Akita, nestled in the scenic Hocking Hills of Southeastern Ohio, 45 miles south of Columbus. (www.campakita.org)
- The Ohio Presbytery Women’s Retreat will meet September 24-25 to provide an opportunity to build friendships among women so they can support one another within their congregations and across the presbytery.
- Tara Barthel, a nationally known speaker of Peacemaker Ministries and co-author of Peacemaking Women, with speak on “Women and Peacemaking—a Journey of Grace.” (www.tarabarthel.com)
- The retreat, sponsored by Redeemer OPC in Dayton, Ohio, seeks to help women find rest for their souls, build up in their faith, equip them in their various roles to serve God and others, and develop friendships with women from other churches in the presbytery.
- The cost is $75.
- For more information, please contact Barby Whalen, wpwhalen@sbcglobal.net or (937) 426-9965 and Harleen Dizer, hhdizer@woh.rr.com or (937) 912-5046.
October 8-9
The Presbytery of the Mid-Atlantic Ladies Retreat
Machen Retreat and Conference Center, McDowell, Virginia
- Gayle Ellis, the wife of Dick Ellis, pastor of Faith OPC in Elmer, New Jersey, will speak at a Ladies Retreat on October 8-9 at the Machen Retreat and Conference Center in McDowell, Virginia. (www.machen.org)
- Women from different churches in the Presbytery of the Mid-Atlantic and neighboring presbyteries are invited for fellowship and encouragement in the faith.
- Cost: $25 for Friday and Saturday; $15 for Saturday only
- For more information, contact: Karen Jones, lynnhavenhome@verizon.net or (540) 337-2785.
October 23
The Women’s Auxiliary of the Presbytery of Southern California
Torrance, California
- The Women’s Auxiliary of the Presbytery of Southern California will meet on October 23 at Branch of Hope Church, 2370 W. Carson St., Suite 100, Torrance, California.
- For more information, please contact Linda Pasarilla at lap@dslextreme.com or (714) 577-1180 or Suzanne Sanchez at suzanne0926@yahoo.com
