Our all-church retreat, “God’s Luau,” will be held August 24-26 at Pilgrim Firs. Registration is underway and forms can be found in the Narthex or on the church website. Joining us this year as our featured speaker and workshop leader is the Rev. Dr. Donald Schmidt pastor at the Admiral Congregational United Church of Christ in West Seattle.
Many of you might know Donald because he has been with us at some of our retreats and has preached at our church in the past. Donald holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Wisdom University in San Francisco. He has published many articles, several books, and curricula, and is involved with a new Bible translation project being undertaken by the United Methodist Publishing House.
When Donald was called to Admiral Congregational Church, the chair of the search committee said, “Donald’s great energy, musical abilities, and his ‘Aloha’ way of being is what made him a great match for us,” Donald lived in rural Oahu, and some of its culture has stayed with him. He plays the ukulele (and guitar) and often greets people with a hearty “Aloha” welcome. That’s the spirit Donald will bring to our retreat.
Donald will lead two workshops on Saturday, Aug. 25. The first will focus on the theme God’s Luau as he talks about celebrating all that God has provided. His presentation will include some stories of his time in Hawaii and some Hawaiian songs. In the afternoon he will talk about how God is woven into our lives as he leads us in weaving our own baskets. Child programs and care will be provided on Saturday starting after breakfast until dinner.
We begin the retreat Friday, Aug. 24 with cabin assignments from 4:30 to 5:30 followed by dinner at 6:00. We will have some getting-in-the-Hawaiian-spirit activities after dinner and a murder mystery later that evening. Please contact John Bowden (jbow57@yahoo.com or 956-9888) if you’d like to have a role in the murder mystery.
Be sure to wear your Hawaiian attire. Bring your ukulele and other instruments and be part of a ukulele choir. Relax and enjoy the outdoors and wonderful conversation with friends. Besides the two workshops on Saturday, we will have various crafts, field games, Vespers, and the always enjoyable Talent/No Talent Show. This year we will begin with a Children’s Talent Show before a brief intermission. Start planning your skit, jokes, musical offering – whatever your talent might be – now. We will love whatever you have to share. We conclude with a Sunday morning service.
Registrations are due by July 31. Please sign up as soon as possible so we can plan to accommodate all that want to attend one of the most fantastic events of the Summer. Information and registration forms can be found on the web or in the Narthex at The United Churches.
Please contact Sandee Sennes (360-705-4251) or Jinny Beekman (360-970-5188) if you have any questions. Aloha!
JUN
