Retreats:Devotion
Of course, when you are together with your sisters in Christ you need a balance between silly and serious. There are those wonderful moments when you are able to go before the throne as a unit, when you are able to encourage each other in your relationship with God and when you are able to nurture and encourage each other.
Your speaker will likely set the tone for your spiritual themes. Hopefully they will offer you and your group ways to integrate their lessons whether it be through discussion questions or illustrative activities. Either way, you can add some simple activities that can really benefit your sisters' spirits. Here are some we have used in the past: Counting Our BlessingsBefore the activity, or part of the decorations, have clear stones (25-30 per table) scattered on each of the tables. Also have a large, clear vase half-way full of water and sitting in a pan or shallow dish sitting at the front or in the middle of the room. Cover the dish in some what with a cloth, so that it looks like it is bunched at the base of the vase.
Have the ladies take 30 seconds and list as many blessings as they can. After listing their blessings, have each lady take as many stones as blessings they have listed. Then, have one lady collect the stones from each lady at their table. Describe how the vase represented each of us, and the water is the grace that God has given us when we became Christians. Then, have a representative from each table bring the "blessing" stones from their table and poured them into the vase. It won't take too many stones for the water to start to overflow, representing how we are given immeasurably more than we could imagine, even to overflowing. Tip: Make sure that you have enough water in the vase that the stones will overflow it. The water will overflow into the hidden dish, so also make sure that is deep enough to catch the water you place in the vase. Casting Our CaresA poingnant illustartion is to have the ladies take flat stones and write with a permanent marker the things weighing on each of their hearts. Then, after a time of reflection the group can cast their stones in a nearby lake or ocean (if you have one handy). This is a wonderful way to "cast your burdens on him, because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)
Scripture ShareA time to simply share quoted, memorized or read scripture is wonderful way to bring sisters together. By candlelight, or outdoors is a way to add an element of meaning to this activity.
Sharing Life LessonsA time to quickly share something God has been faithful about in a number of the lives of your ladies. Make sure to specify to keep their sharing short, no more than 1-2 minutes so that others have a moment to share. A variation of this may be to already have selected a number of ladies who would be willing to share for the same amount of time, rather than opening the floor for anyone to do so.
Small or Breakout GroupsWhether during the course of your day, or perhaps on Sunday morning for the Lord's Supper (if your retreat meets overnight Saturday night), you can encourage your ladies to meet in small groups to share and pray together. You can also create discussion questions based on the lessons, and allow time in the schedule for your ladies to verbally process what they have learned and what they have to add to the lessons.
As a speaker, I think this is where the best lessons are taught. Late Night or Sunrise DevotionalsLate nights are not always good for everyone joining you for a Ladies Retreat, but chances are there are a few who would love to get together after things have calmed down or before the busyness starts for a time of scripture and prayer.
Prayer LineSet up a line with string and clothespins in a prominant place. Provide a basket of blank cards and a few pens. Encourage your ladies to place their prayers for themselves or others throughout the weekend.
To share these, you can ask ladies to take prayers from the line home with and commit to pray for that request. You can also intergrate this into an early mornign or late night devotional near the end of your time together. |
Courtney Kendall Steed
I'd love for you to join me at my blog, where I want to keep the encouragmeent and inspiration of my fellow sisters going. See you there!
Fresh Ideas:
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Do you have other ideas of ways to incorporate devtional activities into time with your sisters?
Let me know, and I will share them here. I know your fellow planners will be blessed with your sharing.
Let me know, and I will share them here. I know your fellow planners will be blessed with your sharing.
