The annual Church of Christ Ladies Retreat was held Oct. 27^th and 28^th at Kavanaugh Conference and Retreat Center in Crestwood, KY.  We have been meeting there for over 20 years and this was the 27^th Retreat.

Our theme was ‘The Joy of the Lord’ and our theme song was ‘The Joy of the Lord is My Strength’.  We had 48 ladies in attendance and knew of several who had registered but were prevented from attending because of health issues.

A rainy Friday evening did not dampen the spirits.  Friday night (after a delicious pitch-in dinner – with great variety) was dedicated to getting acquainted.  The ladies were divided into 6 tables and the first game pitted one table against another.  Two tables were given one ‘word’ and had to come up with a song containing that word and sing (or say) at least 8 words from the song.  The songs went back and forth between the two tables and the table that could not come up with a song in one minute became the loser.  Some of the ‘words’ prompted up to 12 or 15 different songs and there was much laughter involved.  Another activity was writing down one true statement about yourself and one made up statement.  The others at the table then had to guess which one was the true statement.  This sparked a lot of conversation among those seated at the table.

It has always been our practice to end Friday night with a Prayer Circle with the lights out.  This is always a spiritually uplifting time with some starting hymns and praise songs, some giving testimony, and some praying.  It usually lasts close to an hour before we dismiss and head for bed.

  Saturday morning was met with no rain but rather chilly temperatures. Breakfast foods and coffee, hot tea, and orange juice were dispensed of in short order.  Our first speaker was Karen Johnson, wife of Sellersburg Church of Christ Minister, David Johnson. Karen’s subject was ‘The Joy in Our Faith and Trust’. Second speaker of the day was Tammy Miller, who attends Ky. Ave. Church of Christ.

Tammy’s subject was ‘Hope and Joy in Our Daily Living’.  It was obvious that both of these ladies had prepared well and both speeches were encouraging and enjoyable to hear.

Third speaker this year was Sis. Joy Garrett, retired Missionary to Zimbabwe.  Sis. Joy’s speech was ‘Our Eternal Joy’ and she listed and quoted many scriptures regarding the end time and the joy we would be welcoming.  She finished a bit early and took questions, which turned out to be more about her experience as a Missionary in Zimbabwe than her subject.  But all enjoyed her answers.

The singing is always wonderful when these ladies get together and we had one special quartet that was very enjoyable.  Joan Marsh did much of our song leading.

We ended with everyone joining hands and singing ‘Blest Be the Tie That Binds’ and Dana Druin closed with prayer.  It seems that every year we hear comments about ‘this year was the best ever’.  This time away from the everyday living is an encouragement to all that attend.

Submitted by Sandra Naugle, (Retreat Committee Member)