Joy in Arizona Autumn Retreats
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rizona Women’s and Men’s Ministries have been active this past autumn. Fall retreats, breakfasts, and other connections provided opportunities for fellowship and communion. A men’s retreat with the theme “Abide” was held Sept. 24 to 26 at Camp Yavapines in Prescott, Arizona, and a women’s retreat with the theme “The Joy of Service” was held Oct. 10 at the Glendale church in Phoenix, Arizona. Each event had over 60 participants in attendance. The September men’s retreat was staged in the refreshing pine setting of Camp Yavapines. Pastors Gary Venden and Eddie Turner shared presentations on abiding with Christ alone every morning, seeking intimacy through the Bible, prayer, and service as described in John 15:1-5. Pastors John Schachinger and Venden shared in the ministry of music, and Martin Feldbush provided inspirational thoughts for early morning prayer. Along with the energy and talent of Chef Cody Blake, the men returned home well fed, both physically and spiritually. At the October women’s retreat, Marilynn Venden used 1 Corinthians 13:13 as a foundation for her presentation on how joy is found. She discussed the process of focusing on being the blessing rather than looking for a blessing. That process includes “hanging out” with Jesus, loving everyone, and listening for Jesus’ whispers to be ready to act. As the women filed into the gymnasium at Glenview Adventist Academy, rows and rows of lights and fall decor brightened spirits. Retreat coordinator Sylvia Hayashi had arranged for powerful speakers and
20 Pacific Union Recorder
Arizona Conference
presenters. Dawn Goad opened the retreat with a heartfelt devotional relating her experiences seeking Jesus as a frontline medical defense worker fighting COVID. Vocalist Ashley Snedden, pianist Jeremy Snedden, cellist Kim Wall, and violinist Shae Wall shared their talents as they provided beautiful, original worship music. Cooki Peverini taught a wonderful workshop on flower arranging. Chef Elba Martin shared her talents with an amazing vegan breakfast and lunch. The attendees all left full of Jesus’ joy, female companionship, and armfuls of pumpkins, favors, and flowers, as well as a beautiful towel to remind them of a special communion. Members of the Arizona Conference look forward to many more activities in the future. The year 2022 will be full of more opportunities to celebrate God and commune together. ____________________ By Tennille Feldbush
