September 23-24, 2023
(Sept. 22 evening optional)
2022 Women's Retreat Recap
Theme:
KINGDOM CALLING
Join us at this year's Women's Retreat to explore God's glorious Kingdom Calling. His ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:9) and yet He calls each of us to live out His upside-down kingdom calling daily. We'll look at some of the ways He calls us to live counter-culturally including (but not limited to): rest, waiting well, loving the lost and the least, and confidently walking in His purposes for our lives every single day.
Service Project:
DIAPER DRIVE FOR
This year, we are dedicating some time and supplies in service to the Obria Clinic in Ames, who is dedicated to helping expectant mothers in need in our community. They are in constant need of diapers of any size. Please bring a package of diapers that we will bless them with. We will spend a little time writing short notes to accompany each package of diapers to encourage the mom and bless the little one. Additionally, we will take a free-will offering to provide monetary support to a specific Obria patient in particular need. **This is NOT required for participation in our Women's Retreat.**
Guest Speaker,
Julie Van Hove
About Julie...
Julie and her husband, Jason, live in Story City with their 3 kids. She has worked in various ministries for over 25 years, 13 of which have been at Harvest Vineyard Church in Ames. She started Defined Ministries in September 2021 where she partners with God to radically
launch individuals into living freely in their God-given purposes when defined by Him alone. Julie loves to travel anywhere (but especially with family to National Parks), be with friends (but especially with an iced coffee in hand) and get creative (but especially creating memories).
You don't want to miss out on the fun and fellowship we have in store this year! We can't wait to see you in just a few weeks!
Back by popular demand - the Friday evening option! If you can, come early and spend the evening in a way that best suits your needs. The Friday evening option includes heavy hors d'oeuvres, fellowship, and lodging; but, if your soul desires extra rest and not-so-much socialization, grab some food and escape to your cabin early!
What to Expect:
As mentioned earlier, we will have an optional Friday evening add-on for this year's retreat. We will prepare delicious heavy hors d'oeuvres and a guided activity for the later evening. The activity is completely optional - we anticipate some participants may equally appreciate the opportunity to pick up their food and retreat for some alone-time elsewhere on camp, or may just desire to get some extra rest. There is no wrong way to spend your time. After all, this is your time and we want to you enjoy yourself fully and be restored! Adding the Friday evening option is $25 for those staying at camp as well as for commuters.
We will gather beginning at 8:30am on Saturday for our first session. Breakfast refreshments will be available and you can plan on plenty of hot coffee and tea all weekend long!
Registration will include a seat at all speaker sessions, small group studies, worship, three meals on Saturday, two meals on Sunday, snacks, an array of free-time options, a bountiful pouring on of encouragement and inspiration, as well as so much more. Be sure to mark this on registration so we can include you as we prepare and schedule those optional activities. Your registration and cost options are:
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Arrive Saturday morning, staying overnight at Riverside = $100
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Arrive Saturday morning, staying off-site but attending Sunday = $90
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SATURDAY ONLY registration, no lodging = $80
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Friday Add-On (whether or not staying onsite) = $25
General Itinerary
SATURDAY
8:30-9:00am Check-in with refreshments
9:00am First session
11:15am Small group discussions
12:00pm Lunch
1:00-4:00pm Free time activities
4:00pm Regather - Coffee bar and service project
5:00pm Session #2
6:45pm Large group photo and supper
7:45pm Prayer service
9:00pm-ish Campfire with smores
SUNDAY
7:30-9:00am Outdoor breakfast or dining hall bfast
9:00am Session #3
10:15am Small group discussions
11:00am Regather and closing, ministry time
11:30am Lunch and depart
12:15pm-? Camp store open
LODGING
As usual, you will have the ability to stay right here in one of our cozy cabins on camp. We anticipate that groups of ladies will register together and we encourage that - this will allow us to place you and your close peers in a cabin together. There will be a Cabinmate request section in registration that you will want to complete if you have specific people you'd like to be in a cabin with. No cabinmate request? No problem! You are not alone and we are excited for you to connect with your assigned cabinmates as well as the many other women who will be in attendance on this special weekend!
If you personally do not feel comfortable being in a cabin with ladies you do not know or if you'd prefer a hotel, you can check out lodging options right in nearby Story City or Ames.
ADDITIONAL COSTS (optional)
Horseback Trail Ride = $15
Craft Activity (floral hoop wreath) = $8
Please email or call Cheri, our Associate Director, if you have any questions!
Cheri@RiversideLBC.org or ph. 515-733-5271