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Over 60 people attended the SoulJourners Retreat held September 14-16, 2010, at the Franciscan Retreat Center in Colorado Springs. All were inspired by our retreat leaders, Dr. Judith Todd and Rev. Valerie Isenhower, co-founders of Water in the Desert Ministries: A Center for Christian Spiritual Renewal based in Albuquerque, NM. Judith and Val shared responsibility for developing the retreat theme, Thirsting for God, during four sessions: Called Across the River (Joshua 3:15-17); A Wellspring of Living Water (John 4:13-14); Water for Healing (John 5:2-6); and Water in the Desert (Isaiah 43:18-19). Their passion for ministry was evident throughout the retreat, and we all were imbued with a fresh understanding of the Gospel’s message for the power of healing waters.
Four workshops were offered during the retreat. Judith delighted us with stories of Rahab (Joshua 2) and the woman with the alabaster jar in Luke 7 and encouraged us to explore ways in which these two women presented aspects of our own faith journeys and choices. Val challenged us to consider photography as a tool for quenching our thirst for God in non-verbal ways. Karen Pinkham shared her experiences from an ABCRM mission trip to Thailand through poignant stories and colorful slides. In addition, Dan Schweissing presented an overview of the many ways American Baptists are ministering to refugees from Burma and other countries here in the Rocky Mountain region. Everyone found having to select only two of these offerings was challenging indeed.
Our worship experience was raised to a new level with Anne Jernberg, Pastor at Calvary Baptist Church, as worship leader and Kevin Padworski, Director of Music at Calvary Baptist Church, who accompanied group singing on the keyboard. It was inspiring to share in worship with these dedicated and talented professionals.
In addition to the numerous opportunities to expand our perspectives and to worship in fresh and inspiring ways, greeting old friends, indulging in mounds of ice cream and taking time for quiet reflection all make the SoulJourners Retreat an event that many look forward to attending year after year.
Planners for this retreat were Mason Brown, Anne Jernberg, Bill Mankin, Ken and Karen Pinkham, Larry VanSpriell, Carol Willard and Jim Witt.
We are deeply grateful for all who helped make this retreat an exciting event!
Tam VanSpriell, John Pipe
Co-chairs of the SoulJourners Planning Committee
2010 SoulJourners Report
2009 SoulJourners Report
2008 SoulJourners Report
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