Memories from 2009 Retreat

Women's Retreat 2009

Last weekend our annual district Women's Retreat was held. Our theme this year was "Endurance." A record number of women attended this year's event which was held at the beautiful Calvary Chapel Conference Center in Murrieta, CA. Not only did we enjoy a time of spiritual refreshment and renewal, we also enjoyed making new friends and renewing old aquaintances. Laughter and tears bonded us together as sisters in Christ. It was a great weekend!

In this beautiful and relaxing setting, we were daily challenged from God's Word. In the Friday evening session, Kelly spoke to us about "God's Enduring Love." (1John 4:7-8) She reminded us about the vastness of God's love--that He loved us even before we repented of our sins; that God authors love--for He is love! She reminded us repeatedly that we can do nothing to deserve God's enduring love, we just need to receive it. And, as believers in Jesus, we are to be committed to Jesus, God's dear Son, and only then will we truly begin to know how to love. On Saturday morning, Kelly shared with us about "The Enduring Word." She told us of the importance of knowing God through His Word. The Bible--God's enduring Word-- is the mind of God on printed pages! God desires for us to know Him, to fellowship with Him, to comfort us, to teach us through His Word. Drawing near to God is not an option for the believer, it is a necessity--a discipline! We should pattern our life after that of Mary, one of an unspoken word--just sitting at Jesus' feet and listening and learning from Him.

On Saturday evening, Kelly talked about "Enduring Prayer." In this moving session, she led the entire group in a concert of prayer. Psalm 27:8 says, "My heart has heard you say, 'Come and talk with me.' And my heart responds, 'Lord, I am coming.' "

As Kelly recited the names of God-- written on a long scroll-- God began to reveal to us his holy attributes, and we responded in praise and adoration. But as we were led into the very presence of a Holy God, we bowed in humility and repentance and unworthiness. Not only did we confess our personal sins, but those of our families and our nation. We closed our time of prayer together in thanksgiving for what God has done for us through redemption, and also in interceding for those who are still resisting God's saving grace.In our final session, on Sunday morning, Kelly spoke from Hebrews 11:1 on "Enduring Faith." She told of the saints of old who walked faithfully with God regardless of the consequences. Once again, we were reminded that being convinced of who God is, helps us walk in faith through the good times and the bad. All the saints of old had two things in common: they knew the Word of God, and they knew the God of the Word!

Kelly challenged us:

1. to know Jesus--to listen to Him, to abide in Him
2. to be desperate for the living God, to be passionate about prayer
3. to stop dwelling on the past--to start walking by faith because of what Jesus has done for us
4. to live in the power of God's grace--to REJOICE!

Preparing for a Tea Party (slideshow #1)

Calvary Women's Ministry hosted a Tea Party for the women of our churches in California. It was a wonderful time of fun and fellowship. Enjoy the slideshow!

The Tea Party (slideshow #2)

All of the hard work and preparations were well worth it! With soothing, beautiful music in the background, the ladies had a wonderful time together at the tea party. Enjoy the slideshow of this event.

Part of the Master's Plan

God has a wonderful plan for each person's life! Jim and Marilyn (Calvary) have known John since he was a high school student in Africa. His father and mother were members of the tribe that the Ericksons worked with for many years. God blessed John and his family with a good education. Several years ago, John graduated from Seminary in Africa and desired to pursue further education. He was chosen by his church synod overseas to come to the USA for a higher degree. In June, he recieved his Master's degree.

John receiving his diploma: his Master's in Divinity
The proud and happy graduate!
Barbara (a friend) was the proud photographer.

Jim and John

Some of the excited and happy friends that were able to attend the graduation ceremony.
John has now returned to his home and family to follow God's leading as he serves the Master.

God's richest blessings on you John!

A Huge Step of Faith

Immanuel Church has taken a huge step of faith! They are raising funds for a well project in Africa. This small group of dedicated people have been praying and planning and raising money for the past many months and God is blessing and using them.

Because of his past experience in working with these types of projects, Jim was called on to give advice and insight.
Pastor Steve and Pastor Jim were collegues in Africa and continue to share their love for the peoples of those countries, and their desire to see these nations develop both spiritually and economically.
Immanuel Church has appreciated the help and concern of Pastor John as he has shared his heart for his homeland. His love for the Lord and the Word of God have strengthened the hearts of his fellow church members at Immanuel. We wish him God's blessings as he returns home.

Milestones

Pastor Henry, visitation pastor at Calvary CC, just celebrated his 89th birthday. Praise God for the many lives that have been touched by this godly man and his precious wife Shirley, and for the many years of ministry God has blessed them with! And no, he does not plan to retire any time soon!