What Going to Retreat Can Do for Your Disciples Women’s Ministries

Pat Oringderff, minister at FCC Luling, recently shared with me what going to retreat has meant to the Disciples Women’s Ministries program at her church. It is such a good story that, with her permission, I want to share it with you. 

At the Fall Retreat, 2008, FCC Luling had the highest percentage of new attendees, three “newbies” and Pat.  Apparently, it was a great experience for them.  They arrived back at church with great stories, and much enthusiasm.  As they talked about the weekend, another woman who hadn’t been able to attend the retreat, spoke up and suggested that they start getting together once a month in their homes.  She hosted first, then another, and now they are meeting monthly.  They started with fellowship and refreshments.

As the months have passed, the group has begun to develop into more than just fellowship. They have added an opening prayer, a devotional, and completed a service project.  At the April meeting, they made plans to start a cookbook fundraiser, and they are looking into study material to adopt for next year. Pat says that she has only offered a simple suggestion or two, and has stayed in the background and just watched it develop.

WOW!  And it all started with going to retreat! Without the experience of their first retreat, this new ministry might never have been formed.  Disciples Women’s Ministries is alive and well in Luling, Texas!

I challenge you to invite someone to come to retreat with you this next year.  See what miracles can happen!

BBA / LRGVD Disciples Women’s Retreat
September 25-27, 2009

Marilyn Petrick
BBA / LRGVD Coordinator