Covenant Family Retreat
A Retreat for the church family….
As part of our church community, when was the last time you had some time to listen to the testimony of the person down the pew from you? Do you wish for an extra hour to get to know someone else in the church but just can’t seem to find the “right” time? Do you sometimes wonder if anyone else is going through what you’re going through--what wisdom/encouragement they might offer?
“…there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18
In the tradition of our Bible-centered and Reformed teachings, the Christian Education Committee will sponsor a Covenant Family Retreat this fall. This weekend retreat, led by Dr. Gordon Reed, offers a unique opportunity to “unplug” from the daily routine and pressures of life and enjoy time together, as a church family, in worship, teaching, fellowship and prayer. We’ll explore a scriptural basis for intentional community and deepen our understanding of what it means to invest ourselves in one another’s lives, for the sake of Christ.
Who? This weekend is designed for covenant believers of White Oak ARP Church of all ages and stages of life. For those families with children, or grandchildren, childcare will be provided. Separate sessions and activities for youth will be coordinated by Jonathan and Betsy Salzmann.
What? With sessions in the mornings and evenings, Saturday afternoon is left open for free time. We’ll provide a continental breakfast both mornings, enjoy Saturday lunch in Bonclarken’s Dining Hall, grill out by the Lake for dinner, then top off the evening with s’mores and a bonfire. There is much to do in Bonclarken and the surrounding areas -- whether you prefer hiking to the top of Chimney Rock, exploring downtown Hendersonville, or enjoying activities around Bonclarken, you’ll have lots of options! Add all of that to a weekend of great teaching, fellowship and food -- you’ve got one super weekend!
When? The retreat will begin Friday, October 31st at 7:00 pm, and conclude after morning worship on Sunday, November 2nd.
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer….All the believers were one in heart and mind.” Acts 2-4
Where? Bonclarken, our denominational Retreat and Conference center in Flat Rock, NC. We have a limited number of rooms reserved in “The Lodge”, Bonclarken’s newest housing facility. Adjoining rooms can be arranged for families wishing to reserve more than one room. Cots and mattresses are available for young children, if desired.
How much? The retreat package includes four sessions, two nights’ lodging and four meals. The package rate, per room, is $200. A $25 deposit is due with your registration form August 1st, with the remaining $175 due October 1st.
Because we’re aware that the cost of this weekend can be an obstacle for families, please be encouraged to speak with Marana Basie, on a confidential basis, regarding funding availability. Resources are available. Your interest would be a blessing to those who wish to help make this retreat as feasible as possible for your family. So, PLEASE, don’t let $ keep you from being a part of this incredible weekend!
For more info., contact Marana Basie (706-616-2044) or any member of the Christian Education Committee.
Dr.
Gordon Reed
We are delighted to welcome Dr. Gordon Reed, our Guest Speaker, and his wife, Miriam as they join us for the weekend!
A native of Tennessee, Dr. Reed has pastored multiple Presbyterian churches throughout the Southeast, including Wee Kirk Church, Atlanta; Second Presbyterian Church, Greenville; First Presbyterian Church, Macon; and, most recently, Christ Church, Evans, GA. In addition to these pastorates, he served as Founding Administrator of Ridge Haven Conference Center, Brevard, North Carolina, Professor and Administrator at Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS) in Jackson, Mississippi, Adjunct Professor at Knox Theological Seminary and Founder and Minister of Word Ministries, Inc. Dr. Reed’s publication credits include six books and numerous articles in periodicals, also serving as a contributing editor for “Christian Observer” and “Presbyterian Journal”. He served on the Committee of Forty to Organize the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), now the largest evangelical Presbyterian denomination in the world. In addition to these areas of ministry, Dr. Reed has also been a conference speaker in 15 different states plus Belize and Japan!
Dr. Reed, and his wife, Miriam, look forward to celebrating their 54th wedding anniversary in May. As a family, the Reeds are blessed with 5 children (plus their spouses), 14 grandchildren (plus their spouses), and 2 great-grandchildren.
Bonclarken Conference Center
500 Pine Drive, Flat Rock, NC 28731
GPS address: 5 Pine Drive, Flat Rock, NC 28731
Phone: (828) 692-2223
Website: www.bonclarken.com
Driving
Directions
From Atlanta, GA – follow Interstate 85 North into South Carolina. Take Exit 44B (White Horse Road / Hwy 25). At the end of the exit ramp, turn left on White Horse Road / Hwy 25 North. Follow this road completely around Greenville and then into North Carolina to Exit 5 (Flat Rock exit). At the end of the exit ramp, turn left onto Hwy 225. Continue straight through two traffic lights, the Bonclarken main entrance on the right (approximately four miles from the exit).
Check-In
Check-in begins at 4:00 pm and check-out time is 12:00 noon. Dress casually, bring your Bible and come prepared for a one-of-a-kind, not-to-be missed weekend!
White
Oak Presbyterian is a church committed to glorifying God and
enjoying Him forever. Toward this end, White Oak emphasizes meeting
people's spiritual needs through accurate Biblical preaching and
teaching from the Reformed perspective, maintaining a friendly,
family oriented atmosphere and sense of community, and actively
proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ through home and foreign
missions.
Sponsored by
The Christian Education Committee
White Oak ARP Church