2022 FLOCK Recap
Although it’s hard to believe, it’s been a month since we gathered at Conference Point Center in Williams Bay, Wisconsin for our 3rd FLOCK Retreat! We thought we’d give a quick recap here, for those who attended and may want to reminisce, as well as for those who were unable to join us.
We welcomed the women on Friday evening, November 4th on a chilly, rainy night. Both the main floor and second floor fireplaces were burning bright and welcomed our weekend guests with blazing warmth and an invitation to cozy up for the following two days. Shortly after all of the women had settled into their rooms (76 in total), our pizzas arrived – homemade from the dining hall kitchen right on the grounds of the conference center! – and they were absolutely delicious. The main conference room, located right in Soderquist Lodge where all attendees stayed, was abuzz with chatter from the women, conversations being shared between both new and old friends.
There was a break in the rain long enough for a campfire to be started just outside the lodge – some took advantage of that while others stayed in and made indoor s’mores, played board games or simply chatted around one of the fireplaces. We could not wait for the women to wake up to take in the incredible view which awaited them in the morning!
The next morning we awoke to a truly fall sky of deep gray clouds, more November rain and white caps on Geneva Lake from the wind – completely fitting considering that our “Refuge + Strength” theme would refer quite often to the “storms” of life throughout the day. After filling our bellies with an incredible breakfast at the dining hall, we settled in our places in the conference room and began our official program for the day. Amanda Rose kept the day moving with her top-notch emcee skills and also added incredible beauty to the event with her piano playing and amazing voice.
Mel Kreuser began the day with a presentation on strength, looking at different people in the Bible who displayed strength that could have only been provided by the Lord. Juli Hesse continued on covering the topic of “refuge”, leading us through different Bible passages which described the refuge we can only find in our heavenly Father and the simple truths which we can focus on in our homes, creating an earthly place of refuge for us and our families. The “presentation” portion of the day was wrapped up by Sarah Reik who covered different psychological strategies empowered by God’s Word to deal with stress and anxiety as it relates to feelings of worthlessness and fearfulness.
After another wonderful meal in the dining hall, the women gathered back in the main conference room for a fun night of Bible trivia! The room was transformed into truly an entertainment hub, with colored lights and upbeat music. A popcorn bar was opened with multiple kinds of popcorn and special fixings to add in. The retreat attendees were encouraged to group themselves and come up with a fun team name. Ashley Evans did a great job leading the trivia and keeping all of us in line ;) Two planned rounds of trivia ended up in a three-way tie, eventually leading to a popcorn throwing contest which led to lots of laughs (and popcorn on the floor). It was a super fun night and a great way to relax and connect with each other.
We all enjoyed our “extra hour” as we turned our clocks backward and woke up to weather on Sunday morning which could not have been more of a contrast to the day before. A clear, bright sky and an absolutely gorgeous sunrise over the lake greeted us as we opened our eyes – truly a gift from God.
After enjoying one last meal in the dining hall, we met for our final gathering and Mel spoke some farewell words, encouraging each of the women to embrace the strength and refuge that God has given her, along with her gifts, and journey forward into the work He has prepared for each of them. “We Can’t Stay Here” was the theme, recalling the story of the Transfiguration and Peter’s desire to set up tents for Jesus, Moses and Elijah. Amanda then sang a most perfect song for the occasion (“Into the Sea” by Tasha Layton) and Marilyn Sievert said a few words of thanks to the Holy Hen House team.
We left with full hearts (and a few tears) that Sunday and praised God for such an inspirational and faith-filled weekend. Conference Point Center was absolutely wonderful to us (and were astonished by how much coffee we drank!) and we are so thankful to them for all of their work in helping the weekend to run as smoothly as it did. We pray that all of the women who attended were encouraged and that the assurances of faith they received that weekend remain with them long into the future.
With much love and unending joy,
Retreat images taken by DEVON ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY