2010 Schedule for Paraclete Retreat Center

Rev. Dick Haynes, executive director of the Paraclete Retreat Center in Beanblossom, Ind., has released the 2010 retreat schedule.  If you are interested in attending one of these events, please contact the Center by email at rahaynes201@aol.com or by phone at (812) 988-2991.

More information is also available at the Paraclete web site, www.paracleteretreatcenter.org.

Di-Vine Secrets: Applying Spiritual Basics

Feb. 19-20, 2010

Do you understand how God is leading you? Learn the basic process of spiritual growth. Discover how to cooperate with what God is doing. Apply these principles in real-life practical ways. Cost is $65. The retreat begins Friday at 7:30 p.m. and ends Saturday at 4:00 p.m.

Re-Visit The Shack

March 5-6, 2010

You have read the book — Now it is time for you to “Re-visit the Shack.” Discover and share the impact of this award winning bestselling book with the purpose of enhancing your personal spiritual growth. Ask lingering questions. Understand deeper Christian faith. Discern what God is teaching you. Cost is $65. The retreat begins Friday at 7:30 p.m. and ends Saturday at 4:00 p.m.

Spiritual Memories: Writing Your Story

April 23-24, 2010

Everyone has been touched by God, but many do not know how to express that experience. At this retreat you will learn how to recall and actually write part of your story either for yourself, your children or for the book you want to pen. Cost is $65. The retreat begins Friday at 7:30 p.m. and ends Saturday at 4:00 p.m.

Paraclete Workdays

On both June 12 and 19, you can help restore the beauty and build the ministry of Paraclete. A variety of tasks will be needed. Cleaning, painting and mulching will help maintain the grounds and prepare the Center for others. No schedule, just come between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided.

Women’s Spiritual Life Retreat

August 6-7, 2010

This retreat is affectionately called “Play and Pray” because of the no program, come-any-time play day on Friday. Then on Saturday, learn and practice two different ways to pray. Totally relaxing and divinely inspiring! Cost is $65. The retreat begins Friday anytime and ends Saturday at 4:00 p.m.

A Christian Understanding of Dreams

November 12-13, 2010

This retreat is a review of the biblical, historical and contemporary use of dreams. Tools and techniques for dream understanding will be discussed. Participants are encouraged to bring individual dreams for clarification. Cost is $65. The retreat begins Friday at 7:30 p.m. and ends Saturday at 4:00 p.m.

Regional Board Explores Transformation During Retreat

The Regional Board of the Christian Church in Indiana met in retreat at Camp Camby on September 1-2, 2009.  The purpose of the retreat was to follow up on a proposal for a process leading to regional transformation that the Board approved the previous April.

During a brief business session, the Board received and approved a report from the Nominating Committee.  The Board approved the nominations of Kay Koenig to chair the Regional Assembly Time and Place Committee and Rebecca Zelensky to chair the Regional Assembly Planning Committee.  After the business session was concluded, the Board put its nose to the graindstone on transformation.

At its March 30 meeting, the Board voted to begin a journey toward transformation.  (Read the proposal presented to the Board in April.)  As a first step the Board acknowledged that an outside voice was needed to guide us along.   Alan Roxburgh of the Roxburgh Missional Network has been working with Disciples congregations in Indiana in a transformation process since 2007.  The Board felt Alan was the best fit for the Region in its transformation process as well.

Three processes needed to begin.  The first was to have the five ministerial staff persons begin working with Alan to explore their leadership through an Executive 360 and follow-up coaching.  The ministry staff is also working with Alan through a process that examines how they function as a team.

The second process had Alan to interview a representative sample of people within the life of the Region to get a sense of what needs to take place for transformation to come about.  That report laid the groundwork for the Board’s work during the retreat.  (Read a copy of the report.)

The third piece was for Alan to bring those insights to the Board at the retreat.  After spending time in retreat digesting and discussing the content of the report, the board agreed to form a pro temp executive team to work with Roxburgh in developing a starting point for the region.  Team members are Pam Ditson-McCall, Mark Calvert-Rosenberger, Travis Hacker, Brenda Truax and Will Jewsbury.  The team will report back to the Regional Board on November 16.

Regional Moderator Pam Ditson-McCall had these observations about the retreat and the process that the board will engage again at its next meeting.

I came out of our time together with a realization that our first big obstacle will be our natural desire for a map that has a definite route laid out, steps to follow, and a guaranteed outcome.  We will have to acknowledge that isn’t the reality for real and effective transformation. 

This is what I do know.  There needs to be, has to be, a great deal of listening and honest conversation within the Region.  We need to discover again or for the first time who we are as Disciples in Indiana, as a community held in relationship through our common bonds, Jesus Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

This isn’t about us and them.  The Indiana Region is more than the office in Indianapolis; the Region is you and I, who are members of the 180 Disciples churches in Indiana. This is a time for flexibility and adaptability.  Your Board is seeking to be proactive not reactive to the rapid change, challenges and realities of being church today.

We will keep you informed along the way as we journey together and live into transformation. I ask for your patience, your passion and your prayers.

Emmaus Christian Church to Hold Marriage Retreat

Pastor Henzy and First Lady Nicole Green of Emmaus Christian Church

Emmaus Christian Church will hold its second annual marriage retreat, “The Love Dare,” on May 29-30 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Carmel, Ind. The weekend is designed to be a special time of refreshing for couples.

The Love Dare will cover topics addressing relationship parasites and unconditional love. Participants will also examine the difference between the world’s design for marriage and God’s original intention.

The cost for the retreat is $50 per couple. Registration includes dinner and retreat materials. Couples are encouraged to enjoy time away and stay at the host hotel. The hotel cost is $101.00 per night, which includes the extensive breakfast buffet.

For registration and other information, please contact Emmaus Christian Church at (317) 388-1466.