T my herefore heart is glad... Psalm 16:9 A Retreat Planning Guide
The mission of CTA is to glorify God by providing purposeful products that lift up and encourage the body of Christ because we love him! Woman of God : Joy in the Journey A Retreat Planning Guide Therefore my heart is glad. Psalm 16:9 2015 CTA, Inc. 1625 Larkin Williams Rd. Fenton, MO 63026 www.ctainc.com Permission to make photocopies or reproduce by any other mechanical or electronic means is granted only to the original purchaser and is intended for use within a church or other Christian organization, but not for resale. Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved If this retreat planner proves to be helpful to you, we would like to hear from you. Your words will encourage us! If you have suggestions for us as we create Ministry Helps like this in the future, please send those, too. Send e-mail to editor@ctainc.com. Please include the subject line: WOG5DR. Or write to Editorial Manager, Dept. WOG5DR. P.O. Box 1205, Fenton, MO 63026-1205.
Contents Notes and Helps for the Retreat Leader Getting Started... 4 Planning for Small-Group Sessions... 7 Icebreakers... 8 Session 1 Sarah: A Joyful Journey of Faith... 9 Session 2 Ruth: A Joyful Journey of Selfless Service...10 Evening Devotion...11 Time for Friends and Fun (Mixer, Games, Crafts, or Projects)...11 Breakfast...11 Session 3 Deborah: A Joyful, Courageous Journey...12 Food and Friendship...13 Reflection and Prayer...13 Lunch...13 Session 4 Mary: A Joyful, Inspiring Journey...14 Session 5 Martha: An Authentic Journey toward Peace...15 Break...16 Closing Devotion...16 Sample Retreat Schedule...17 Participant Handouts Session 1 Sarah: A Joyful Journey of Faith...18 Session 2 Ruth: A Joyful Journey of Selfless Service...20 Session 3 Deborah: A Joyful, Courageous Journey...22 Reflection and Prayer...24 Session 4 Mary: A Joyful, Inspiring Journey...25 Session 5 Martha: An Authentic Journey toward Peace...27 Notes for Next Time...29
Getting Started This guide will help you plan a simple, two-day retreat for women s groups in your congregation or Christian organization. While intended for groups of from 5 to 35 participants, the material can be adapted for larger or smaller groups. These materials assume a schedule of Friday evening through Saturday afternoon (see page 17). By adjusting the schedule a bit, you may shorten or lengthen the retreat to meet the needs of your group. To shorten it, complete only as many sections as is feasible at the retreat site. Then use the rest of the materials on consecutive Sunday mornings or during a mid-week women s Bible study. To lengthen it, consider spending more time on each of the five sessions. Or add more activities (for example, additional speakers, more time for group worship, extra crafts, more elaborate projects, additional recreation time, or a prayer labyrinth activity). Details, Details If you and your group are new to retreat planning, many helpful resources will walk you step-by-step through the details. Ask for recommendations at your local Christian bookstore. Visit www.pinterest. com and search retreat ideas or retreat planning. And log on to your favorite online bookseller and type Christian retreat planning into the search engine. Your exploration is bound to pay off. On the other hand, if you have personally participated in a few retreats or have planned them previously, you will probably be able to think through most aspects of the retreat planning process on your own. In either case, you ll likely want to nominate specific individuals or small teams to arrange the following: Prayer for all participants before, during, and after the retreat. Some retreat planners ask the friends and family members of participants to write encouraging notes ahead of time, expressing their love for the participant and their commitment to pray for that person during the retreat. If participants do not find out about it until they receive and read their note (perhaps as they check in on the first day), the impact can be powerful. In any case, recruit a prayer team and give them a list of specific requests before, during, and after the retreat. Finance and Accommodations. Choose an inviting setting at a nearby retreat center, hotel, bed and breakfast, lakeside condominium, or private residence. If possible, avoid meeting in your church building. Usually, the main point of a retreat is to get away for a fresh perspective; that implies that a setting as familiar as your own church fellowship hall likely will not serve you and your guests very well. This team and the Programming team will need to work together on budgeting, because speaker fees and facilities will likely be your biggest expenses. See CTA s Web site for a simple form on which you can create a budget. Transportation or carpooling to the location, if appropriate. Hospitality, including arranging chairs and tables in the meeting room (unless the facility you use provides this), distributing goodies, and welcoming participants as they arrive. This group will put together welcome packets, including information about the facility at which you are staying, the facility s emergency phone number, amenities (for example, walking paths, a prayer chapel), and pertinent housekeeping details. 4
Welcome packets should also include a large name tag, a copy of the schedule, copies of each discussion/worksheet you plan to use, a Woman of God: Joy in the Journey pen and bookmark, and other items the leaders of your retreat want to include (for example, a flyer introducing the speaker who will lead one or more presentations). Check the free resources for Woman of God: Joy in the Journey for theme art and other materials that will help you produce a coordinated look and feel. Also consider including an activity or two at the registration table to draw participants into the theme as they arrive. For example, display a large world map and invite guests to use push pins indicating two or three favorite places in the state, nation, or world they have visited. At various times during the retreat as you make a transition from one activity to the next, refer to the map. Name a site and ask that the participant who added that push pin to tell why she marked it as a favorite using one or two sentences. As participants complete their personal name tags, ask that they add one name to each corner of their tag in small letters. These names indicate Women of God they admire one from the Bible, one from history, one from their church, and/or one from their own personal lives. Encourage everyone to read others name tags and to ask about the Women of God named there. In keeping with the Joy theme, create a list of famous songs that bring a smile when they are played or sung. Make copies of this list so each participant has her own copy. While you wait for everyone to arrive, ask participants to write out the first 5 8 words of each song. The participant who gets the most answers correct wins a door prize, perhaps a gift basket of several of the themed products that match the retreat. Snacks and meals, if the facility you ve chosen doesn t offer them. If food isn t provided, you might plan to order pizza, bring in submarine sandwiches, or have a meal catered. Publicity and Promotion Make your advance publicity even easier by using the free, online downloadable resources CTA has provided for Woman of God: Joy in the Journey. The themed art provided there makes it possible for you to coordinate all your publicity. Just visit the Resource & Idea Center at www.ctainc.com/free. Program Coordination of a guest speaker or speakers, if appropriate in your case; small-group discussion leaders; and music for worship. Program planners will want to consider providing modest, themed thank-you gifts for those who carry major leadership responsibilities for the retreat. For example, consider creating the ultimate Woman of God: Joy in the Journey gift set. Include the Woman of God: Joy in the Journey Keychain, Flipbook, Luggage Tag, Flashlight, Travel Mug, Manicure Set, Postcards, Acrylic Tray with Notepad and Pen, Accordion-Fold Bookmarks with Ribbon, Travel Screwdriver Set, and Catch-All, putting all of this in a Woman of God: Joy in the Journey Tote bag or Carry All for each leader. Smaller thank-you gifts might be given to guest speakers. See your CTA catalog or the CTA Web site at www.ctainc.com for details. Mission Project Plan to publicize your project several weeks before the retreat. Consider coordinating it with your theme. For example, since Woman of God: Joy in the Journey focuses on our journey with Christ throughout life, your project might focus on helping in some way those who are navigating a particularly challenging life change. For example, collect diapers and baby wipes for a local pregnancy center. Or make prayer shawls for new residents in a local rehab center or nursing home. A month or two ahead of time, ask each participant to begin saving, sewing, or shopping, and ask 5
that they bring their offerings along with them to the retreat. Display the collection for everyone to see before you take it to the institution that will receive it. Entertainment may include creating skits, rounding up board games, enlisting the talents of a massage therapist or manicurist, or contributing other ideas for lighthearted activities. (See Time for Friends and Fun on page 11 for more details.) Leadership for craft/project activities, mealtimes, and devotions. Most importantly, you will also need one go-to person who is willing to coordinate the details listed above and answer questions as they arise from volunteer workers and potential registrants. Goodies and Retreat Favors 25 Devotions The hospitality committee should order multiple copies of the devotion book Woman of God: Joy in the Journey so there is one for each participant. It s available in both KJV and ESV (see your CTA catalog or the CTA Web site at www. CTAinc.com for details). Everyone who attends will need a copy of the devotion book. The content is integral to the program and discussion. Everyone will also need a Woman of God: Joy in the Journey bookmark and pen. These will be useful at the retreat and will provide a keepsake reminder of your event for many years to come. In addition, the hospitality committee should create a package of inexpensive, themed gifts for each person attending. A gracious benefactor might want to pick up the cost. Otherwise, build the expense into the retreat fee. (See the Retreat Budget Spreadsheet in the Resource & Idea Center at www.ctainc.com/ FREE for help as you plan.) CTA offers a number of Woman of God: Joy in the Journey themed products appropriate for this purpose, including: Ceramic Mug or Travel Mug Manicure Set Mini Flashlight Luggage Tag Flipbook Keychain 6
Acrylic Tray with Notepad and Pen Accordion-Fold Bookmarks with Ribbon Travel Screwdriver Set Catch-All Tote Bag or Carry All These items can be purchased at an amazing price! If you have a limited budget, consider putting together several items to create two or three gift sets and award them as door prizes. You could draw names, tape a note under winning chairs or a winning lunch tray, or award prizes to several people based on different kinds of measurements. A few examples are the person who traveled the most miles to attend, the person whose suitcase measures longest or widest, or the person whose birthday is the fewest (or most) days into the future. Or simply arrange a variety of themed gifts on each table, perhaps in a pretty basket, and invite participants to choose one or two items they would especially like to have. Planning for Small-Group Sessions Starting on page 18, you ll find a discussion guide for each of the sessions. You will need to duplicate copies so each participant has one. Although copies are designed in full color, they ll still look attractive if copied in black and white. To participate in the suggested discussions, each participant will also need a copy of the devotion book Woman of God: Joy in the Journey. Form small groups for Session 1 (3 6 participants per group). Group formation may be random (for example, assign group numbers on a first-come, first-served basis as participants arrive at the registration table). You might let participants form their own groups. Or you might consider assigning participants to groups based on preexisting friendships. In any case, make sure that guests who have come by themselves are welcomed into an appropriate group. 25 Devotions As each session begins, someone in retreat leadership should distribute the discussion guides for that session, help form or reorganize the small groups as necessary, and call attention to the time budget for completing the activities as suggested in each discussion guide. Each small group will need a discussion leader to guide her group through the questions and keep track of the time. Other group members carry responsibility for listening carefully to one another s comments and adding thoughtful, helpful responses themselves. Be sure to point out that the discussion leader is not the teacher. Everyone needs to work together to make each session spiritually worthwhile and personally 7
meaningful. Invite the groups to share this responsibility, taking turns from session to session. Or designate small-group leaders ahead of time. When time allotted for each session has expired, a retreat leader should call for the whole group s attention; ask for insights, comments, or questions; and respond appropriately. If you have a leader whose insights and biblical knowledge the participants will respect, and if that person feels comfortable leading discussion without prior preparation, consider letting her preside over all the small-group debriefing sessions during the retreat. If not, simply frame each debriefing time as a time to share insights. Remember, the main purpose of this retreat is to deepen relationships, to provide relief from the busyness of life, and to encourage participants in their faith relationship with Jesus. Reserve in-depth Bible study for other settings in your church. Icebreakers To help everyone get acquainted and energized, consider starting off with an icebreaker or two. Here are some possibilities, each based on this retreat s theme. Where in the World Am I? Tape notecards to the back of each participant without letting them see what the card says. Each card should have the name of a particular location or tourist site (for example, the Eiffel Tower, Hollywood, Japan). Each participant s task is to figure out what location is on her notecard by asking others in the group yes/ no questions. Around the World in Sixteen Minutes Ask everyone in the group to get up, pair up, and chat with one other person for two minutes about a place they would like to visit, but have never had the opportunity. After two minutes, blow a whistle. At that point, each person is to find a new partner and repeat the activity. If time will allow, let everyone have two or three minutes with each other participant. If not, limit the activity to eight or so conversations. Marooned! Ask participants, If you were marooned on a desert island, what three people would you want there with you? Give everyone a few minutes to think. Then ask them to pair up and talk about their answer with their partner. The people they choose may be alive, dead, or even fictional characters! After two or three minutes, blow a whistle. At that point, each person is to find a new partner and repeat the activity. If time will allow, let everyone have two or three minutes with each other participant. If not, limit the activity to five or so conversations. 8
Key Scripture Verse: By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. Hebrews 11:11 Session 1 Sarah: A Joyful Journey of Faith Small-group discussion (45 60 minutes) Each person needs: A copy of the discussion pages (pages 18 19) A Bible A copy of Woman of God: Joy in the Journey devotion book A Woman of God: Joy in the Journey pen and bookmark set 25 Devotions If you have preassigned small groups, announce them and ask participants to group up. Or give participants freedom to form their own groups, 3 6 women in each. As you begin this session, distribute the devotion books and Woman of God: Joy in the Journey pen and bookmark sets. Participants will use the pens to jot down responses to the questions posed during discussions. They can use the bookmarks during the conversation to mark Bible passages they find especially helpful or comforting. (See your CTA catalog or the CTA Web site at www.ctainc.com for details about ordering.) If you have enlisted small-group discussion leaders ahead of time, introduce them now. If not, ask each small group to choose a leader. Explain that this person is not the teacher. Instead, she is responsible for keeping track of time, making sure everyone has a chance to participate, and keeping everyone focused on the questions in the discussion guide. Each session, a different person will serve as leader. Remind participants of the importance of confidentiality and ask that they commit to keeping comments made in their groups confidential. Also ask that participants refrain from giving advice unless they are asked for it. When about five minutes of the session remain, a retreat planner should note this for the whole group. When time has fully expired, call for everyone s attention. Ask for insights, comments, or questions and respond appropriately. 9
Key Scripture Verse: Ruth said, Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Ruth 1:16 Session 2 Ruth: A Joyful Journey of Selfless Service Small-group discussion (45 60 minutes) Each person needs: A copy of the discussion pages (pages 20 21) A Bible A copy of Woman of God: Joy in the Journey devotion book Woman of God: Joy in the Journey pen and bookmark set Have participants sit close to the others in their small group as they did for Session 1. If you did not preassign leaders, ask the groups to choose a leader. Remind everyone that this person is not the teacher. During each session of the retreat, a different person will serve as leader to keep the conversation flowing and track the time. Tell the small-group leaders they may begin the discussion, based on the handout for Session 2 when the members of their group are ready. Again, remind participants of the importance of confidentiality and ask that they commit to keeping comments made in their groups confidential. Also ask that participants refrain from giving advice unless they are asked for it. When about five minutes of the session remain, a retreat planner should note this for the whole group. When time has fully expired, call for everyone s attention. Ask for insights, comments, or questions and respond appropriately. 10
Evening Devotion Whole-group session (15 minutes) Reconfigure chairs, if necessary, for the worship time. Before you begin the devotion, you may want to distribute mementos of the retreat or draw for door prizes. If possible, find a way to include praise music, hymns, or other music your group will find meaningful during devotional times. Group singing, especially, will add much to this time of worship. Ideally, a praise team, guitarist, or pianist will provide accompaniment. However, many groups will do just fine with a CD or MP3 player. Have the songs you plan to use cued up ahead of time. Make sure everyone has access to the words you will sing. Use the free Ministry Message Woman of God: Joy in the Journey, found at www.ctainc.com/free. (Scroll down to Women s Ministry/Mother s Day.) Time for Friends and Fun After the devotion, introduce the idea that the Scriptures endorse relationships with other believers as important for the overall well-being of God s people. Read Proverbs 17:22 and invite everyone to spend the rest of the evening relaxing and enjoying the planned activities. Then call the Entertainment Committee forward, turn them loose, and let the frivolous fun begin! Depending on the facilities available to you, the setting of your retreat, the time of year, the weather outside, and group members interests and abilities, you may wish to offer options like these: A Christian life coach, therapist, or social worker equipped to share tips on communication and relationship building Shoulder massages Skits or a talent show Chocolate tasting, followed by a chocolate recipe exchange Aerobics, volleyball, basketball, softball Board games A CD or DVD that will guide the group in relaxing (type Christian relaxation into your Internet search engine.) An evening nature hike, perhaps led by a local docent Mission presentation or project, especially one tied to the mission you have adopted for this retreat Breakfast If all or most participants arrive for breakfast at the same time, a leader may want to ask the group to join in prayer, thanking God for the meal. An impromptu prayer of thanks would be appropriate, or use a prayer you may have found online, in a devotion book, or have written yourself. As breakfast is wrapping up, remind participants to bring a Bible, their copy of Woman of God: Joy in the Journey, and the matching pens and bookmarks you distributed last evening to today s sessions. 11
Key Scripture Verse: March on, my soul, with might! Judges 5:21 Session 3 Deborah: A Joyful, Courageous Journey Small-group discussion (45 60 minutes) Each person needs: A copy of the discussion page (pages 22 23) Bible Woman of God: Joy in the Journey devotion book, pen, and bookmark Use the same small groups you formed last evening, adjusting as need be for latecomers and those who may have left early. Once more, remind participants of the importance of confidentiality and ask that they commit to keeping comments made in their groups confidential. Also ask that participants refrain from giving advice unless they are asked for it. When about five minutes of the session remain, a retreat planner should note this for the whole group. When time has fully expired, call for everyone s attention. Ask for insights, comments, or questions and respond appropriately. 12
Food and Friendship Set aside 30 minutes or so for snacks and enjoying each other s company. Encourage participants to explore the facility in which you are meeting. They may visit the bookstore, library, or prayer labyrinth if one is available, take a walk with a friend, or simply sit and chat. Linger longer, if time is available. Reflection and Prayer Individual activity (60 minutes) Each person needs: A copy of the participant handout from page 24 of this guide Woman of God: Joy in the Journey Postcards or extra paper to jot down ideas, draw, journal, write letters, and/or make prayer lists After the mid-morning snack has been cleared away, distribute the participant handout from page 24 in this guide and explain the individual activity, following these main points: The next 60 minutes belong to each participant individually and to Jesus. Participants should use their time in any way they believe will draw them closer to Christ. The ideas on the sheet are only suggestions; if participants have a better idea, they are welcome to use it. Participants know themselves and what they need. They should feel free to trust the promptings of the Holy Spirit and their own faith-shaped instincts. If they begin an activity that doesn t seem to work for them, encourage them not to abandon it immediately. However, if after 7 8 minutes it still does not feel comfortable, encourage them to try a different approach. Lunch One of the retreat leaders should invite group members to join in prayer, thanking God for the meal. An impromptu prayer would be appropriate, or use a prayer you may have found online, in a devotion book, or written yourself. 13
Key Scripture Verse: Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. Luke 1:30 31 Session 4 Mary: A Joyful, Inspiring Journey Small-group discussion (45 60 minutes) Each person needs: A copy of the discussion pages (pages 25 26) Bible Woman of God: Joy in the Journey devotion book If you did not preassign leaders, ask the groups to choose one. Remind everyone that this person is not the teacher, but will serve as a facilitator. Once more, remind participants of the importance of confidentiality and ask that they commit to keeping comments made in their groups confidential. Also ask that participants refrain from giving advice unless they are asked for it. When about five minutes of the session remain, a retreat planner should note this for the whole group. When time has fully expired, call for everyone s attention. Ask for insights, comments, or questions and respond appropriately. 14
Key Scripture Verse: Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world. John 11:27 Session 5 Martha: An Authentic Journey toward Peace Small-group discussion (45 60 minutes) Each person needs: A copy of the discussion pages (pages 27 28) Bible Woman of God: Joy in the Journey devotion book Woman of God: Joy in the Journey pen and bookmark If you did not preassign leaders, ask the groups to choose a leader, reminding them to share leadership and restating the idea that this person is not the teacher. One last time, remind participants of the importance of confidentiality and ask that they commit to keeping comments made in their groups confidential. Also ask that participants refrain from giving advice unless they are asked for it. When about five minutes of the session remain, a retreat leader should note this for the whole group. When time has fully expired, call for everyone s attention. Ask for insights, comments, or questions and respond appropriately. 15
Break Plan a 15- to 30-minute break midway through the afternoon. Consider repeating the options you offered during this morning s snack time. Those who will lead the worship can use this intermission to rearrange chairs and set up instruments, as necessary. If you will use song sheets or hymnals during the worship time, distribute them as participants re-enter the room. Or prepare the slides you will project with words to the hymns/songs you will use. (Note that you might want to use art from the free PowerPoint presentation CTA has made available for Woman of God: Joy in the Journey found at www.ctainc.com/free. Closing Devotion Whole-group session (15 20 minutes) Begin your closing worship with a prayer of thanks and perhaps two or three songs or hymns of praise. Then invite everyone to listen as you read the devotion for Day 24 in Woman of God: Joy in the Journey (pages 58 59). Give participants a few minutes to think about the reading and jot down notes in response to the question: As you leave this retreat setting, what do you most want to remember upon returning home? What will you want to remind yourself of next week or next month? Encourage everyone to choose something that will bring them joy for their journey as a woman of God. After everyone has had time to write, ask volunteers to share what they have written. Retreat leaders might plan a few responses ahead of time and say them first to get the discussion started. When other participants begin to volunteer, be sure to thank each person for her comments. After several volunteers have shared, repeat a worship chorus or hymn the group knows well and can sing with heartfelt adoration. Have a retreat leader speak this Scripture, blessing the group: May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13:14) Thank participants for coming and share any necessary housekeeping reminders. 16
Sample Retreat Schedule Woman of God: Joy in the Journey (Note: Adapt this schedule to your time frame and location. Then print a copy for each retreat participant.) Friday 6:30 Arrival, unpacking, relaxing 7:00 Icebreakers 7:15 Session 1 Sarah: A Joyful Journey of Faith (small-group discussion) 8:00 Break 8:15 Session 2 Ruth: A Joyful Journey of Selfless Service (small-group discussion) 9:00 Evening Devotion (whole-group session) 9:15 Time for Friends and Fun (whole-group or small-group activities) Saturday Morning 8:30 Breakfast 9:30 Session 3 Deborah: A Joyful, Courageous Journey (small-group discussion) 10:30 Break 11:00 Reflection and Prayer (individual activity) Noon Lunch Saturday Afternoon 1:15 Session 4 Mary: A Joyful, Inspiring Journey (small-group discussion) 2:15 Break 2:45 Session 5 Martha: An Authentic Journey toward Peace (small-group discussion) 3:45 Break 4:00 Closing Worship (whole-group session) 4:15 Departure Copyright 2015 CTA, Inc., 1625 Larkin Williams Rd., Fenton, MO 63026, www.ctainc.com. Permission to make photocopies or reproduce by any other mechanical or electronic means is granted only to the original purchaser and is intended for use within a church or other Christian organization, and not for resale. 17
PARTICIPANT SESSION HANDOUT Key Scripture Verse: By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. Hebrews 11:11 Session 1 Sarah: A Joyful Journey of Faith About 5 minutes Tell about a journey you began reluctantly. It may have involved tenting for 10 days in the backwoods with your college roommate. It may have begun with an invitation to a family reunion halfway across the country. It may have required a passport and water purification tablets. Or it may have been something a bit less adventurous. In any case, briefly tell something about your own personal reluctant voyage. 1. About 10 minutes Now read the devotion for Day 1 from pages 4 5 in Woman of God: Joy in the Journey individually or listen as one person in your group reads it aloud. Imagine yourself as Sarai (later to be renamed by God, Sarah ) as Genesis 12 begins. What questions, qualms, and fears might you have experienced? The journey Abram and Sarai undertook must have stirred some reluctance in their hearts. It certainly required an almost unimaginable faith in the promises God was making. Read Genesis 12:1 3. These verses record the first of these promises. If you were Sarai, what would you have understood these words to mean? Would they have been enough to get you to exchange the comforts of the home and city in which you lived for the challenges of tenting in the desert? Why or why not? 2. About 25 minutes Read Hebrews 11:11 from your Bible or this sheet (above). If possible, read it from several different translations. Also read the devotion for Day 2 from pages 6 7 in Woman of God: Joy in the Journey. Sarah s story in Genesis makes it clear that the trust Sarah placed in God s promises was sometimes strong, sometimes hesitant. Why do you suppose the Bible includes evidence of both responses? How does it help you to read both? Tell a partner about a time you responded to a difficult circumstance, confident in God s promises. Tell that same partner about a time you responded to a similarly difficult circumstance with less confidence. With your group, compare thoughts about the benefits that come from trusting God more fully during challenging times. In other words, we know that God commands us to trust him and that trusting his promises is always best for us. But best in what specific ways? What makes trust in our Lord easier at some times and harder at others? 18 (continued)
3. About 5 minutes None of us ever trusts our Lord as fully or deeply as we or he would like. Neither did Abraham and Sarah. Yet, despite all the fears and doubts, the Savior whom God had promised to send was born. It took 2,000 years, but God kept his promises. We celebrate that Savior s birth with great joy each Christmas, and we celebrate his victory over all sin even our sinful unbelief each Easter. How does God s faithfulness despite all our fears and unbelief encourage you? Psalm 16:9 rejoices: Therefore my heart is glad. This is upon recognizing God s presence. How is this a fitting verse to sum up Sarah s life? How does it sum up your own? Copyright 2015 CTA, Inc., 1625 Larkin Williams Rd., Fenton, MO 63026, www.ctainc.com. Permission to make photocopies or reproduce by any other mechanical or electronic means is granted only to the original purchaser and is intended for use within a church or other Christian organization, and not for resale. 19
PARTICIPANT SESSION HANDOUT Key Scripture Verse: Ruth said, Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Ruth 1:16 Session 2 Ruth: A Joyful Journey of Selfless Service About 5 minutes Tell about an experience you or someone you know has had with online dating. (If you talk about someone else, be sure to change the name to protect that individual s identity.) 1. About 10 minutes Work together with a partner to skim through the four chapters in the Bible s Book of Ruth. What are the main events in Ruth s life story? Who are the main characters? In what ways does Ruth s encounter with Boaz seem a lot like a blind date or an anonymous online connection? Jot your observations in the space below. After about five minutes, come back to your small group and share what you have found. This background information will help you as you work through the rest of the material in this study. 2. About 20 minutes Read the devotion for Day 7 from pages 18 19 in Woman of God: Joy in the Journey individually or listen as one person in your group reads it aloud. What do you suppose Ruth was thinking at this point in the story? What might Naomi have been thinking? Do you identify more closely with Ruth or Naomi at this point? Why? Neither woman knows it, but life is about to change, quickly and for the better! God is at work quietly and behind the scenes through Boaz. Think back to an experience in your own life when God worked quietly, almost imperceptibly, for you or your family. Did you notice his fingerprints at the time, or did it take a while for you to become aware that the positive changes you experienced were not simply coincidence? Why do you suppose we are often more likely to see coincidence at work, when really our Savior- God is acting on our behalf? 20 (continued)
3. About 10 minutes The devotion for Day 8 (pages 20 21) adds more details to the picture of God s care for Ruth and Naomi, for me and for you. Have someone in your group read it aloud while the rest of you sit back to listen, perhaps with your eyes closed. If you were to highlight any parts of this devotion, which sentences would you choose and why? Our Lord s intervention is seldom early, but it is never late either. How does Ruth s life story help you remember this? How does it help you respond, Therefore my heart is glad (Psalm 16:9) while you wait for him to act? 4. About 5 minutes With all this in mind, read two or three of the Bible verses on page 14 in Woman of God: Joy in the Journey. Then respond in writing on the lines below. Create a thank-you note or prayer to your Savior for his amazing love and perfect timing. As time will allow, have volunteers from your group read what they have written. Be sure, though, that only volunteers are asked to share. Copyright 2015 CTA, Inc., 1625 Larkin Williams Rd., Fenton, MO 63026, www.ctainc.com. Permission to make photocopies or reproduce by any other mechanical or electronic means is granted only to the original purchaser and is intended for use within a church or other Christian organization, and not for resale. 21
PARTICIPANT SESSION HANDOUT Key Scripture Verse: March on, my soul, with might! Judges 5:21 Session 3 Deborah: A Joyful, Courageous Journey About 5 minutes Tell about a time you (or someone you admire) marched with might for justice. You may have marched right into that principal s office to stand up for your child. You may have joined the March of Dimes or participated in a March for Life. You may have sworn an oath of allegiance as you joined the military. Or you may have marched in an equally meaningful, but less-spectacular way. What motivated your march? 1. About 10 minutes The text on page 27 of Woman of God: Joy in the Journey introduces the life and mission of Deborah, the Judge and Prophetess. Scripture records her story in Judges 4 5. Work with a partner to review both, and then in the space below list key events of her life and work for God s people. After about five minutes, compare notes with others in your group, developing the fullest picture possible in the time available. What do you find most interesting or daring about Deborah s life? It seems clear from the text that Deborah s march into battle was not motivated by fame or military honors. What did move her to speak and act as she did? Share your opinions with each other. 2. About 10 minutes On your own, read the devotion for Day 11 from pages 28 29 in Woman of God: Joy in the Journey. Or listen as a volunteer in your group reads it aloud. Revisit the question about Deborah s motivation (above). Based on the devotion, how would you answer it now? What, if anything, changed your mind? The last paragraph in the devotion tells a brief story about the author s impatience. The story ends with a happy surprise. Have you ever experienced something similar? If so, and if you feel comfortable sharing it, do so. What is the take-away for us from incidents like these? 22 (continued)
3. About 10 minutes The devotion for Day 13 (pages 32 33) helps to complete the picture. Ask a volunteer to read it aloud while the rest of you sit back to listen, perhaps with your eyes closed. How would you summarize the main point the author has made? Do you find that point maddening, comforting, impracticable, wise, or something else? Why? The author brings us back around to the cross of our Savior. What is her reason for doing that? Does it fit? If so, how? If not, why not? 4. About 10 minutes Imagine a dinner party at your home, served by your small group, to which you invite Sarah, Ruth, and Deborah. The introductions have been made and a delicious meal sits steaming on the table before you. The conversation begins. What do you imagine your guests would say to one another and to you? What would you most like to ask them about? What advice or wisdom would you hope to hear? If they commented on Psalm 16:9 ( Therefore my heart is glad ), what insights do you imagine they might share? Copyright 2015 CTA, Inc., 1625 Larkin Williams Rd., Fenton, MO 63026, www.ctainc.com. Permission to make photocopies or reproduce by any other mechanical or electronic means is granted only to the original purchaser and is intended for use within a church or other Christian organization, and not for resale. 23
Reflection and Prayer 60 minutes individually The next 60 minutes belong to you and the Lord, who is at work in you and who gives you joy in your journey today and every day. Use the time available in whatever way(s) you believe will draw you closer to Jesus. The suggestions below are just that suggestions. Feel free to use one, two, all, or none of them. If you have a better idea, use it instead. You know yourself. You know what you need. Trust your faithshaped instincts and your Savior s direction. If you start down one path and find it s a dead end, stop and try a different activity. In short, enjoy your freedom in Jesus. This is your time to be alone with your Lord. Make the most of it! Skim through the activities that appear at the end of each of the five weeks of devotions in Woman of God: Joy in the Journey (pages 14, 26, 38, 50, and 62). Choose one and complete it, following the directions printed on the page. If time permits, complete a second activity! Take a prayer walk indoors or out. If a chapel or prayer labyrinth is available at the retreat center, consider spending time in the stillness there. Be sure to have your Woman of God: Joy in the Journey devotion book with you. Use the Scriptures in it to shape your thoughts and prayers. Refer to one or more of the readings from Woman of God: Joy in the Journey. Journal and pray about them. Write out key Scripture verses, considering each individual word in each verse. Listen to the truths the Holy Spirit is impressing on your heart. Respond to the Lord s words of challenge and words of promise as you write out your response. Develop an artistic response to one or more of the ideas you ve encountered so far during this retreat. Create a mini poster featuring one or more of our Lord s faithful women whose lives and witness, recorded for us in the Holy Scriptures, speak most strongly to you today. Or sketch an idea for a sculpture, design a stained-glass window, or respond to the verse in some other artistic way. Or write a song of praise, using a familiar melody. Write a letter or jot notes for yourself as you meditate on your personal journey with Jesus. Create a timeline using words, drawings, or a combination of both as you revisit specific incidents along the path you have walked so far. Reconsider some of these incidents in light of the Scriptures you have encountered in this retreat and write about them. Copyright 2015 CTA, Inc., 1625 Larkin Williams Rd., Fenton, MO 63026, www.ctainc.com. Permission to make photocopies or reproduce by any other mechanical or electronic means is granted only to the original purchaser and is intended for use within a church or other Christian organization, and not for resale. 24
PARTICIPANT SESSION HANDOUT Key Scripture Verse: Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. Luke 1:30 31 Session 4 Mary: A Joyful, Inspiring Journey About 5 minutes Take turns in your group answering this question: Do you like surprises? Why or why not? 1. About 15 minutes Arguably, Mary received the biggest surprise any woman of God could receive! Read about that in the devotion for Day 16 (pages 40 41) in Woman of God: Joy in the Journey. Now read the account known as The Annunciation from Luke 1:26 45. If you had been the proverbial fly on the wall that day, all that you saw and heard would have been worthy of note. What three things would you want to remember forever? The author invites us to identify with Mary. In what way(s) do you do so? As the enormity of God s surprise begins to sink in, Mary bursts into a poem of praise a poem inspired by the Holy Spirit and recorded for us in Luke 1:46 55. Which of Mary s words evoke questions? Which most powerfully evoke faith from your heart? 2. About 10 minutes The devotion for Day 17 (pages 42 43) in Woman of God: Joy in the Journey retells the Christmas story through a lens you may not have considered before. Listen as someone in your group reads it aloud. How does the author s retelling of the night Jesus was born differ from the pictures we often imagine as we sing Christmas carols and applaud children or grandchildren in this year s Christmas pageant? Which version seems more realistic? How does each version add to your sense of awe as you consider the birth of God s Son the Savior sent to live, die, and rise again for you? Into which specific life situations do you need to invite the Prince of Peace right now? Talk about this with a partner. 3. About 10 minutes The devotion for Day 20 (pages 48 49) will help bring this discussion to a productive close. Read through it on your own. 25 (continued)
Once again, Mary is surprised by the goodness of God! What do you imagine Easter morning was like for her? In the days following Easter, what do you suppose Mary heard, saw, thought, and felt? How does the author of this devotion suggest we identify with Mary? How might doing so help you recognize, Therefore my heart is glad (Psalm 16:9)? Copyright 2015 CTA, Inc., 1625 Larkin Williams Rd., Fenton, MO 63026, www.ctainc.com. Permission to make photocopies or reproduce by any other mechanical or electronic means is granted only to the original purchaser and is intended for use within a church or other Christian organization, and not for resale. 26
PARTICIPANT SESSION HANDOUT Key Scripture Verse: Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world. John 11:27 Session 5 Martha: An Authentic Journey toward Peace About 5 minutes As you get started, tell about a meal you served to guests a meal that didn t go exactly as you had planned. 1. About 10 minutes Read the devotion for Day 21 from pages 52 53 in Woman of God: Joy in the Journey individually or listen as one person in your group reads it aloud. Perhaps you knew a lot about Martha before. Or perhaps not. Either way, what new insights does this devotion add to your picture of this woman of God? How are you like Martha? How do you differ from her? Think especially about times your plans don t unfold as you had hoped. 2. About 10 minutes Read the devotion for Day 23 from pages 56 57 in Woman of God: Joy in the Journey individually or listen as one person in your group reads it aloud. When you hear the word authentic, what comes to mind? How would you define this term? Keeping in mind Martha and the other women we have talked about during this retreat, what would you say it takes to be an authentic woman of God? Is it moral perfection? faultless manners? faithful service? something else? Why could the question above be better stated this way: Whom does it take to make each of us an authentic woman of God? What does authentic faith look like in our world today? When you examine your own faith journey, how can you tell the difference between faith that is phony and faith that is authentic? Why might some people be tempted to think that authenticity excuses sin? How would you explain the flaws in this reasoning? 3. About 10 minutes The devotion for Day 25 (pages 60 61) in Woman of God: Joy in the Journey will help you complete this discussion. Choose a volunteer to read it aloud while the rest of you sit back and listen carefully, possibly with your eyes closed. Where do you see Jesus love for Martha even in perhaps especially in the times he corrects her? When and how have you experienced this yourself? 27 (continued)
The author seems to indicate that our sinful words and actions sometimes grow out of unmet needs the need for rest, the need to receive more of Christ s love, the need to grasp a bigger picture of our Lord s willingness to help. Again, this is no excuse for our sin. But how can it help us when we are tempted? As John 11:27 indicates, Martha found peace in Jesus Christ. He was her foundation, the Rock to whom she returned again and again to find rest. Knowing Jesus love and forgiveness, Martha could agree with the psalmist: Therefore my heart is glad (Psalm 16:9). What changes would allow you to do that more consistently, too, as you return home after this retreat ends? 4. About 10 minutes Split your group into pairs. If yours is an odd-numbered group, form one trio. Then, with the entire retreat in mind, use the space below to create together a prayer list that includes concerns and praises suggested by each of you. Pray together with your prayer partner or trio to close this session. Copyright 2015 CTA, Inc., 1625 Larkin Williams Rd., Fenton, MO 63026, www.ctainc.com. Permission to make photocopies or reproduce by any other mechanical or electronic means is granted only to the original purchaser and is intended for use within a church or other Christian organization, and not for resale. 28
Notes for Next Time 29