The ladies of the Spokane United Church of God congregation hosted their 16th annual Ladies’ Retreat April 26-28 at beautiful Deer Lake. Seventy ladies from all over the United States and Canada enjoyed the inspiring messages amid the forest setting overlooking the lake. The theme of “Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone—Branching, Budding and Blooming” focused on moving beyond our comfort zones. Through the various presentations the ladies realized that to God’s people this topic takes on even deeper meaning of growing spiritually.

Presentations included personal examples of having to come out of our comfort zones, the importance of growing, and how God will provide opportunities to grow if we are willing to step out. The whole process can be “an adventure” if we have faith in God to “step out of our comfort zone.” Several interactive activities encouraged getting to know yourself and others, Bible Cranium, building trust, and learning new coping strategies.

This year’s service projects included collecting needed items for Ronald McDonald House in Spokane and placing bed boards in various cabins at the camp that were too soft. We thank our pastor, Mark Mickelson, for being carpenter for this project. One of our ladies, Lisa Repp, also made a beautiful art piece portraying the scripture John 15:5: “I am the vine, you are the branches.”

Our goal was to providing a relaxing environment where we could rejuvenate and build relations while enjoying the quiet peaceful surroundings.

We have already reserved May 16-18, 2014.