SEBRING, Fla.—Florida is known for its retirees. Certainly a number of women at the Sunshine Baptist Fellowship’s Ladies’ Retreat sported white hair and orthopedic shoes. But the retreat included young women as well. This year’s event was planned by Southside Baptist Church and held at Camp Sparta in Sebring. Guest speaker Emily Pausley graduated in 2002 from Baptist Bible College, Clarks Summit, Pa. She and her husband, Chuck, serve at Berean Baptist Church, Portage, Mich., where Chuck is pastor of student ministries. “Emily is a fantastic teacher,” say the ladies of Southside.
The theme for the two-day retreat was “What’s in the Bag?” Games, skits, and Bible study revolved around what women typically carry with them—their purses, or bags. The theme verse was Galatians 2:20. Emily took the verse apart in three sessions, talking about “My Identity,” “My Mess,” and “My Response.” Music was led by an ensemble from Southside Baptist.
Close to 80 women from nine churches attended the retreat. On Saturday they chose from four free-time activities: make purses out of Capri Sun containers, make cards and gift bags, visit retired missionaries in an assisted-living facility, or watch Love Comes Softly. Afterward, some of the ladies enjoyed Camp Sparta’s new zip line.
- Read about Camp Sparta.
Stephanie Jingst, Southside Baptist’s contact for the retreat, says a highlight for many was playing “The Price Is Right,” Friday night’s group activity. She says, “Our opening line was, ‘You’re going to win prizes, but not the ones you bid on!’ ” The grand prize was, of course, a handbag.
- View retreat pictures on YouTube.
