Fox Valley women have interdenominational retreat

FOX VALLEY, Wisconsin—Fox Valley women were hosts for an interdenominational women’s retreat March 30 to April 1.

Months of planning culminated in an intense weekend of spiritual renewal, focusing on the theme taken from the book of Esther, "For Such a Time as This."

Sixty-six women representing five states attended this retreat conducted at the rustic Lion’s Camp and Conference Center in Rosholt, Wisconsin.

It began Friday evening, March 30, on a lighthearted note with the Veggie Tale’s video, "Esther, The Girl Who Became Queen."

Three speakers delivered the weekend’s messages.

Mary Seltzer, operations director of Christians for Biblical Equality, spoke twice. Her first message declared that every person is significant. Although we may not feel significant, God places us where we are "for such a time as this." God uses the situation that we find ourselves in for the good of the kingdom. Mary’s final message titled, "Feel the Fear and Do It Anyhow," encouraged all present to not let fear stop them from being used by God.

Kathi Rose, author of I Climbed a Mountain: A Mother’s Diary of Tragedy, Grief and Triumph, offered encouragement as she spoke on holiness. Using scripture from Isaiah, she asked, "Who or what has to die before you can see the King?" Isaiah saw him "high and lifted up" in his time of grief. Kathi told about her grief when her son and daughter-in-law were killed in a vehicle accident, but she also offered hope. Although she still greatly misses her children, she would not trade her deeper relationship with God for anything.

Denise Olson, home health nurse and mother, delivered a message declaring her love for God and the power of praise in both good times and bad. She ended her message by dancing and signing the song, "Shout to the Lord."

Praise and worship and humorous or thought-provoking skits preceded each message, led by women and teens from various locales, some of whom had not met before the retreat. Between sessions there was ample time for socializing or personal reflection and prayer. The weekend came to a close with a communion service led by Linda Fiedler.

Next year’s retreat is scheduled for March 15 to 17 at the same location. Shari Voigt.

Denise Olson

Mary Seltzer [Photos by Vania Root]

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