RETREATS IN A NUTSHELL
- Intentional: Facilitated by a mentor couple (requirement: without all their ducks in a row, but looking to God to conform them to the image of Christ)
- Focused: Plus two attending couples
- Convenient: Scheduled various weekends (see Schedule: Spring/Summer 2013 retreats below)
- Purpose: Strengthen marriages, deepen friendships, gain hope and vision
- Locations: Selected from around the state at bed & breakfasts, lodges, cabins, etc.
- Varied Schedule: One-day (begins with dinner Friday, ends with dinner Saturday); Two-day retreats (begins with dinner Friday, ends Sunday afternoon)
- Scholarships: For up to half the cost
- Fun: Includes unscheduled time on Saturday afternoon to enjoy the retreat locale
- Ongoing: Resources such as books and websites to continue investment in your marriage
HOW TO BE A PART
First, check the Heritage website or app, or check posters or schedule cards to identify a date, mentor couple and location. Then contact the church office at 405-720-1449 or email Rocky Hails at rockin@delightinGod.org; costs and scholarships for each site will be sent to you. Last, let us know your selection and the mentor couple will contact you with details.
SPRING/SUMMER 2013 CURRICULUM
“In a man-centered view, we will maintain our marriage as long as our earthly comforts, desires, and expectations are met. In a God-centered view, we preserve our marriage because it brings glory to God and points a sinful world to a reconciling Creator.”
from Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas
ON RAMP: Glory of God & Commitment
Even with the proliferation of smartphones, GPS and other technical aids, for now, we are still dependent on road signs to get us to the destination. In marriage, God has provided us with road signs and gifted guides to help us see through the tangled limbs and around the corners of blind curves that speak of our busy lives. In the Spring/Summer 2013 Heart4Marriage Retreats we will look at signs that cause us to consider the big picture of what directs and defines our marriage. On this trip we will lean heavily on two such guys taking turns riding “shotgun” and helping alert us to the road ahead. These are Gary Thomas and material from his book, Sacred Marriage; and John Piper and his book This Momentary Marriage. Buckle up, adjust the mirror, turn off the radio, and let’s give full attention to the first signs up ahead.
ONE WAY: Love Despite Response
Our first sign looks at the specific kind of love that a marriage of genuine fulfillment requires. You may be surprised that it is the kind of love that is probably different from what your marriage started with, but needs in order to finish well.
SCENIC OVERLOOK: Holy or Happy?
Our next sign looks at a view of God’s purpose for marriage and the role that your spouse needs to be granted in order for you to thrive and flourish. Though expansive and truly “big picture,” this purpose has real practical beliefs and actions with which you can “hit the road,” rather than “hit the wall.”
LANE CHANGE: Forgive on Purpose
Our fourth sign indicates a change, not so much in direction, but in alignment. We’ll travel the lanes of “when to forgive” and what this toll road requires. We’ll check our mirrors to see if we need to forbear an offense or change ourselves in conforming to Christ.
YIELD: Transforming Correction
Just like learning to drive with attention to rushing, intersecting traffic, our marriage needs to develop the same recognition. Recognizing when to speed up, slow down, or give way to one another is a learned skill that requires training and power to do what’s needed. This weekend will point to ways to avoid the consequences of a “failure to yield.” When do we change and die to ourself, and when do we lovingly confront when our spouse is missing the mark.
Schedule: Spring/Summer 2013
Date Mentor Couple Location
April 12-13 Rich & Kathy Smith
Crow’s Rest/Tulsa
April 12-13 Gary & Peggy Winters
Lindley House/Duncan
April 12-13 David & Sandra Holmes
Tulsa
April 12-13 Mike & Leann McGee
Lindley House/Duncan
May 17-18 Dennis & Lisa McGee
Lindley House/Duncan
May 31-June 1 Eric & Ann Schrock
Location:TBA
June 7-9 Clyde & Linda Ross
Oak Ridge Cabins/Broken Bow
June 14-15 Don & Judy Dancy
Lindley House/Duncan
June 28-29 Benjie & Marsha Wechsler
Lindley House/Duncan
Partial scholarships are available. Retreats vary as 1 or 2 nights. Contact church office for more info and updates at (405) 720-1449 or Rocky at rockin@delightinGod.org.
