By Rev. Betty Brewer-Calvert

May 3-5, 2004, Georgia Disciples church leaders gathered at Epworth-by-the-Sea for the spring spiritual life retreat called “Stepping Stones.” Our resource leaders were Laura Evans-Mahn, ministerial staff at Sandy Springs Christian Church, and Frank McDonald, hospital chaplain, also of Sandy Springs. Jim Bell from Peachtree Christian Church led the group in singing, with regional staff person Dean Phelps on the piano. Carol Mallon (Brookhaven CC) and Linda Whitmire (Sandy Springs) gave leadership to worship. The focus of the retreat was healing and wholeness. Evans-Mahn and McDonald brought a fresh and thought-provoking approach. They helped us to look at our lives in an honest and open way making note of areas where we need healing and focusing on barriers to wholeness. We met as a total group and in small groups, giving an opportunity for deepening relationships. Each session began with singing and devotional time. The worship center was creative and beautiful – transforming our meeting space into a peaceful sanctuary.

Afternoon free time on our second day was spent as participants chose – resting, reading, walking the beach, talking with friends, bicycling, climbing to the top of the lighthouse, shopping, or site seeing. Although the food at Epworth is pretty tasty, some folks satisfied their seafood craving by eating out for lunch or dinner on Tuesday. The Christian College in Georgia and our friends at Campbell-Stone kindly arranged for snacks on our two evenings together. We had 4 sessions with our retreat leaders; and we closed the retreat with a service of Holy Communion. Regional Minister Zena McAdams brought the invitation to the table. The retreat was a special time for connecting and re-connecting to ourselves, to others, and to God.

I hope you’ll plan to attend the 2005 Spiritual Life Retreat. Watch for dates to be finalized, and mark your calendar. Be assured that the quality of the program and the richness of the fellowship will be a blessing to you.