Dancing In the Rain!

Georgia Disciples Women are invited to gather in person for a Fall retreat on September 22-24, 2023 at Epworth by the Sea, St. Simons Island, GA. In this beautiful seaside retreat setting, Disciples women will gather for fellowship, worship, learning, and service, guided by the theme “Dancing in the Rain.” Keynoter Rev. Heather Webb will lead us through a creative exploration of the focus scriptures, Isaiah 43:2, John 16:33, and 1 Thessalonians 5:11. Rev. Ann Edmondson will lead us in music. 

We have all had difficult times in our lives, and we know there will be difficult times in our future.  Yet, we have God’s promise that when we pass through the waters, and when we walk through the fire, we will never be alone. Therefore, let’s “encourage one another” (1 Thess 5:11) by “Dancing in the Rain!”

Schedule

Friday, September 22 

4:00 pm — Retreat Check-in Begins
5:30-7:00 pm — Dinner Buffet
7:30 pm—Evening Worship & Fellowship
9:00 pm —Silent Auction Opens

Saturday, September 23

7:00-9:00 am — Breakfast Buffet
9:00 am — Morning Session with Breakout Groups
11:45 am-1:00 pm — Lunch Buffet
1-5:30 pm — Free Time* (explore St. Simons Island or enjoy onsite activities)
5:30-7:00 pm —Dinner Buffet
6:50 pm — Silent Auction Bidding Closes
7:00 pm — Evening Session Including Bible Study and Service of Remembrance
8:30 pm — “Re-creation”
9:00 pm —Silent Auction Payment/Pick-up 

Sunday, September 24

7:00-9:00 am — Breakfast Buffet
9:00-10:00 am — Bible Study
10:00-10:30 am — Break (checkout is 11:30 am)
10:30 am — Closing Worship with Communion
11:45-1:00 pm — Lunch Buffet & Departure

*Free Time

Optional activities include free time for exploring St. Simons Island (beach, lighthouse, Fort Frederica, island shops, or bicycling — bicycles are available for rent, or bring your own) or onsite activities (crafts, puzzles, games, Silent Auction, visiting, conversation). Other scheduled activities are:

• 1:00-5:00 pm —Epworth pool open

• 4:15-5:00 pm —Prayer Parters available in Jones classrooms

• 4:30-5:30 pm — Choir Rehearsal in Jones Auditorium

Registration & Fees

There are two separate fees for registration and hotel/meals. Retreat registration is $75 and covers costs including keynoter, booklet, supplies, and event center expenses. To fill out your registration form and pay, please click here no later than September 8. Late registrations may be accepted on a space available basis. 

Retreat accommodations are a package that include modern, hotel-style accommodations for two nights plus six meals in the dining hall. You may choose between Pitts-Booth Motels, the Robertson Inn, or Turner Lodge. Motels are identical hotels adjacent to each other, just across the street from the dining hall and an easy walk to the meeting rooms. Robertson is just a few more steps, across the parking lot on the inland waterway, and Turner Lodge is another few steps past Robertson. You may choose a single, double, triple, or quad room, and indicate roommate(s) or not, as you prefer. Prices range from $185.16 to $389.82 for the weekend, all inclusive, depending on the accommodations selected. Learn more about Robertson Inn, Pitts Motel,  and Turner Lodge and then make your reservation and pay through the Hotel/Meals link no later than September 15. Late accommodations may be accepted on a space available basis. 

Please note: Your hotel/meal costs are fully refundable until September 8; after this date and until September 20, all but a $40 deposit is refundable.  If you must cancel between September 19 and the beginning of retreat, you will forfeit the first night’s fee. (Your credit card will be charged when you make your reservation). The registration fee to the Christian Church in Georgia is non-refundable, but transferable to another woman attending the retreat.