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Men (and two women) gathered at Camp
Christian on April 12-13, 2013 for the annual Men's Retreat of the
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Georgia. This year a new
format was used, starting on Friday evening and ending on Saturday
afternoon so that the Men could return to duties at their home church on
Sunday. The Theme, presented by
keynote speaker Rev. Dr. Jerry Gladson was: “Hearing the Gospel Again for the First Time"
Jerry talked about the strong desire among men in the church to strengthen their spiritual life. The path to renewal of
spiritual life may be found in hearing, understanding, and taking the
gospel of Jesus Christ to heart.
Friday Evening
As the men gathered on a beautiful spring afternoon, some
could be seen fishing, rocking or just visiting with friends.
Friday evening began with some good home cooking including baked
chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans with ham, salads, and of course
coconut cake and Coca-Cola cake. After dinner, Jill Trower and
Mike Rucker led the men in a song fest. Jill and Mike also favored
us with a few songs as well. It is always traditional that the
recipient of the Layman of the Year award give the opening devotion and
Ken Helton carried on that tradition with humor and inspiration.
Jerry then delivered the first of his three Keynote presentations.
After the keynote the men adjourned to the porch of
Peachtree Lodge to hear Dr. Jay White deliver vespers. An Ice
Cream social finished the evening, the men departing to watch a
screening of "Courageous", to visit some more or just to turn in.
Saturday
 Saturday
morning started at 8am with a filling breakfast of eggs, sausage, grits
and fruit. At 9, Jill and Mike warmed us up again with song before
Bob Grant delivered a devotion followed by Jerry's second keynote
session.
After a short break, Bob convened the business meeting.
Several reports included John Anderson reporting on work that is needed
at the Regional office to inside ceilings that are falling. Tommy
Freeman and Bob Frank-Plumlee also reported on coming workdays at Camp.
After election of officers, Rev. Frank-Plumlee installed the new
officers for 2013-2014. Those elected include President: Medie
Still, President Elect: Jimmy Walker, Secretary/Treasurer: Will Perdue,
Pastor Counselor: Rev. Jay White. The men then adjourned for
lunch!
After lunch and another round of song from Jill and Mike,
Jerry brought his third message on Grace. Rev. David Grandgeorge
then provided a bible study which was followed by communion and a
closing friendship circle.
If you missed this year, enjoy photos from the event
below then resolve to make next years event which will also be a 2 day
format at Camp Christian.
Comments:
If you were at retreat and have any comments or
suggestions for next years retreat Medie Still wants to hear from you.
Contact Medie at
medie3@windstream.net
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Keynote speaker: Rev. Dr. Jerry Gladson, who many of you know as the
retired Sr. Minister Emeritus of First Christian Church
Marietta, Ga.
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Rev. Dr. Jerry Gladson - comes from
Dalton, Georgia. He earned his B.A. in theology from
Southern College, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Hebrew Bible from
Vanderbilt University. Ordained in both the Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ, he
has pastored churches in Kentucky, Tennessee, California,
and Georgia. The the author of twelve books, he now serves
as adjunct professor of Old Testament Language, Literature,
and Exegesis at Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur,
Georgia, and adjunct professor of religion at Richmont
Graduate University, Atlanta. He and his wife, Laura, a
licensed psychologist, have two daughters and four
grandsons. In addition to spending time with their
grandsons, they especially enjoy rummaging through old book
and antique stores. |
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