Highlight: CORE Retreat

A Whole-Health Retreat for MIND, BODY & SOUL This first-time retreat attracted 250 adult registrants, who chose among 43 class offerings in the areas of fitness, mental health, spiritual disciplines and nutrition. Over 30 children also attended-- many who enjoyed the KidCore healthy eating, kid yoga and pottery classes. It was truly an inspirational event for anyone of any age. The purpose of the CORE Retreat was two-fold: to reach out to neighbors and other non-members, and to encourage all participants to practice loving God with their whole selves. That may mean taking better care of the “temples of the Holy Spirit”--meaning our bodies-(1 Cor 6:19) by eating healthier or committing to physical activity. That may mean learning to put aside the things that weigh us down in our minds and work toward more gratefulness and less anxiety. That may mean dedicating a part of every day for Bible study or spending more time in prayer. Stretching oneself is an individual goal and activity that looks different for each person. Of the 250 adults registered, 21 percent were non-EPC members, and 42 of the total were not previously active users of the CLC and requested to join. The CORE Retreat also kicked off the six-week Lenten season, during which time EPC’s sermons, Daily Devotionals and additional nighttime classes honed in on scripture from Mark 12:30, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart… soul… mind… and strength.” One non-member participant said, “The whole theme-- combining exercise with the spirtual-- just perfect! Good balance of both and class offerings. This retreat has been such an encouragement, and as I am looking at churches to attend, this was a great way to get acquainted with EPC.” And an EPC member said it best: “It broke through barriers for the participants. The exercise component, especially during the [general] session, I would think was a big barrier for us Presbyterians to get us out of our shells.” - Excerpt from Eastminster Today June-July 2019

A Whole-Health Retreat for MIND, BODY & SOUL