ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS
Wyoming Winter Retreat Excitement sizzled through the communication channels: “There’s a family of four, 15 minutes away from the pick up parking lot!” group leader Liz Cornett reported. It was Friday, February 18, President’s Day weekend. The 2011 Wyoming Winter Retreat at Mills Spring Ranch on Casper Mountain was underway. Calls came in to schedule pickup of guests. Soon a caravan of snow machines (mini-Polaris snow cat and snowmobiles) was carting people, musical instruments, food and luggage over the final snow-covered mile into Mills Spring Ranch (MSR). Friday night vespers set the mood for a spiritually enriching weekend as guest speaker Rob Getty (athletic director at Ozark Academy in Arkansas) began his series, centered on Jesus Christ. Sabbath morning dawned with the scents of breakfast, prepared by April Wright. John Pendley led Sabbath school. Music and fellowship fueled the festivities into the church service. After lunch, kids and adults spread out over MSR property and the reaches of Casper Mountain. Sled runs were carved into the snow while snowshoe tracks compressed the pristine flakes. Crosscountry skis sliced through the shimmering snow trails, and sounds of snowmobiles ebbed and flowed with the wind. The joy of God’s creation was evident in smiles and laughter
Ginny Jensen headed out for cross-country skiing with Blitz in tow
amid the winter wonderland. Getty closed the Sabbath by tying all his messages together at vespers: A + B = C. If A, everyone is my neighbor, and B, Jesus is “the main thing,” then C, we need to fulfill Christ’s Great Commission and share Him in our communities with whomever we come in contact. At the end of an inspiring and fulfilling Sabbath, fellowship continued into the night as attendees united for conversation and table games. Sunday morning dawned with two inches of fresh snow. After another gourmet breakfast, the snow machine caravan transported guests to their cars. So ended a Winter Retreat that was spiritually enriching, beautiful and fun beyond description.
MAY 2011
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