Calvin's Council Retreat

On Saturday, September 13th Calvin held it's annual council retreat at Calvin CRC.  

Each year council comes together to discuss the issues that are facing Calvin and set ministry direction.  

The success or failure of any gathering is dependent on the quantity and quality of the food that is present. 

Friendly hands was there for the day feeding our bodies as others fed our minds.  

Needless to say, it was a good retreat.  : )  

We began our day with Kathy sharing with us the challenges that the Christian Reformed Denomination is facing at the moment.  They are not unlike those we face in the local church and it was good to hear about the issues that are being discussed and addressed.   

After that time our TMAT team (Transitional Ministry Advisory Team) took over and had us discuss in smaller groups many different elements of ministry as they pertain to Calvin.  

We shared good moments that have happened in our experience at Calvin.  There were many.  It was a highlight of my day listening to the stories.     

 We spent time in small groups talking about other issues too, like comfort zones, core values, clarification of TMAT's path, etc.  

There were break times as well.  

A chance to catch up on discussions started, or just to fellowship together.   

Pastor Nick headed up some of our discussion time as well.   

Christine was the faithful minute taker for TMAT.  

Here is Pastor Nick leading us in a discussion time.   

As mentioned before, good food is paramount to any gathering.  Here are the wonderful ladies who made sure we were fed for the day.   

Oh yeah, I missed Rita.  

Sorry about that.  : ) 

The TMAT team discussing strategy.  : )  

More small group discussion time.... 

And More....  : )  

Phil even got a chance to share and talk, though I don't think he's happy about being up front.  : )  

More discussion time.  : )  

Looks like they are having fun though.  : )  

Lunch time!!!!  : ) 

The soups were GREAT! 

Lots to choose from.  

Phil getting his chance in the limelight.  

We ended our day at about 3 pm. 

I don't think we covered everything TMAT wanted to, but what was covered was well thought out and we had a good day together.  

Thanks to Kathy and the TMAT team for all their work and to the Friendly Hands for their work too.