Spring Fling 2011

Semper Gumby was our motto as we planned this year's local retreat.

It was a learning experience and ultimately a joy (!) to serve as Misawa's Retreat Coordinator this year. We had a Fall Rally the end of August and had planned a 3 day/2 night retreat in May....the date had to change  due to Military exercises ....an earthquake and tsunami, a voluntary departure involving many of our members, a return of many of our ladies (Welcome BACK!)...and a change in venues.....

Renee was our anointed speaker. She spoke on Glory, Arise, and Light from Is 60:1-3. This beautifully tied up our year's theme -  Shine in the Light of His Glory. We began exploring this theme at the Fall Rally focusing on Matt 5 and being salt and light. It has been amazing to watch how God prepared us for current events.

We went to Komaki for our Fri night meeting, dinner and onsen enjoyment-no onsen photos will be forthcoming. 

Retreat Team members showed up at 3:00 to set up (and repeated in a new location the next a.m.)

Chocolate and Onsen just go together....

Annette and Sarah were champs! 

Flowers, chocolate, candles...we're good. 

Ruth and Mandy, our registration team, BREATHED Semper Gumby! 

Perfect, one of our first registrants coordinates with the tote! Love ya, Tanya. 

Small group leaders are briefed and pray

Dinner

Kobayashi-san is our liaison with Japanese Venues. He's invaluable and it was a learning experience to work with him this past year.  I learned much about Japanese culture. He very much approved of my announcements about onsen behavior - giving me high praise, "De'Etta-san, you are just like Japanese." 

I shared briefly about Dancing with God in shaky situations

Becky and Mandy led us to the throne of grace

We were OFF - with small groups exploring the concept of "Glory". 

Renee shared 3 sessions - centered on Glory, Arise, Light - Excellent time in the Word

I haven't a CLUE - but it was fun. 

We moved to Misawa AB ski lodge for Saturday's sessions. 

 

Renee kept things moving with charades, skits, times of personal reflection...we enjoyed munchies, games, sharing....

What is God calling you to Arise from and Arise to? 

Gifts were given to our amazing Retreat team. I asked two to remain and as all sat down, I realized Renee (speaker) and Susane (President)  are both leaving shortly. What a joy it has been to serve with these two ladies the past two years. 

Board gifts for Susane were two of Twyla Misawa's famous pillow cases, a photo albums, notes and letters from the PWOC group and a gift certificate for a facial. 

Well - something was funny, I'm sure. Work hard but HAVE FUN! 

Tara surprises me with a gift from y'all - card (such sweet encouragement from one of the best PWOC groups in the world) and itunes for my ipad (already purchased movie for my flight) and a bit of green for a pedicure (which is a new Misawa thing for me!). 

The event ended with the recognition and thanks to the 2010-2011 PWOC board and the installation of the 2011-2012 Misawa PWOC board.

Susane shared some thoughts on serving the past two years

2011-2012 Misawa PWOC Board (partial)

De'Etta (Pres), Mary (Titus 2), Mandy (Admin), Tara (Spiritual Life), Sarah (Finances), Christie (Hospitality), Ruth (Prayer)...Kristin (Programs) and Jess (Publicity) were unable to attend. There are still a few open positions.... ::wink, wink:: - We can promise you hard work, personal growth and lots of friendship and fun! 

{D's note} Group photo will be posted as it becomes available. I'll make discs of all retreat photos for those who want them when I return from the states. 

2011 Spring Fling

Feeling a bit frazzled? 

Worn out from doing good? 

Tired from traveling? 

Looking for a last great fellowship time with friends before the summer? 

You need  a FLING with your PWOC sisters!  Join us Friday/Saturday April 29/30. 

If you hurry, it's not to late to register. Email Mandy and/or Ruth by Tuesday morning (26 Apr). Click on the Spring Fling Page for fliers, directions, registration forms etc.

Pssstt....if Onsens aren't your thing, you can get a massage, visit shops or sit and visit.....

Spring Fling

If you are on your way home and wondering if there is still room to register for the Spring Fling  - there is. Click the tab above for all the details. Email the info to Mandy or Ruth and you'll be counted. Space is limited - but there is still space. Priority will be given to those attending all three sessions.  If you have questions, please ask.

We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back to Misawa.

SPRING FLING!

Be sure to check out the "Spring Fling" page above for the latest info on the ever-changing Spring Retreat. The PWOC Board and Retreat Team knew that many did not want to go away from their families in these rather wild days we're living in; but we DO need some relaxing, refreshing, renewing time together...and so was born the first-ever Misawa Spring Fling.

Read all the details on the Spring Fling page and feel free to ask any questions you may have in the comment section or by emailing De'Etta at misawaretreats@gmail.com.

Retreat Update

If you've paid for April's retreat and would like a refund etc. Please email De'Etta .  I've been assured we will work this out - though the process will have to be determined. Typically the CTOF is not allowed to give refunds.

 Decisions about the retreat will be made in the next couple of weeks. We are assessing the situation. We need to let the dust settle, see who is still here, and consider the NEEDS of our women - rather than marching bravely along with our plan.  I will announce final plans at PWOC studies, on FB and the blog when they have been reached.

Join us at the Rally

If you missed the fun this evening, feel free to join us tomorrow for the second half of the Fall Rally.  Breakfast will begin at 0800....the first session will start at 0900. We'd love to have you join us!  Just come on by the chapel.

Salt, Light AND Sea Glass....cute!

You know what they say about women in the bathroom. ::snort:: Good sports in our "ice breaker". 

Three sweet (and slightly cold and wet) winners....

Fall Rally FAQ

Is the Fall Rally Free? YES,  for everyone.

What are the times of the rally? Friday night registration will begin at 6:00....service at 6:30 and be done by 9:00. Saturday breakfast is at 8:00 a.m. . Our day will conclude by 3:00 p.m. 

Can I attend if I don’t attend PWOC? ABSOLUTELY

Can I attend if I don’t attend the base chapel? ABSOLUTELY

What is a “fall rally”?  - Think of it as a mini-retreat: elements of a retreat – without the expense or the overnight stay.  One response on feedback forms last year, is that our women would like more time to get to develop relationships. Similarly, we  heard small groups at the spring retreat were a highlight of our year. The Fall Rally is designed to spiritually challenge, provide opportunity for you to form new friendships or renew old ones after the summer travel season, and provide an easy spot for you to sign up for fall Bible studies etc – if you desire.  There will be speakers, a panel discussion around our theme, an outreach project, small group sessions and plain fun.

I know Renee isn't speaking -who is? De'Etta will speak at one of our sessions, Heike Messer (missionary) will speak at another session, De'Etta will guide us through an interactive session. 

Is this just a ploy to get PWOC volunteers? No. You are welcome to attend even if you do not attend PWOC or do not plan to attend PWOC. The event is sponsored by PWOC. We will provide opportunity for you to sign up for fall studies, we will display outreach opportunities….but our goal is for this event to be a blessing to all who attend – even if you choose not to participate further in PWOC. Obviously, we’d love to have you join us for our Bible studies if you are not already plugged in to a Bible study that is meeting your needs.

Can I bring my baby? Yes.

Will you be providing children's ministry? No.  However, if you need names of youth who are willing to baby-sit, please let us know. Our concern for providing a program for the children was originally space (we weren't in the chapel) and now is the length of the day.

My schedule is up in the air, can I attend if I don't register? Yes. If you think you may attend, it helps us to plan if we include you in our number. Please consider registering with Windy, but by all means, do come if your weekend schedule unexpectedly clears up!

I can't attend the Fall Rally but would like to sign up for Fall Studies, where can I do this? Again, early registration serves to insure we have enough material and assign rooms properly. However, if you haven't been able to sign up at your chapel service and don't attend the Rally, you may sign up at the first study -Monday, 13 Sept @ 6:30 p.m. (Covenant) and Tuesday, 14 September @ 9:20 a.m.  Please contact Sarah with any Bible study related questions. More Bible study info can be found here. 

How can I help with the Fall Rally? We can find a variety of spots for help...would you like to run the audio or slides? Would you like to help set up Friday afternoon? Would you like to serve on the retreat team as we move into planning the spring retreat?  Let De'Etta know where you interest lies and we'll plug you in. 

If you have any other questions, feel free to email De'Etta. 

Late Breaking Fall Rally News

I thought I'd answer a few quick questions about the Fall Rally.

This is shaping up to be a wonderful event.

Our theme is Shine in the Light of His Glory. Renee will speak to us for two sessions. We'll have a special guest speaker who will speak to us about "Shining Across Cultures". We'll have a panel discussion and be able to ask questions about how best to share Jesus with our Japanese friends. We'll work on a fantastic outreach project to bless a local nursing home at Christmas time.

You'll renew old friends after the summer travel season...and make some new friends too.

It's ALL FREE! Advance registration is only so we can have the right amount of food and supplies on hand.

We'll pass out a flier you can share with your friends this Sunday.

YES, you can attend the Fall Rally even if you don't attend the base chapel. We'd love to host you.

If you don't attend chapel and would like to sign up, or if you have any other questions, feel free to email De'Etta.

Don't Miss This!!!!

From Misawa Protestant Women of the Chapel

More Retreat Photos

Lisa's Cafe Group

Thanks, Lisa, for sharing a few of your photos with us. Ladies, enjoy another look back at Sweet Life Cafe. It's our prayer that you are continuing to Savor the Presence of God in your life this summer.

Remember, if you'd like to share your photos email them to De'Etta at dschoosingjoy@gmail.com A disc will be compiled of all photos.