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.....

First Kits Delivered

Sixty-four of the Chapel's Transition Home Kits were delivered  yesterday to Miyako Shi. This was made possible by the cooperation of both the Protestant and Catholic parish.  I believe every Protestant program was represented in the volunteer pool this week.  Thank you! We will continue to assemble kits. Check the chapel Face Book page "Misawa Air Base Chapel" for updated volunteer opportunities. 

Yesterday's team minus two

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.

Fun Work....

The week's shopping trips were completed and today was the FIRST chapel Kit Assembly day. We learned a lot...we accomplished a lot. Thanks to all 25 - 30 who showed up to help, Men, Women, Youth and Children. 


We assembled 65 kits...If you missed this week's activity, keep checking the Prot News, here, Misawa AB Facebook page for upcoming opportunities. 


You may continue to drop off items from the home kit list at the chaplain 1 office....funds can be dropped off at any chapel service this Sunday. 


Photos: 

Our QC ladies were invaluable....

My son, the coach, told me a clipboard and a whistle puts you in charge....I ran around all day answering questions, putting out fires and blowing my PWOC whistle. LOL 

Anita checks a kit over

Note to self - next week assign people (like Melissa) at each table with glass that needs wrapping. 

Becky takes QC seriously!

Multi-tasking: supervising assembly, wrapping china, giving Navy PA an interview and corralling Zander. 

Ah - Asia Region Board at work. ::snort:: 

Tomorrow, our group of drivers will take these 65 kits to Miyako City where they will bless families moving into new homes next week. 


Good job, team. You're a blessing. 

Shopping Trip

Have you heard about the Transition Home Kits the chapel is collecting for displaced Japanese families who will be moving from evacuation centers to FEMA type homes in the near future? A list is available at the chapel or by emailing misawakits@gmail.com.  Realizing that we like to do things together, and hearing that some were intimidated by the list....we are offering a group shopping day. We will meet at the BX parking lot nearest the main gate on Tuesday at 0930. Any lady who would like to caravan with us is welcome to join us.


In addition, De'Etta is compiling a  list of volunteers willing to shop for, assemble and deliver kits.  If this is not your week to help, maybe future week will be. 

Leadership Team for 2011-2012

Ladies, thanks to Mary, Renee and Christina who served on this years Leadership Selection Team.  They proposed a slate, Ch. Goecker approved the slate, and PWOC membership approved as well.

Please keep the following women in your prayers as they seek God's face for a new PWOC ministry year.

Selected Board:
Acting President - De'Etta Goecker
VP Spiritual Life - Tara Williams
VP Programs/Special Events - Kristin Eastburn
Administrative Coordinator - Mandy Bouchard
Financial Liaison - Sarah Stein

The board is in the process of building the rest of next year's PWOC leadership team. If you are interested in serving in any of the open positions or on the team of any of the chairs listed below....please contact De'Etta at dschoosingjoy@gmail.com.

The following are joint board positions we are still praying about filling:
Outreach (will help coordinate our relief efforts as well as nursing home visits every other month)
Retreat Coordinator
Prayer Coordinator
Leadership Selection
Participation
Hospitality