We’ve been having gorgeous summer weather for some time now, but in our household whatever the weather, summer doesn’t really start until Gary’s finished with his college end-of-year meetings. He reached his milestone of 25 years of teaching (congratulations, my love!), finished off the year with a final staff coffee break, and now for us it’s officially summer!

At the same time, I can’t help but think of fall, since this poster appeared on our church bulletin board this past week:

Like last year’s Christmas in October, this year’s Women’s Ministry retreat teems with creative ideas:

• a variety of workshops including digital photography, rhythmic dance, food garnishing, rock climbing;
• a used book swap;
• a talent show and colouring contest;
• a silent auction to raise funds for bursaries;
• and much more!

I’ll be speaking both Saturday and Sunday on Spark Your Spiritual Gifts based on 2 Timothy 1:1-14:

Verse 6:

Kindle afresh the gift of God that is in you.

Verse 7:

For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.

Verse 9:

God has saved us and called us with a holy calling.

Verse 14:

Guard the treasure which has been entrusted to you.

What did these words mean in their original context and setting from the apostle Paul to Timothy? How might they apply to the gifts that God has given us today? I’m looking forward to delving into these questions at the retreat, and I’d love to see you there!

If you’d like to invite me to speak at your retreat, please contact me.