by Ellen Beal, Membership Committee
At St. Stephen, we have a beautiful building to worship in and feel God’s love. But we Presbyterians have another beautiful place to worship that shows ” the wonders of His world” through nature. That place is Mo Ranch, in the Texas Hill Country, where you worship with “the rocks and trees, of skies and seas, His hand the wonders wrought”. The St. Stephen All-Church Retreat at Mo Ranch, Labor Day weekend, September 2-4, is a special time to refresh body, mind, and spirit, reconnect with one another, and reaffirm our commitment to St. Stephen.
Our retreat leaders this year are St. Stephen’s own staff, Fritz and Beth. The theme is “Rising From the Ruins,” and we’ll be reflecting on our recovery from the vandalism and Biblical passages on the theme of falling and rising and death and resurrection–the way that God can use difficult situations to make us stronger, healthier, and more faithful. While there will be some separate activities for adults, youth and children, most of the retreat will be inter-generational, as we build up the idea that we are the body of Christ together.
There’s plenty to do at Mo Ranch! Canoe down the Guadalupe River and explore some of Mo’s 500 acres and perhaps encounter a deer or sight a rare species of bird. Of course swimming and sliding down the Giant Slide into the Guadalupe. There’ll be a chuck wagon BBQ on the banks of the river Saturday evening. And tennis players, bring a racket–they have courts!
We will be staying in comfortable, hotel-like accommodations in Pheasant Run Inn. Each room is $260 for two nights and meal plans are $60 for adults and $35 for kids. This is wonderfully affordable for anyone interested in going! Registration sheets are available at the Welcoming Committee table in the narthex after the 10:00 am service each Sunday. You can also call Anne in the Administration office (817) 927-8411 or email admin@ststephenpresbyterian.com. HURRY! Registration is closing soon.