Daily Archives: March 1, 2024

Spiritual Retreats are very important to an individual and to the church community as very beautiful growth comes from these kinds of experiences. Claybanks United Methodist Church over the years has had a number of its members attend spiritual retreats. When I get to speak to someone, and I get a sense of spiritual joy, I am heartened to learn that some of those individuals have attended one of the many Declores Journeys.

I am encouraged that currently members of our church have shown interest in the Women’s Walk To Emmaus scheduled for the first weekend in May, sponsored by the West Michigan Emmaus Community, at a camp north of Ludington.

I will be part of the clergy group assisting in the Walk. Reba will be working in the kitchen for the 72-hour retreat along with many others from the Emmaus Community who want the spiritual journey of those attending to be blessed beyond anything that they may have experienced.

Reba, Michelle, Bill Dye and I have served on Journeys many times during the past almost thirty years. For the years prior to Covid, each January and February, you as a church blessed me and others by encouraging me along with Bill to participate in Keryx Retreats at Carson City Correctional Facility.

It is my prayer, that we as a church, might in May or in the future have others consider a Walk To Emmaus Retreat. Should you want to consider a Journey please talk to Reba, Konnie, Edie, or myself above how the spirit is moving within you and pushes your soul.

Blessings, Pastor Gary