It was approaching sunset on Friday evening, Jan. 21. The trumpet call of Canada geese seemed to herald the close of another work week. Ducks gliding across Hayden Lake's mirrored surface echoed the call. The sky filled with vibrant hues as the sun bowed and then dipped out of sight behind the distant mountaintops framing the horizon.
As a new Sabbath dawned, 96 men gathered for the Upper Columbia Conference men's retreat—titled Men Wanted—to grow in their journey with God.
"The greatest want of the world is the want of men," declared Kevin Wilfley, Spokane Linwood Church pastor and featured weekend speaker, as he opened the conference, "men of the Word, men of prayer, men of integrity, and men of service."
Each of Wilfley's presentations began with singing, included small-group prayer sessions, and closed with a call to commitment.
Interspersed between the general sessions, the men attended hour-long seminars, small-group prayer sessions, and enjoyed discussions over delicious meals.
Mid-day on Sunday—with seminars concluded and commitments secured to be men of the Word, men of prayer, men of integrity, and men of service—Maple Auditorium grew silent once again. Silent, but for the murmur of men in prayer.
One might conclude that with activity on the wane, the retreat was coming to a close. To those in attendance, however, this circle of prayer was clearly just the beginning.
For information about the UCC men's retreat in February 2006, featuring guest speaker Jim Hohnberger, please call Sheryl Janke at (509) 838-2761.
Men singing
Sunset Friday evening was just one of many opportunities to reflect on one's calling during the 2005 UCC men's retreat held at Camp MiVoden.
Kevin Wilfley, featured speaker, exhorted retreat attendees to be men of the Word, men of prayer, men of integrity, and men of service in his four down-to-earth presentations.
