Mud Pies and Mirrors" was the seminar topic of this year's Memorial Day Northwest Adventist Single Adult Ministry retreat, presented by Mike Aufderhar, pastor and his wife Brenda. Singles learned how to be good listeners using effective communication skills and implementing biblical principles.
"I found the speakers truly inspiring, the role-playing made it real, and the group activities helped us get to know more details about each other," comments Vivian from Alberta, Canada.
ASAM retreats are a safe setting where single adults can meet other single adults through worship, prayer, good Christian fellowship and recreation. The NW MiVoden Singles Retreat is known for its spiritual emphasis where singles come to meet old and new friends to share and pray together.
Activities include waterskiing, beach volleyball, indoor swimming and outdoor jacuzzi time. Several mixer activities are planned throughout the weekend for singles to get to know each other.
"I was nervous at first and did not know what to expect. But everyone there was so nice and friendly that soon I felt comfortable," says Tamara, a first-time attendee. "I was even in a ‘Talentless Talent Show.' I haven't laughed so hard in such a long time. They say that laughter is the best medicine."
Single adults make up more than 50 percent of our churches, so the goal of ASAM is to reach out and meet the needs of singles in our churches which includes, but is not limited to mission service, divorce care groups, grief recovery, nurturing and reaching others for the kingdom of God.
Memorial Day 2008 Northwest Singles Retreat: Participants play beach volleyball.
The "Talentless Talent Show" Skit.
Terrie Leen, retreat coordinator.
Gary Morgan leads the prayer session at each meeting and Denis from California helps by praying for special requests.
From left: Brenda and Mike Aufderhar, wife and pastor and retreat speakers; Wayne and Jeri Hicks, UCC Family Ministry director and Terrie Leen, UCC ASAM leader and NPUC ASAM representative.
Northwest Singles Retreat 2008 Banquet —Garden Theme.
