We are blessed to be in a church where women take the initiative to disciple other women. Our February Women's Retreat was the most recent expression of this commitment.

On Sunday Stephanie shared how the Lord met her at the retreat. Here it is in her own words:

At the end of February, I had the opportunity to attend my first women’s retreat with Sovereign Grace Church and I loved it! It was so nice to spend time in prayer, singing, Bible reading, and fellowship with the women of this church. 

The theme was Drawing Near To God and the teaching was centered on a series of activities that could guide our quiet times and devotionals, such as confession, praise, petition, intercession, and thanksgiving.

So when the retreat began with "God is not impressed with our quiet times”, I was really taken aback by this truth. It is so easy to get caught up in thinking that somehow quiet times and spiritual disciplines will earn God's favor, but this is so far from the truth. 

At the women's retreat, I was reminded that quiet times are a means of grace, not to grace. God is not impressed with our quiet times, but as Hebrews 4:16 says we can “…With confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Alice, Angie, Rebecca, Sue, Kirsi, Lisa, and Lois

These women have taken it upon themselves to be the visionaries and planners of our women's events (check out previous events here, here, and here). They've gone above and beyond the call of duty to make sure that the women of Sovereign Grace have meaningful opportunities to connect and grow. They make sacrifices because they love the One who made the ultimate sacrifice for them and for us.

God Has Blessed Us With Ladies Who Lead

 

A CHURCH FILLED WITH WOMEN WHO PURSUE GOD

The women of Sovereign Grace gathered last Saturday to be encouraged to draw near to God through spiritual disciplines. They did more than talk about it. As part of the retreat, they put them into practice. There were times of private prayer and reflection, small group prayer and Bible reading, and large group thanksgiving and singing. Not to mention lots of good food, making new friends, and enjoying a day away from regular life.  

God is not impressed with our spiritual disciplines

But he does want to bless us through time with Him. And God was eager to bless the ladies on Saturday. Read what a couple of them had to say:

Stephanie
"God is not impressed with our quiet times." I was taken aback by this truth at the women's retreat. It is so easy to get caught up in thinking that somehow quiet times and spiritual disciplines will earn God's favor, yet this is so far from the truth. At the women's retreat, I was reminded that quiet times are means of grace, not means to grace. How much more delightful it is to draw near with confidence knowing this!

Rachel
I appreciated Saturday so much. The event was well-organized and well-executed. I felt like the time spent on each aspect of communing with God was appropriate and encouraging. I was most excited about praying through Psalms. Oftentimes, I find my reading is disconnected from how I feel in my day-to-day, but that is something I feel like I can do to connect God's word with my daily life and see where my struggles match those of the psalmists.   I loved everything about the day, and can't wait till we have another ladies' day!

Looking for some resources to follow-up from the retreat?  Here are some recommendations:

1. Habits of Grace: Enjoying Jesus Through the Spiritual Disciplines by David Mathis
2. The Gospel Primer by Milton Vincent
3. Sing a New Song: A Woman's Guide to the Psalms by Lydia Brownback

Check out the photos on Facebook.

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you

Those who seek Him find Him. Those who ask Him get an answer.

Tomorrow the women of Sovereign Grace Church are gathering for a 1-day retreat. They are taking God up on His promise to draw near.

We want to have a church full of women who are satisfied in their Savior. As they sing, learn, and pray tomorrow, join us in asking God to delight them.

IT'S HAPPENING NEXT SATURDAY

All ladies are invited to our 2018 Sovereign Grace Women’s Retreat. Join us for one day to consider 'Drawing Near to God.'

Here’s what to expect:

• A day away from your usual responsibilities
• Delicious food and fun activities
• Opportunities to connect with old friends and make new ones.
• Teaching, panel discussions, and worship

You can register online or at the Welcome Table on Sunday morning. Register ASAP so we can have accurate counts for our caterer.

MAY GOD DRAW NEAR TO US AS WE DRAW NEAR TO HIM

All ladies are invited to our 2018 Sovereign Grace Women’s Retreat. Join us for one day to consider 'Drawing Near to God.'

Here’s what to expect:

• A day away from your usual responsibilities
• Delicious food and fun activities
• Opportunities to connect with old friends and make new ones.
• Teaching, panel discussions, and worship

You can register online or at the Welcome Table on Sunday morning. Register ASAP so we can have accurate counts for caterers.

May God draw near to us as we draw near to Him

We Grow Together

Ladies are officially invited to our 2018 Women's Retreat. Take full advantage of this opportunity to spend a day learning, sharing, and encountering the Lord together.

Register right now.