“Today my soul finds confidence in…”
The theme for Focus Retreats this year is Reservoir: Resourcing the soul through the Word of God, the people of God, and the Spirit of God. Part of resourcing your soul is filling your reservoir with confidence in God.
More than 80 people gathered Ocean City, Md., this week for the East Focus Retreat. Charis Fellowship Executive Director Dan Allan led each session with a mix of personal stories, Scripture exploration, and group discussion, all focused around filling our reservoir and resourcing our soul.
Ryan Ritchey from Martinsburg Grace Brethren Church (Martinsburg, Pa.) headed up the worship team that was comprised of Caleb Brussel from Grace Church at Willow Valley (Lancaster, Pa.), Megan Johnson from Journey Church (Warrington, Pa.), and Scott Avey from Grace Fellowship Church (Brunswick, Md.). Ryan taught the group a song titled “Reservoir” that he wrote based on the theme for the retreat.
The ocean-front location provided attendees with two special opportunities to worship God in His creation. The first was a sunrise prayer and worship service on the boardwalk. Both Tuesday and Wednesday morning around 20 people gathered for a time of singing, led by Ryan Ritchey, and a short devotional, led by Dan Allan and Mark Lingenfelter, while watching the sunrise over the ocean.
The second special opportunity was time alone with God. After a brief message from Dan on the idea that God is always good, attendees were released for a personal devotion time to reflect on the question, “What does your soul find confidence in?” Many communed with God while walking or sitting on the beach or boardwalk. Later that evening people shared with the group how they finished the sentence “Today my soul finds confidence in…” with phrases like God’s authority, eternal salvation, and how God faithfully keeps His promises.
During the sessions representatives from national ministries, cooperating ministries, and camps shared updates and provided resources for getting connected. On Tuesday afternoon and evening people utilized free time to visit Assateauge Island, hang out a the beach, stroll along the boardwalk, and dine at local restaurants.