Pastors and ministry leaders from around the Pacific Northwest and the Charis Fellowship gathered this week for the Northwest Focus Retreat. It was the first time in two years that the event had been held due to the COVID pandemic.
The retreat began with dinner at Iglesia De Los Hermanos, a Charis Fellowship church in Yakima, Wash. This allowed bi-vocational pastors, spouses, and others to join for the first session of the retreat. Charis Fellowship ministry leaders shared a bit about each of their organizations following the meal. Among those participating were Dr. Bill Katip, Grace College and Seminary; Viki Rife, Women of Grace USA; Phil Bryant, Assist Church Expansion; Eric Miller, Momentum Ministry Partners; Jim Hocking, Water for Good; Liz Cutler Gates, GraceConnect and BMH Books; Mark Lingenfelter, Inspire Charis Pastors’ Network; and Ryan Bowell, Grace Brethren Investment Foundation.
After dinner, the retreat continued at Camp Clear Lake for those who could get away for two days of refreshment and relaxation.
As with the other retreats held this year, Phil Sparling, executive director of the Charis Fellowship and pastor of Auburn Grace Community Church, a Charis Fellowship congregation in Auburn, Calif., is leading. It is following the theme of Biblical Relationships, centered on Ecclesiastes 4:12: ‘And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.’
To view photos from the retreat, see the GraceConnect Facebook page.