Fall Men's Retreat

Annual Fall Men's Retreat

Time to Let Go and Be a MAN!

If Christian men are going to change from a pitiful, wimpy bunch of "really nice guys" to men who are made in the image of God, they must reexamine their preconceptions about who God is and recover themselves. Too often, men are bored; they fear risk, they refuse to pay attention to their deepest desires.

Here's an opportunity for a few of us men to take time out and come to grips with the "secret longings" of our hearts-the ones we've overlooked for too long.

The only way to live in this adventure we call life today, with all its danger, unpredictability, and uncertainty, is in an ongoing, intimate relationship with God.

Here's your chance to let loose, be yourself, and find God in the wild of His Creation. Let's go on a retreat together!

Sounds Great! When do we leave?

We'll plan to eat breakfast, eat lunch, and stop at Cabella's on the way up. This expense is not included in the $100 trip cost. You're on your own for these!

What can I expect to do there?

The park offers a tremendous amount of outdoor activities. If you want to bring corn hole or hillbilly golf, we can play those too when we're back at the cabin.

In the mornings, we'll make breakfast together and have devotions as a group. Then you're on your own for the rest of the day until evening. If some guys want to stay near camp and make lunch, you can do that. If some want to spend the day on the lake fishing, go for it! If you want to hike all day or go on a really long bike ride, feel free! There's no schedule. It's a retreat! It's supposed to be relaxing!

In the evenings, we'll gather for supper and a campfire. Campfires will be reflections on the day and thoughts about the morning's devotions.

We aren't taking canoes this year, but may take some boats up. If you'd like to rent a canoe or kayak for the day, it will cost you around $40 or so-easily split with a friend! Otherwise, plan on riding in one of the boats!

Recommended Gear List

Our cabin will have triple-stacked bunks with mattresses, a table, a few chairs, brooms and a wood stove for heat. There is a shower house at the park with vault toilets nearby.

We'll need to bring the following:

• Bedding
• Cookware & food
• Lanterns and a first-aid kit
• An ax or handsaw
• Flashlights and insect repellent
• Clothing and toiletries
• Anything else you find handy when camping.

*Smoking is not allowed in rustic cabins, nor are pets allowed to stay inside.

What's for dinner?

The intent is to set out a donation sheet for the church to donate food toward our trip. We won't have electricity, so everything will be put in coolers. Since we're only 25 minutes from Jackson, quick trips to the store might help out from time to time.

We'll cook meals over the open fire. We'll share cooking and cleaning responsibilities so that everyone contributes in some way for the big meals. If anybody catches fish during the day, we can grill them up too!

One night we'll visit Waterloo Pizza and Ice Cream for our supper. This expense is included in the registration fee.

Cost: $100 per person* (or less if you don't fish)

*Figures based on at least 10 people going and does not include any additional food or activity expenses beyond planned food donations received prior to the trip.

Where are we going again?

To the Waterloo Recreation Area (20 miles Northeast of Jackson, MI).

Waterloo Recreation Area is the largest park in the Lower Peninsula. This baby's HUGE! At more than 20,000 acres, the park boasts two modern campgrounds, a rustic campground, an equestrian campground, a swimming beach, several picnic sites, 11 excellent fishing lakes, 8 boat launches, 12 miles of interpretive nature trails, 47 miles of hiking trails, three rustic cabins, numerous equestrian trails and the Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center. You should find plenty to do there!

Waterloo Recreation Area

16345 McClure Rd.

Chelsea, MI 48118

(734) 475-8307

Visit their website here.

So, are you in?

Registrations fees can be made to Bryan First Brethren Church with "Men's Retreat" written in the memo line. These can be made in installments if you'd like. Just be paid up by the time we leave!