Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

We live in a world where getting things fast and easy are the norm. We get our food at the drive-thrus, we use express check-outs at stores, we use cell phones to always be accessible and/or access someone else whenever we want to, and we use our computers to get information as quickly as possible. Certainly I enjoy these services and gadgets and use them to my advantage. But I find it interesting that in this world of speed and technology, nothing has been invented (thankfully) that will quicken the development of friendships. Time, patience, attention and commitment are the “old-fashioned” ingredients that help relationships to deepen and friendships to grow.

A number of families were able to attend the winter retreat up at Pilgrim Center this past weekend. We had 14 families which made for a total of 54 people. It was a miracle that all families made it—no one had to cancel because their child/children got sick, the weather didn’t throw us a curve so roads were in good shape for traveling, and no one felt in the last minute that their demands at home or with their work were too much that they needed to bale.

So we spent the weekend playing games, making crafts including a beautiful banner (thanks to Gretchen Olson), having deeper conversations with one another, singing to Karaoke (thanks to John Gilbert), sledding, playing football on Green Lake, walking the Labyrinth, worshiping together, enjoying the wonderful facilities at Pilgrim Center including the new Ley Chapel, eating very tasty food, and laughing a lot. Hearts were so filled with gratitude when we left on Sunday—we were all so deeply thankful for this time together and for the wonderful connections we are making because of our commitment to this body of Christ we call Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ.

Families gave of their time, their patience, their attention and committed to a weekend away. Everyone knows it takes lots of effort to pack up a family and get out of town. It’s a lot easier to simply stay home. But there is a deep desire among many to form deeper relationships with one another and grow deeper in faith and so they made the commitment to come.
As we were leaving, many asked if we could do this again. Pilgrim Center already asked me if I wanted to book the same weekend for 2011. I think the answer is yes. Thanks be to God!