The Montgomery County Church of Christ is hosting their Singles Retreat 2010 event entitled, “Victorious Faith” on September 3-5, 2010 at the Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort (16701 Lakeview Road NE, Cumberland, Maryland, 21530).

The classes covered will offer insights into a variety of areas that are key to victorious living, including:

• Choosing to love instead of harboring resentment
• Facing our fears with courage
• Choosing Godly ways rather then worldly ways
• Choosing to believe in faith rather then live in doubt
• Tapping in the power of prayer and fasting

Victorious Faith takes place over Labor Day Weekend at the Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort (http://www.rockygapresort.com ).

Come join the singles for a weekend of focusing on the victories we have experienced in our lives and how God has worked through the various circumstances of our lives to bring us victory!

Cost:

Quad:  $144 per person (based on 4 people sharing the room)
Triple:  $166 per person (based on 3 people sharing the room)
Double:  $214 per person (based on 2 people sharing the room)
Single:  $354 per person (based on one person per room)

**NOTE: The final cost of the event is lowering as money is being raised at the numerous fundraising events planned by the Montgomery County Church of Christ Singles Ministry.  Please pray for our cost-lowering efforts to succeed!**

The above costs will include:

• 3 days / 2 nights at the hotel (visit http://www.rockygapresort.com for more pics!)
• Two breakfasts and one dinner
• The cost of our meeting room (plus all taxes and fees)
• Fun, Fellowship, and inspiration!

On Sunday, the singles joined with the entire Metro Manila church for a time of praising God.  Over 6,000 disciples praised God in song, dance, prayer, communion and fellowship.  Brothers prayed in 5 languages.  Good news was shared from Thailand, the Middle East and Manila. Marco Pelizzeri from Los Angeles, challenged  everyone to be Sold Out And Rejoice. 

The words of the theme song, taken from Isaish 40:28-31 and written/arranged by disciples in Manila’s AMS ministry, captured the conference’s desire to reinvigorate the singles ministry and inspired the singles throughout the conference and as they head back home to

Soar on wings like eagles.

Run, and not grow weary.

Walk, and not be faint.

Singles acknowledged that

Every man grows tired and weak

Young men do stumble and fall

But my hope is in His love

Given by the One above

The singles were reminded that

The Spirit leads me

God be with me

The world behind me

The cross before me

SOAR!

Many many thanks are extended to the Manila church for the phenomenal job they did in organizing and hosting the first ever International Singles Conference outside the United States. Truly they served and inspired the singles to SOAR to greater heights.

Friday morning saw a (very!) early start with the first classes beginning already at 8am!  But the singles rose to the occasion and classrooms were full as they heard people from around the world teaching and sharing about Relationships (with God, with your physical family, with other singles), Excellence in your character, SOARing as single parents and being Single & Joyful.

After a fellowship break another series of classes were held on Purity, Living a Disciplined Life, special needs for addictions were addressed and the singles were inspired to recommit themselves to the Mission as men and women of conviction.

A long lunch break allowed for extended fellowship as the singles descended on the city of Manila to nourish their stomach and their souls and lots of evangelizing along the way.

In the afternoon another series of classes inspired the singles to SOAR in their careers, SOAR  in their maturity, singles were reminded of and inspired to once again have Visions & Dreams. Another class shared about HOPE, another addressed Dealing with Past Hurts and an Apologetics class gave faith-building insights on being a Christian worldwide.

If that wasn’t enough –and it wasn’t! – the single sisters then got a chance to meet together and worship God in song and hear Lin Beaty preach about living a passionate life.  The sisters then turned the hall over to the brothers for their own time of worship and preaching from Morris McCormick.

The day concluded with a Worship Devotional where songs and scriptures were interspersed for a time of worship to God.

SOARing with HOPE

Saturday morning saw another very early start with a 6am physical fitness session to inspire the disciples to SOAR in their physical lives as well.

Then it was onto the busses to visit and volunteer at the Center of HOPE village in Laguna, Philippines, where HOPE offers short- and long-term holistic care, treatment and placement for children that have been sexually and/or physically abused.  The Center is a safe-harbor for children where they are offered a place to stay in a family setting and trained staff offer a wide range of skills to treat each child’s individual needs.

SOARing to Heaven

Saturday night the SOAR 2010 mixer saw over 1,000 singles experience pure, clean fun.  In line with the “Heaven” theme, singles were encouraged to dress in “pristine white” and wear wings. 

 What better way to celebrate the lessons learned and the friendships forged than to party in the Spirit!  

Singles danced the night away, reveled in the concert music, and engaged in wholesome conversation with interesting company in a coffee lounge ambience.

With classes, speeches, HOPE tours,  worship devotionals, mixers, Bible Talk leader workshops, and lots of opportunities for fellowship, the singles are being inspired to SOAR to great heights, life their spirits, realize their dreams and return to the days of old when the singles ministries rocked!

It all started on Thursday afternoon with a Bible Talk Leader Workshop where Todd Asaad, Dallas, Texas, USA, evangelist, challenged us to lead Bible Talks where “men can be men”.  Too often we focus on building relationships, on nurturing; we emphasize safety of risk, stability over change, predictability over adventure.  All good things, but men want action, adventure, tension, intrigue, impossible odds.  To build Bible Talks (and churches) that attract men, requires a focus on adventure and daring.

Thursday night’s Opening Night Celebration was exactly that – an amazing celebration.  The Manila church gathered acrobats, singers, dancers, music, songs, and scriptures to inspire and set the mood for the singles to SOAR.  A special performance from the Hong Kong singles added to the international flavor of the night along with a parade of flags from the 28 nations represented at the conference.

The theme song called singles to

Soar to the highest and highest of heavens

Run to your ultimate destiny

Walk with your brother’s and sister’s hand

Soar!

Andrew Moreno from the Dubai church in the United Arab Emirates, then walked the crowd through Joseph’s life, noting how all along it was God’s dream, God’s timing, and God that was being glorified as Joseph SOARed to greater and greater heights in his life.

When: July 2nd thru 4th, 2010
Location: Washington Marriott – Georgetown
Cost: $40  (hotel is  $129 / night)

Click here for more info & online registration

The enchanting Valentine’s was celebrated at the home of Dr. James Kulubi in Olooitikosh near the Maasai Ostrich Farm in Kitengela, some 45 Km South of Nairobi, Kenya.

The singles arrived at the venue mid-morning showing elegance in resplendent African dress. The camaraderie and pageantry on display became reminiscent of the robust fellowship of the first century disciples (Acts 2:44).

The weather was wonderful; a deceptively clouded sky coupled with pleasantly windy condition smothered the characteristic strength of the tropical sun thus providing the much needed cooling atmosphere conducive for an explosive outdoor church service, enjoyment of fellowship, and fun.

“The atmosphere was magnificent!” said Garrett Akinyi. A brother, Silas, concurred with her stating, “God brought us together to celebrate love. His unceasing love as experienced and practiced by all believers should apply forgiveness for one another.”

The food and drink was in plenty. So as appetizer, refreshments were served before embarking on the special Sunday service. The service was held under a large tent decorated with red and white drapes enriched with big balloons of the same colors.

During the service, song leaders kept the disciples dancing with the melodious tunes of several popular African gospel songs. Silas Otieno’s sobering communion message took a sharp focus on the subject of love and its application towards forgiveness.

On his part, the professionals’ ministry leader, Charles Omolo, delivered a sermon aptly titled, “The fullest extent of love”. His class, based on the Bible book of John 13:1-17, exhorted the congregation to practice the same kind of love of service to others as Christ did.

Further, he taught that true greatness (v.16) emanated from humble service, and that true happiness (blessedness v.17) is derived from being faithful to the example He has set for us to follow, that of receiving His washing of feet and washing feet for one another!

“Christ’s pattern of service and humility reinforces our concept of His love for us and our love for one another,” expressed Cynthia Uwera, a sister visiting from Rwanda. “Our love as brothers and sisters should influence our world tremendously,” remarked Alex Siema.

These powerful truths provided a spirited backdrop for the singles to donate money towards the Haiti disaster relief efforts after the tiny impoverished Caribbean nation was devastated by a powerful earthquake on January 12. The disciples in the capital Port-au-prince were greatly affected by the devastation which killed more than 200,000 people.

After the service, there were presentations of song by our brother and host, Patrick Kulubi, and Lady Chisuna, a friend visiting with us; fun Bible trivia; and, motivational sharing by Timothy Amwayi and Lillian Anyango.

Timothy, a disciple for 12 years, shared his joy in serving the Lord in spite of lacking employment for many years! “I can’t recall the last time I was late for church!” he affirmed in full conviction amidst warm applause. Lillian, on the other hand, having been faithful for 19 years, sought to encourage her listeners to “give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because… your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1Cor.15:58

These activities having worked up a craving for food, our own sister Janet Amani, served sumptuous lunch which contained a menu of mashed potatoes, chapattis, beef, and chicken stew… to mention but a few dishes! It was good and so pleasant to see brothers (and sisters) live, in this case eat, together in unity just like the Psalmist would put it!

Later after being fully sated, they participated in a treasure hunt! It was a humorous spectacle to follow as singles scurried madly within a section of Dr. Kulubi’s compound to find confectionery, flowers and a teddy bear! The joy on the faces of the new owners of the treasure trove was all too evident for all to see going by the security provided to their items.

Some singles who are dating like Sirengo and Irene and, Stanley and Sylvia gave Saint Valentine a proper fete by exchanging gifts to express their love for each other. It was clear at the end that Valentine’s Day had been a great success; new friendships forged, new lessons learnt, and the theme of the retreat, “Pamoja” (Swahili word for togetherness or unity) rung home.

“Our collective attitude should be inclined towards learning and thriving together,” declared Cynthia Uwera. Zacchaeus Odiyo agreed adding, “I encourage all the singles to attend future events because these provide platforms for great learning and fellowship. The number of singles who attended the event organized by the Bible talk leaders’ were 120.

For the singles to build on the lessons of the Valentine’s event, then it’s imperative, this year, to take on an attitude which is defined by unity! So that whenever there’s an opportunity to come together, the singles show up in great numbers. This attitude of unity turns strangers into friendships. It turns events into celebrations. It creates a new vision for tomorrow! And, to God be eternal glory!!

Here is the link for the invite. http://ww.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?inviteId=AYDNZYINCGLFTARSJRLS&li=iq&src=email

Contact Jon Williams 513-545-1714 for more information.

Bring Hope.

Bring Change.

Come SOAR + Serve in Manila.

The week before single disciples start to SOAR at the ICoC International Singles Conference, HOPE worldwide Volunteer Corps (HVC) is offering single adults the opportunity to help rebuild the lives of disciples in Manila, Philippines.  Many disciples in the Metro Manila Christian Church, as well as vulnerable children in HOPE worldwide programs, were left  without life’s basic necessities after Typhoon Ondoy.

Singles will be leading HOPE worldwide Volunteer Corps teams, taking on essential tasks to help children and families recover.

Where and when?

Manila, Philippines

August 5 – 12, 2010

Cost?

$1,100 per person includes ground transportation, site accommodation and meals.

How?

Applications and more details are available online at www.hopeww.org/hvc.

Application deadline is May 15, 2010.  All participant fees must be received by HOPE worldwide 30 days prior to the event.

More questions?

E-mail:  hvc@hopeww.org .

Benefits of being a  HOPE worldwide Volunteer:

1. Live like Jesus for one week.

2. The Kingdom is unified and strengthened through the life-long relationships you will make.

3. Excellent leadership training through participation in great Bible lessons and discipleship groups led by church leaders.

4. Serving the poor changes hearts.  It radically deepens your compassion while instilling a profound appreciation for what you’ve been given.

5. It has a powerful positive impact on your local church.

6. You will experience a new culture that will impact you for a lifetime.

What are YOU doing this summer?

Bring Hope.

Bring Change.

Come SOAR + Serve in Manila.