The Premise Behind the RetreatIn the current state of affairs, we need to know who we are in Christ, Whose we are, and how to defend our faith--and our families. Our children depend on us to know right from almost-right. We need to know the Word of God. I can't remember a time when so many were overwhelmed at one time, when we needed rest...respite...and revival, all at once.
In prayer one night, I asked the Lord God what He wanted me to do. That night, as I slept, I had a dream: a large group of women, about 100 or so, were gathered on the banks of a lake, lifting their voices in singing songs of praise and worship to Lord Jesus. There were five women who would speak, and share from the Bible stories of faithful and powerful, God-filled women who stood in the gap for their children, for the nation, and for their faith. I was so stirred by that dream that the next morning, I did an Internet search for "retreat centers, Charlotte, NC" as that's the metro area I live in. I immediately found Dogwood on Lake Norman. After I visited the venue, and stood on the shore of the lake that had literally appeared in my dream, I knew: God had called me to use the mighty words found in the Book of Esther and create the "For Such a Time as This" Christian Womens Retreat. |
The VenueDogwood on Lake Norman
Dogwood on Lake Norman is a peaceful, pastoral, non-denominational conference center located on Lake Norman between Charlotte and Hickory, NC. Since 1968 they have offered organizations, businesses, churches, families, and hobbyists a picturesque and relaxing location for seminars, conferences, and special events. Just 30 minutes from Charlotte & Hickory, the meeting center caters to individuals and groups who are looking for a beautiful and idyllic space. Even though the word “camp” is in their name, they are not rustic and you won’t be ”roughing it”. Owned and operated by the non-profit NC Lions, lnc., Dogwood on Lake Norman is situated on 60 lakefront acres in Sherrills Ford adjacent to Mooresville and Denver. The campus was originally built to provide a summer recreation program for blind and visually impaired adults. Booking the retreat at Dogwood on Lake Norman supports this important philanthropic program. Their well-appointed facilities, lake view dining hall, comfortable guest accommodations, and professional guest staff will be at your disposal during your stay. |
The DetailsThe venue can only accommodate about 100 women participants, in hotel-like accommodations. Due to the limited number of participants and the desire to keep it a manageable, yet an intimate size for a retreat, we need to set certain conditions in place. All rooms are double-occupancy and will be assigned. While we will try to accommodate roommate requests, we cannot guarantee that they will happen 100% of the time. We will do our best, based on answers given in the participant form, to line up appropriate roommates. Who knows? (to quote Mordecai), but you may make a new friend!
Retreat registration will start at 1 p.m. on Friday, September 15, 2023, and will start at exactly 2 p.m. that day--plenty of time for you to get settled in your room, grab something off the snack table, and watch the waves on beautiful Lake Norman. We'll have large-group sessions that afternoon, followed by dinner, a keynote, then breakout sessions in "Prayer Parlors" located in each housing unit. Sessions will be seasoned with incredible praise and worship music throughout the retreat. Saturday, September 16 will see a full schedule, starting with breakfast and devotional, followed by large-group sessions, table breakouts, praise and worship music, luncheon, more large-group sessions, table breakouts, dinner, and that evening (weather permitting) and, harking back to camp times--Vespers around the campfire (with s'mores!). We'll finish the evening in Prayer Parlors again. Sunday, September 17 will see us gathered once again for breakfast, then the Sunday message, followed by Holy Communion, worship music, and prayer. We'll end the retreat at 11 a.m. It's definitely a full schedule--but one I promise will give you rest (though it seems like it's packed out!), respite from the cares of the world, and most of all--revival. The SessionsThe "For Such a Time as This Christian Womens Retreat" is a time of worship, learning about who we are in Christ, and what our role is in the world in which we live. We will discuss how we can biblically fight for our families, and know we are not alone: there are an incredible number of women in the Bible who fought for themselves, their husbands, children, and their country. This retreat is a time away from the busyness and grind of life, to get back into the Bible, have fellowship with other Christ-believing women, and walk away rejuvenated in Christ and armed for the spiritual battle we face. The sessions will support these themes biblically and with practical application--and a lot of prayer.
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What is IncludedIncluded in the cost of registration are the following:
What you will need to bring:
What you will need to do prior to the event:
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The Speakers
Heidi St. John
As a popular author and speaker, Heidi St. John has been speaking on marriage, family and cultural issues for over 15 years. Her passion to encourage moms and set them free to boldly become who God has created them to be will challenge and encourage you. Heidi has been married to her college sweetheart since 1989, and their family now includes seven children and four grandchildren! Jay and Heidi reside just outside of beautiful Vancouver, Washington, where they have homeschooled some of their kids all the way through high school and are still finishing up with a couple at home.
Heidi is the author of seven books. Her most recent book, Bible Promises for Moms is the latest in the MomStrong collection. She has also recently released Prayers for the Battlefield: Staying MomStrong in the Fight for Your Family and Your Faith and Becoming MomStrong: How to Fight With All That's In You For Your Family and Your Faith, which focuses on helping mothers build a solid biblical foundation for their families. Join Heidi at MomStrong International, an online ministry where thousands of women come together for weekly Bible Studies, Scripture Writing, online and in real life fellowship.
As a popular author and speaker, Heidi St. John has been speaking on marriage, family and cultural issues for over 15 years. Her passion to encourage moms and set them free to boldly become who God has created them to be will challenge and encourage you. Heidi has been married to her college sweetheart since 1989, and their family now includes seven children and four grandchildren! Jay and Heidi reside just outside of beautiful Vancouver, Washington, where they have homeschooled some of their kids all the way through high school and are still finishing up with a couple at home.
Heidi is the author of seven books. Her most recent book, Bible Promises for Moms is the latest in the MomStrong collection. She has also recently released Prayers for the Battlefield: Staying MomStrong in the Fight for Your Family and Your Faith and Becoming MomStrong: How to Fight With All That's In You For Your Family and Your Faith, which focuses on helping mothers build a solid biblical foundation for their families. Join Heidi at MomStrong International, an online ministry where thousands of women come together for weekly Bible Studies, Scripture Writing, online and in real life fellowship.
Terrie McKee
Terrie McKee is an author, speaker, podcaster, and blogger who also homeschools her youngest daughter. Married to Greg (who is paralyzed), together they have four children who all have varying special needs. A follower of Jesus Christ, she teaches adult Sunday School and writes books to encourage Christians on their faith journey, including Token Faith: Moving from Fake to Real Faith in Jesus Christ, I've Been Shot: Encountering Christ in Trauma, and Overwhelmed: Biblical and Practical Ways to Manage a Crazy-Busy Homeschool Life. She encourages people in the Christian faith on her blog and podcast, NearYourAltar.com. She is the founder and president of IAJ Ministries, LLC, which is developing and implementing the "For Such a Time as This" Christian Womens Retreat.
Terrie McKee is an author, speaker, podcaster, and blogger who also homeschools her youngest daughter. Married to Greg (who is paralyzed), together they have four children who all have varying special needs. A follower of Jesus Christ, she teaches adult Sunday School and writes books to encourage Christians on their faith journey, including Token Faith: Moving from Fake to Real Faith in Jesus Christ, I've Been Shot: Encountering Christ in Trauma, and Overwhelmed: Biblical and Practical Ways to Manage a Crazy-Busy Homeschool Life. She encourages people in the Christian faith on her blog and podcast, NearYourAltar.com. She is the founder and president of IAJ Ministries, LLC, which is developing and implementing the "For Such a Time as This" Christian Womens Retreat.
Julie Holmquist
Julie Holmquist is an author, podcast host (“Kairos Moments”), and a speaker. God has given Julie deep insight into His Word with real-life, transformational application. She empowers Christian women to take bold and confident steps forward with their God-given dreams while developing a more intimate relationship with God and becoming the women He’s created them to be in the process. Her work has been featured in Focus on the Family magazine, Crosswalk.com, and The Secret Place.
Julie Holmquist is an author, podcast host (“Kairos Moments”), and a speaker. God has given Julie deep insight into His Word with real-life, transformational application. She empowers Christian women to take bold and confident steps forward with their God-given dreams while developing a more intimate relationship with God and becoming the women He’s created them to be in the process. Her work has been featured in Focus on the Family magazine, Crosswalk.com, and The Secret Place.
Julie Denham
Julie Denham is a wife of 34 years and a mother to three adult children and one amazing grandson. She has been teaching God’s Word since she was sixteen years old and is currently working on her Ph.D. in Bible Exposition. Julie has spoken at numerous women conferences and has for the past school year been a speaker at the women’s ministry at Gaston Christian School in Gastonia, North Carolina where she teaches Bible. Julie was a founding board member of Finding The More Ministries, a non-profit organization that endeavors to teach women that they can find and experience “more” in their lives through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. She has created and participated in monthly videos and podcasts as well as writing blogs and online Bible studies. One of her greatest blessings is leading the women from her church in a weekly Bible study that focuses on the Word of God. Her sincere desire is that the Lord use her in leading women into a deeper relationship with Him through the teaching of God’s Word.
Julie Denham is a wife of 34 years and a mother to three adult children and one amazing grandson. She has been teaching God’s Word since she was sixteen years old and is currently working on her Ph.D. in Bible Exposition. Julie has spoken at numerous women conferences and has for the past school year been a speaker at the women’s ministry at Gaston Christian School in Gastonia, North Carolina where she teaches Bible. Julie was a founding board member of Finding The More Ministries, a non-profit organization that endeavors to teach women that they can find and experience “more” in their lives through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. She has created and participated in monthly videos and podcasts as well as writing blogs and online Bible studies. One of her greatest blessings is leading the women from her church in a weekly Bible study that focuses on the Word of God. Her sincere desire is that the Lord use her in leading women into a deeper relationship with Him through the teaching of God’s Word.
Stephanie Vroege
Stephanie is wife to Gert Jan and they have 3 children-Nathaniah, Josiah, and Sarah. Stephanie and
Gert Jan met on the mission field in West Africa in Ghana on Mercy Ships in 2006 and have been on the
move since marrying in 2007. They have traveled and served in Liberia, Mexico, Canada, England, and
Romania. They served in Uganda from 2012 to 2020 doing Bible teaching and training, discipleship,
evangelism, and Stephanie volunteered as a nurse to the missionary community and local hospital when
needed and time allowed. Stephanie homeschools her children and has a passion to teach and
encourage women and children in the Truth of God's Word and has a heart for prayer. She has written
devotions that have been featured with Beloved ministries, I Believe, and Crosswalk.
Stephanie is wife to Gert Jan and they have 3 children-Nathaniah, Josiah, and Sarah. Stephanie and
Gert Jan met on the mission field in West Africa in Ghana on Mercy Ships in 2006 and have been on the
move since marrying in 2007. They have traveled and served in Liberia, Mexico, Canada, England, and
Romania. They served in Uganda from 2012 to 2020 doing Bible teaching and training, discipleship,
evangelism, and Stephanie volunteered as a nurse to the missionary community and local hospital when
needed and time allowed. Stephanie homeschools her children and has a passion to teach and
encourage women and children in the Truth of God's Word and has a heart for prayer. She has written
devotions that have been featured with Beloved ministries, I Believe, and Crosswalk.
Annamarie Smith
Annamarie Smith will be leading worship during the retreat.
Annamarie Smith will be leading worship during the retreat.