Northeast Staff and Elders' Retreat Held in Hartford ^Featured

The New England and New York families of churches have appreciated each other from a distance for many years. But from November 7-9, approximately 200 staff, elders and wives and prospective elders and wives gathered from New England, New York and New Jersey to connect in up close, personal and deep ways. In the New Britain, Connecticut, building of the Greater Hartford Church of Christ – the staff kicked off their retreat entitled “Inspire” on Thursday afternoon, November 7. New York evangelist Sam Powell, preached first and delivered a passionate message on “The Gift of Inspiration.”

Following the rousing beginning, groups then spread to different corners of the building for discipleship groups. One of the biggest goals of the week was to get to know each other. So we sat in circles on two different days to meet, answer questions, swap ideas and discuss how we can better be inspired and inspire one another.

For two of the three meal time slots during our gathering, all went out with others to eat and further establish the bonds needed to be soldiers together in our part of the world.

The evening session on day one culminated in a penetrating lesson, “The Inspiration To Persevere,” by Douglas Arthur, Boston’s lead evangelist. His question, “What Do You See?” called us all to view God’s possibilities through the eyes of faith and not fear.

November 8^th’s morning session began as all the times together did with thrilling moments of worship. Talented and spirit-led musicians from many different ministries united to lead our hearts through new songs and old, band sounds and acapella refrains.

Certainly one of the most memory-making sections of the program was the address by Bo Cummings (Pioneer Valley), Chip Mitchell (Boston) and Kevin Miller (Boston) – which was called “Inspiration Through Relationships: A Chord of Three Strands.” With humor, high volume and conviction these three men shared how their brotherhood through the years has ignited their inspiration to excel for God.

After another round of small groups and the lunch meal, the sisters came back to the building and were led by Florence Schachinger (Southern Connecticut), Deysi Oguagha (New York City) and Melissa Miller (Boston). The brothers went to a nearby park and flexed their muscles (or strained them) in tug-a-war, football, soccer and volleyball.

For years, the New England disciples have been treated to a special culinary delight that has gone somewhat unshared. However, for our Friday night meal, in repentance, we had all of the staff and elders and wives from New York and New Jersey join the New Englanders for Clarence and Laura Webster’s barbeque. For two hours of bliss, the building was crammed full of tables, chairs, laughter, ribs, chicken, brisquet, fellowship, conversation and fun.

Then the facility was flipped back into a church building for the evening extravaganza. Nine different disciples shared during this slot regarding their dreams and visions for the future. Steve Stephenson (New York City), Jim and Jennifer Moe (Boston), Cash and Maria McHargue (Boston/Madrid), Steve Kinnard (New York City), Anselm Beach (Boston) and Jimmy and Anita Allen (Hartford/Providence) called us to be willing to go. We were challenged to go after the saved in deeper ways so every person could grow to be mature in Christ. We were called to be willing to go foreign or to go domestic in the second half of life. We were called to help others dream and stretch ourselves in new and dramatic ways. See more pictures at Hartford's website.

Then late on Friday evening, the staff disciples dispersed to travel back to their home congregations full of joy, faith and BBQ.

But the elders and wives remained for a full day on Saturday called “Harmonizing Biblical Principles and Counseling Practices.” Don and Lee Burroughs from Athens, Georgia, came in for a compelling time addressing needs from mental health and compassion fatigue to the make-up of the brain and grief and loss. Another bonding meal took place at the building as friendships were initiated or renewed. A question and answer session and even a hilarious video also highlighted the special get-a-way together. Finally, after three exhausting, exhilarating, inspiring and harmonizing days – it ended. The Northeast – a bit separate for too long – was connecting. And we were all better off because of it.