Fellowship Around the Table
Great conversations about life, faith, and the Bible from Fellowship Bible Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma (www.fbctulsa.org).
Fellowship Around the Table
Women’s Retreat: Rooted and Grounded in God’s Love w/ Monica, Samantha, & Laurie
Sign up here: https://www.fbctulsa.org/events/womens-retreat
Curious about how a weekend retreat can transform your spiritual journey? Join us as we uncover the joys and profound insights awaiting you at the Women's Retreat from September 13th-15th at New Life Ranch, Flint Valley. Monica, Samantha, and Laurie shine a light on the retreat's theme, "Rooted and Grounded in God's Love," through a thoughtful exploration of how God has always viewed women with honor and deep love.
Get ready to embrace a weekend tailored just for you, with activities that range from the adventurous—like hiking and horseback riding—to the tranquil, including puzzles, crafts, and quiet reflection. Hear why it's essential for busy women to carve out time for spiritual renewal and connection with fellow believers. We’ll also provide you with all the key details you need to know: carpooling arrangements, meal plans, and the retreat schedule. Whether you seek deeper community ties or a peaceful retreat from daily life, this event promises to be a rejuvenating experience for every woman.
You are listening to Fellowship Around the Table.
Speaker 2:Welcome back to Fellowship Around the Table, where we endeavor to have great conversations about life, faith and the Bible. Your host this week, keith Casey, and Around the Table I have Monica, samantha and Lori here to talk about the upcoming Women's Retreat.
Speaker 1:Thank you so much, heath, for having us on the podcast. Yes, we are here today to let everyone know that we have an amazing event for the Women's Ministry coming up. It is September 13th through the 15th at New Life Ranch, flint Valley location, which is about an hour and 20 minutes away near Asylum Springs, and it's a beautiful retreat location. This is going to be an opportunity for all of us women to get together and enjoy time away from our amazing families, but just to focus on God's love and have some time to ourselves and do a lot of great things. And have some time to ourselves and do a lot of great things. So I'm going to hand this off to Lori real quick, lori, what is the event title?
Speaker 3:Well event title. We've labeled it Rooted and Grounded in God's Love for Women especially. I'm going to share a message which I'm really excited about, about how much God loves women. As I studied the word and especially the context of the culture during the times when the Old Testament was written and even the New Testament, women were shrouded with shame and the cultures treated women terribly, and it's something that we really don't understand. Because we live in the post-feminist movement generation. We know we can vote, we can own property, we can go to school, we can fly to the moon and we have the government supporting us, but it has not been that way Even just 100 years ago. That has changed. So thousands of years women have not been treated the way God wanted them to be treated. But I love this.
Speaker 3:In the Old Testament, in the laws that God had Moses write, he mandated that husbands could not leave their wives. They had to give them a certificate of divorce, and other countries and other nations did not treat women that way. Also, in the laws that God created, he also had provisions for foreign women who were taken captive that they could not be treated as sexual slaves, which was not what the other countries would do to women. So he loved even foreign women. And then in the New Testament, I love how Jesus was so radical because during the New Testament, first century Jewish culture, we know that in the Pharisees, in the New Testament era, during the first century, when Jesus walked on the earth, we know that the Pharisees and the religious people, they changed God's laws and added to the laws and their own restrictions. They also maligned the way society viewed women. This is when you hear about woe to the man who has daughters or they wouldn't let women be taught, they couldn't teach him the Torah.
Speaker 3:But when Jesus was on the earth he was so radical in that he loved women. He talked to women, he ate in public with women, he taught women. He even used women as the first missionaries to tell them that he was alive. So he was so radical and I'm just excited to share that message. Lives. So he was so radical and I'm just excited to share that message. And also, besides that, we're going to have some time where Val Cozart has created some prayer cards, where we're going to have some time to have quiet time, to have a prayer walk and just some time alone with God, where we won't be interrupted with kids, or errands or loading the laundry. We just have some of that great time to be alone with God.
Speaker 1:That's amazing. I cannot wait to hear your sessions about that. I know we're doing two separate ones for that and it's just going to be such an amazing time fellowshipping with other women, just being with the Lord. I thought it would be important to say how did this even get started? Like, why are we having a women's retreat all of a sudden? And I was going to just give you a quick scoop on that. Basically, guys, you men have inspired us here. Like the past few years y'all have been killing it and it's been amazing to watch the men's ministry grow and you guys doing all these amazing events. Like tomorrow you guys are having a NASCAR thing. I don't even like NASCAR, but I want to come. But it's been very inspiring.
Speaker 1:And literally a couple ladies were sitting around a table. It was about when you guys were going on the spring retreat this year and we're like we want to go, we want to go. That sounds awesome. And Alex Havorka happened to hear a couple of us griping and he's like well, do something about it. He's like, well, why don't you guys go talk to Janice and start something and get something on the calendar? And we're like okay, we will, that's a great idea. Why didn't I just think of that? So yeah, that was just very inspiring and I think it leads to. A great point is if you want to do something in the church and you see something that needs to be done, mention it. Talk to somebody. I know somebody's always got a guy or somebody can point you in the right direction. Don't be silent. If you have that nudge of the Holy Spirit, follow it and see where God's going to take you on it.
Speaker 4:Yeah, monica, I think that's really great in that Samantha here and I help out with youth and I know that there have been times where I'm like I think I have a skill or a talent or a gifting in which I can make something better. And I was really scared to ask Josh Mitchell how do I approach this? And I just did and gave him some ideas and they said go ahead and run with it. And so I think the reality is is sometimes we come into church and we come into the body and think we can't provide feedback or support or suggestions, but we can and we have that ability to do so. And I think it's just a really encouraging thing that women came along and saw that there was a need and helped this be birthed, because it's just a place that we need to grow. And I think, laura, you said something really impactful, our theme.
Speaker 4:There's a verse in scripture. It's my life first to the point. It's tattooed on my arm. It's Hosea 2.14.
Speaker 4:And it says therefore, I will allure her, I will lead her into the wilderness and speak tenderly to her, and it's just a beautiful, beautiful thing and it's a daily reminder to me, if I don't retreat with the Lord that I am not allowing him to use me as a vessel and I'm not allowing him to just speak so intimately to me, and so I just want to encourage the women out there, no matter what season of life you're in, whether that's you have a family, whether you're married you're single, whether your kids are your pets, or your kids are your incredible nieces or nephews or family, family friends all that to say is this is for you, this is for you to build community with incredible women, and this is also for you to just retreat with the Lord and to be still.
Speaker 4:I can only speak for myself, but I come from a broken home and my parents don't walk with the Lord, and so the only two key reasons in which I am the woman I am today is, number one, the Lord. Number two he has directed incredible women in my life in various different seasons in which have poured into me, and I have also equally got to pour into them, and so this is a great opportunity for us to come together as a body of women and encourage and sharpen and challenge and walk away just feeling super equipped, but also walking away feeling refreshed and reminded that the Lord loves us and sees us, just like he saw Hagar in the wilderness. He sees each and every one of us.
Speaker 1:Good point. That was beautifully stated, that was spot on. That is so good, and I didn't even know that about you, samantha. That's super cool.
Speaker 3:We were talking earlier and Samantha brought that up is this is going to be for all women, for young, old. We're not going to just sit around and do nothing. Why don't you tell us some things that we're going to be?
Speaker 1:doing. Yes, so we do have a schedule planned. So don't worry about that, all you right-brainers like myself. We've had it situated so we have built-in schedules, free time. But if you don't do so well with free time, like myself, we do have activities. We are going to New Life Ranch, so it's gorgeous out there. So there is hiking, there will be canoeing. For those who are a little more adventurous, you have the opportunity to sign up for horseback riding and even hatchet throwing to get some aggression out. I've always wanted to try that, so I'm stoked. I'm going to try that, yes. And then, for those who aren't as active, we also have lots of great things for you as well. We're going to have a room set up with games and then there's going to be puzzles and various crafts.
Speaker 3:Some crafts. People who like to do crafts, so lots of opportunities to do things.
Speaker 1:Yeah, a little bit of everything, or, if you want, to just sleep if you've got a mom of young kids and you just want to sleep.
Speaker 3:You can do that.
Speaker 1:Yes, lots of times for naps. Naps are amazing, and then, or yeah, if you just want to go be by yourself, spend quiet time with the Lord, it's literally we have that built into this schedule for you. So lots of great things out there, so why should we attend? Like I'm busy I work full time, I have two kids and a husband. Why should I take the time for myself and get away, ladies?
Speaker 3:I like what Samantha said. We need to retreat and be alone with God and be with other believers who are going to encourage us and sharpen us.
Speaker 4:Yeah, I agree with that.
Speaker 4:I think, again, just kind of speaking to women in different seasons of their life, I came to Tulsa not knowing anyone, and FBC has become home and has allowed for me just to connect in different forms and fashions and so take this opportunity.
Speaker 4:Scripture talks about the importance of building up the body, and I think this is a really great opportunity to do that, a great opportunity to just peel away, whether that's work commitments, family commitments or anything in between.
Speaker 4:I know for me, I work a 45 plus hour a week job, and so this is just going to be really great for me to rest but connect with women that I admire and haven't had the opportunity to, and also connect with women that are currently in my circles, and also I just love the fact that there's a little bit of everything for everyone. I feel like, historically, growing up like women's retreats was just all about arts and crafts, and we're going to get together and we're going to remind ourselves how beautiful we are in the Lord and Lori, it just sounds like your guys' team has been super intentional, that what is going to be shared is applicable for every type of woman and every interest and, monica, like the activities are just going to really ensure that people feel really seen and like, heard and what they get to do and spend their time doing.
Speaker 4:Yeah, it's going to be great, I want to throw a hatchet.
Speaker 1:Yes, let's do it together. We will. I would love that. Yeah, I think one of the things I'm most excited about is like connecting with women that, like, I seem to have my group of women that I know, like from the worship team or from the garden or whatever, but like honestly, lori, I don't think we've ever spent like one-on-one time together and hung out.
Speaker 3:We're in the same small group, you know, and, samantha, you've had both of my girls in classes.
Speaker 1:God bless you for that. And it's just like you know, I see you guys. It's like, hey, how's it going? But like the opportunity to like yeah, dig down a little bit and get to know you more, so that's very exciting for that.
Speaker 4:Yeah, and there's going to be some great food options too, right? Yes, all sorts of snacks.
Speaker 1:Yes, speaking of which, when you sign up, you get the opportunity to bring a snack of your choice, non-perishable, please. So we're going to have people, lots of food, yes, lots of food, lots of good snacks, and then let's go over a basic schedule really quick. So we want you to arrive at 6 pm.
Speaker 4:Depending on who is signing up. Is there a thing about carpooling on there?
Speaker 3:Yes, there is, and actually we can meet beforehand in Tulsa and get dinner and then head up there. That would not be a bad thing at all, yeah.
Speaker 1:If women wanted to do that.
Speaker 4:Yeah, really great idea. I know that the men's retreat in the spring, a couple of them, a couple of groups of them, met, carpooled together and then from there ate, so it's a really great opportunity to like start early, Start early Also your husband that it starts at 430.
Speaker 3:That's what.
Speaker 4:I would do oh, that's really wise, Really really wise.
Speaker 1:Do you get nuggets already, Ladies? Lori's amazing.
Speaker 4:I know I got to drop my dog off at the dog center. So for those of you have animals, I understand, I understand that this will have a dog center.
Speaker 1:Okay, stand Memphis will have a dog center. Okay, so the women's retreat starts on Friday, september 13th, at 6 pm and then you can show up and we'll register from 6 pm to 7 pm and then we will meet all together. Once you'll get settled in your bunkhouses, we will meet and we'll have an itinerary for you. So we'll have a brief time of worship together and we also are going to have some testimonies.
Speaker 3:Some of our ladies at our church are going to give their testimonies, so that will be a huge treat, I think, to get to know some women better.
Speaker 1:Yes, and then just some opening remarks and then we'll hang out a little bit and then we're going to have an amazing charcuterie board Very excited about that. And then on Saturday morning we have a full day's planned for you. Lori will be speaking a few times and then throughout the day, you know, we'll have some free time planned and various activities, as we mentioned before. And that evening after dinner we'll get together again and then follow up with a few more testimonies and worship time and then we'll have a bonfire that evening. That'll be fun, that'll be great. And then Sunday morning we'll have breakfast before we leave. So that way, if you wanted to linger a little bit and not rush back, it's your option on when you want to check out on Sunday morning.
Speaker 3:So you don't have to rush.
Speaker 1:Let the hubby take the kids.
Speaker 4:The event itself costs $100. And when you are registering, there is an option where you could mark off that you need a scholarship, and so someone from our women's ministry will reach out and provide more information in that sense. So don't let cost hinder you. Please make sure you're communicating so that way someone from our women's ministry team can reach out and provide support. We don't want anything to be a hindrance at all from a woman experiencing a really incredible time.
Speaker 1:Yes, and you can register on the website for FBC Tulsa. When you go to events, just scroll down to the women's retreat and you click view event and click here to register and you just fill out all the information. If you need a little help registering, you can. On Sundays we'll have a table set up where you can sign your name up and Janice David will help fill all that out. You also have to be sure to get the amazing T-shirt.
Speaker 3:Yes, I know, we have a T-shirt. Yes, we have a fantastic women's ministry T-shirt.
Speaker 1:It's a great eggplant color and it's very soft and no tags.
Speaker 4:Wait a second. Didn't you have the hookup with that?
Speaker 1:Maybe, maybe. Yeah, I have the best father-in-law and he does that, so I was like Ron. Yeah, because he did the garden shirts too.
Speaker 3:Okay.
Speaker 1:So, yes, he helped us out and, yeah, the shirts came out gorgeous. They did yeah.
Speaker 4:They picked a really good color. I was really excited.
Speaker 1:I made sure they were out during youth and so I made sure, as soon as payday hit $100, get my shirt. And also, if you need to spread out the payments, you know we have three weeks for until the event, so you can sign up now and pay later. So keep that as an option as well. Don't let that stop you from registering, because the more people we have register up front, you know, the better headcount we can get and plan. So I'd encourage everyone to go ahead and register ahead of time.
Speaker 3:I want to add on you mentioned that on Saturday night I'm going to speak again and that message is going to be I'm going to address controversial verses in the Bible about women, so that'll be lots of fun to dig into.
Speaker 4:I love it Scandalous, just a little. Also, we just want to mention that the age requirement is 16 or older. So if you have a high schooler that you think this would be a really great opportunity for, please consider them, encourage them to sign up. If anyone is below the age of 16, we ask that they stay home, whether that is with family or a babysitter or caregiver, and we just really want this time to be intentional and specific for women in a older stage of life, just meaning.
Speaker 1:What do you mean by?
Speaker 3:older, older stage.
Speaker 1:I just want to be like what do you mean?
Speaker 3:by that.
Speaker 4:No 12-year-old drama, okay, I don't want to hear about the youth boy that stares at you that you think you're dating. All right, hey, I love Lucy Cozart. She's my might be my favorite five-year-old, but she got to stay home. She's got to stay home space, buns and all.
Speaker 1:Yes, it's for you, mama. It's a time to rejuvenate and relax and just disconnect from the day-to-day everything that we do as women. Yeah, so please take this time for yourself, really pray about it and consider it, and then go sign up and we look forward to seeing you there and can't wait to live on you a little bit. Yes, you should put a plug in for the single ladies.
Speaker 4:All right, I'm going to put a plug in for the single ladies, but also just an encouragement or a challenge. I know that we have two incredible women on this podcast that have incredible young women that they have helped raise and are continuing to pour into. But if you are single, if you do not have kids or if you're a single mom, please make sure you're prioritizing this time as well. The Lord is so sweet and kind to single women, all the single ladies, with or without kids. I think it's very, very important that you're coming and attending and know that who you are in the Lord is so important to this body. What you bring is so important. Your giftings are super important.
Speaker 4:I know that at 31, shocking I know I really admire so many women in our church that are mothers, no matter what stage they are in, because my own mom is not an example in my life. Just being around you, hearing from you, is so important to me. It allows for me to prepare for a season that the Lord might bless me with or might not, but I just want moms to know that that the single women in this church love to hear from you and love your experiences, but also moms like we, as single women, want to pour into you and want to talk about things besides your kids. It's a no-kid zone.
Speaker 3:It's a no-kid zone.
Speaker 4:Hey, I love a good walk with a mom and their kids, but I also just love intentional time to spend with women, and so I love holding that balance. And a mom and their kids, but I also just love intentional time to spend with women, and so I love holding that balance and holding space to say I see you as an individual without your kids, but I also see you being an incredible mom, and so, just as single women without kids know that you are seen and heard and you are valued, and being there is going to make a world of difference and, yeah, we'd love for you to be there, I'll be there, so you should sign up. We'll all be friends.
Speaker 1:It's going to be so fun. I'm so pumped. Yeah, all right. Thank you so much, samantha and Lori, for joining me. Thanks, heath, for allowing us to be here and talk about this. See you next week.
Speaker 3:Thanks for joining Fellowship Around the.
Speaker 1:Table. If you would like to learn more, go to fbctulsaorg. Please eat before you shop. That sounds terrible. I'm sorry, okay, okay, so arrival time and check-in is between 6 to 7.30. You still said?
Speaker 2:it like there's a question mark at the end, I think you have to register to find out.
