Introduction
This retreat was a very eye-opening and enlightening experience. As an intergenerational community, we were able to share, reflect, and connect with one another. It was a perfect time for the St. Timothy congregation to retreat from the business and stress of their everyday lives to reconnect not only with each other, but with God. Join us as we reminisce on the memories we created throughout that wonderful weekend.
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Day 1
Arrival and Anticipation
It was a nice summery day, the sun was shining, the birds were singing, and the ESM congregation was driving up to MBC. It was a strenuous voyage, yet everyone was able to make it before the 7:30 start time. Unpacking our cars, finding our rooms, and meeting up with our friends only increased the excitement and anticipation. The weather was perfect, the atmosphere was just right, we were all ready to immerse ourselves in the Holy Spirit
Opening and Orientation
After getting settled in, everyone was mingling and basking in each other’s presence. The quality time was superb. As John Chung warmed up the room with his playful personality, we prepared our hearts and minds for praise and worship. Finally, the praise team came on stage, and our program officially commenced.
Group Discussion and Fellowship
After the amazing praise, everyone found their groups and started breaking the ice with one another. Through get-to-know-you icebreakers, group members got to know one another on a deeper level. After a comfortable vibe was established, we played a fantastic game of family feud, led by our very own Sarah Choe & Elisabeth Jong. It was a perfect way to ramp up excitement and kindle further friendship with one another.
Praise Set List:
The Hi-C took it upon themselves to really nurture the young generation of our blessed church and do their part to serve our community. We are so thankful to see this intergenerational community come together.
After the official program was over, we all enjoyed a time of snacks and fellowship together!
Day 2
Morning Devotion
To kick off our big day, at 7:30am, some of the adults and the more responsible youths pulled themselves out of bed to engage in discussion about confidence. True confidence lies in our God who loves us, cares for us, and will guide us to a fruitful future.
Breakfast
The scent of bacon, the taste of the eggs and home fries, the sound of conversation, the view of our beautiful community, made us feel the warmth and love that we all share.
Praise
Ah yes, our praise team led us in fantastic worship once again. It was a time where you could hear and feel our community come together and worship God. Our fantastic leader Josh Kim with the help of his praise team led music that struck a chord in our hearts.
Praise Set List:
Lecture 1
Stories of living out of a gracious God in an ungracious world
Rev. Kim led the first session. He spoke about God’s grace in an ungracious world and how our perspective can influence how we view the shape of our lives pertaining to faith. Afterwards, our groups had a meaningful time of reflection and discussion.
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Lunch
We had lunch. We enjoyed our time as a community, and although the food was mediocre, the company was amazing.
Community Games
Sunscreen was applied, summer wear was put on, and water bottles were filled up as the congregation gathered to the soccer field where we played several games run by our very own Josh Chung and Sarah Choe. Atoms, human shapes, and tug-of-war were part of our fun-filled program!
Free Time
Basketball, volleyball, soccer, time at the beach, and naps were thoroughly enjoyed by the St. Timothians.
Dinner
Yet again, we fuelled our minds, bodies, and spirits, with food provided by MBC. Protein from the rotisserie chicken and the tasteful rice gave the congregation enough of a supply to dive into the final session of the night.
Praise
Once again, Josh Kim & Co. killed it. The beautiful harmonies and the violin supplied our hearts with passion.
Praise Set List:
Session 3
Rev. In Kee Moksanim and Pastor Simon introduced us to four iconic characters in the bible for us to examine. Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, and Peter were studied and fleshed out to allow everyone to understand their own stories of faith through theirs.
Group Discussion
Reconvening, one member of each group shared what their groups discussed. In Kee Moksanim then gave further insight into each character’s lives and showed us how God was working in them.
Campfire & Snacks
To wrap up a long and productive day, community bonding by the fire is always a treat. Intergenerational s’more and sausage cooking further solidified the love we all have for each other.
Hi-C and Kids
Once again, we are so thankful to the Hi-C for taking care of the Kids Church and Toddlers! They had lots of fun and bonding time. As our younger generation grows, we are thankful but they become more and more of a handful. What would we have done without the Hi-C?
Day 3
Morning Devotion
To start our final day, Pastor Dave and James led a short praise and meaningful reflective prayer time.
Breakfast
The waffles were fire. Second best meal of the retreat. 8/10
Sunday Worship
“Work Hard & Sleep Well” was the title of Rev. In-Kee Moksanim’s sermon. Communion, praise and congregational testimony by Grace Bai moved the hearts of our community. We are grateful to her for opening up and sharing her life experiences. We always wrap up the Sunday morning service with community time of blessing one another with hugs.
Lunch
The most fire meal, 10/10. An amazing finish to our retreat!
Departure
It was time to say goodbye, the highly coveted and wholesome three days went by way too fast. All St. Timothians dipped the scene and went home physically tired yet spiritually renewed.
Conclusion
ESM retreats are always a blessing, the perfect mixture of community time, praise, sharing and activities all amalgamated together to weave a beautiful tapestry to truly represent what it means to be a member of a community as special as St. Timothy.
We are thankful to everyone who came as well as those who had a role in making this retreat come together so wonderfully. Truly, this community shows each and every one of us what it means to Bless the Lord! We are able to share God’s love with one another and we hope that this love is something that can continue every Sunday and every retreat! Make sure to come to our ESM retreat next year so that we can become an even stronger community of faith!
Thank You!
- Rev. In-Kee Kim
- Pastor Simon Park
- Pastor Sunny
- Veronica Park, Gail Lee & Deb Chang
- Pastor James Park & Pastor Dave Lee
- John Chung
- Praise Team
- College Interns
- Group Leaders
- Hi-C
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