“Then Jesus opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, ‘Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things’” (Luke 24:46–48).
Pastor David E. Sprang, Director for Evangelical Mission, and Bishop Craig Alan Satterlee invite you to join them for an “evangelism” (in the best sense of that word) retreat centered on the book You Are Witnesses of These Things: Sharing the Story of Jesus. This retreat is an opportunity to experience the joy and fun in sharing the story of Jesus for no reason other than Jesus is such life-giving good news. The retreat is also an occasion to train those interested in using this book with groups in their congregation. Participants are expected to read the book in advance of the retreat and fully participate in group sessions.
Like the book, the retreat’s primary audience is the baptized, people of God, or lay people. Pastors and deacons will certainly learn, grow, and be nourished by the experience and are heartily welcome. Participants might consider attending with someone with whom they can partner in this work, though a partner is not necessary to attend.
This retreat is in-person and will not be live-streamed or recorded. We intend to provide other in-person workshops, as well as opportunities for conversation and training via Zoom. The retreat runs from Sunday afternoon to Monday afternoon. We understand that a weekend retreat is more convenient. Regrettably, we do not anticipate a group large enough to make this attractive to the retreat center.
Retreat Logistics and Registration
Sunday, September 17, 3:30 PM – Monday, September 18, 3 PM
Bethany House, St. Francis Retreat Center, Dewitt, Michigan
$85 – Fee covers food and lodging
Registration for this event closed on September 8, 2023.
Worship Bulletin
Worship bulletins will not be printed. If you would like a printed copy, please print one at home and bring it with you.
Tentative Schedule
Sessions are intended to be 45 minutes followed by a 15 minute break.
| SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 | |
| 3:30 PM | Devotion and Orientation – Bishop Craig Alan Satterlee |
| 4:00 PM | The Witness of Scripture (Chapter 2) |
| 5:00 PM | The Church’s Witness (Chapter 3) |
| 6:00 PM | Dinner |
| 7:00 PM | The Witness of Experience (Chapter 4) |
| 8:00 PM | Eucharist – Pastor David Sprang |
| 9:00 PM | Koinonia (Optional) |
| MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 | |
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 8:45 AM | Prayer |
| 9:00 AM | Witness/Good News (Chapters 5 and 6) |
| 10:00 AM | Preparing Our Testimony (Chapter 7) |
| 11:00 AM | Preparing Our Testimony Workshop |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:00 PM | Sharing Our Testimony |
| 2:00 PM | Preparing the Congregation (Chapter 8) – Pastor David Sprang |
| 2:45 PM | Prayer – Bishop Craig Alan Satterlee |
| 3:00 PM | Departure |