Pastors are called to seek out and identify certain men in their congregations who are hungry and searching for spiritual transformation. Two magnificent events are planned for this spring and summer; you are encouraged to consider to how these gatherings will not only grow the faith of men close to you but also how your church will be blessed by the Spiritual energy that they will bring back to their families and your church.
Dr. Paul Koch, RMT, who has much training and experience in men’s ministries, relates to our Region’s Disciples Men ministries. He wrote in a paulblog about the 2016 Disciples Men Ozarks Retreat, planned again this year for May 5-7 on the Current River in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Shannon County. The weekend includes remarkable fellowship bonfires; rugged service projects; youth mentoring; optional hiking, kayaking, canoeing and golf; a firehouse breakfast, steak dinner, and worship. Click here for a brochure to read and distribute.
The Men’s Rites of Passage (MROP) is planned for June 21-25 at the Audubon Center of the North Woods in Sandstone, MN. MROP an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime ecumenical experience for any man wanting to make the most of discovering his True Self in the second half of life. Men will be able to release themselves from heavy emotional burdens that were brought with them and return with life-preserving, transforming blessing. MROP is not a typical workshop lecture series but involves powerful ritual, liturgy, small group dynamic sharing, wilderness sojourn, and is held entirely outdoors – apart from eating incredible sustainable harvest feasts and sleeping in a comfortable lodge. (When it’s 100 degrees in Missouri, it’s in the 70’s in northern Minnesota too). We have arranged for van transportation at little cost thanks to fundraising efforts by men who went before and who want others to experience what they did. Go to www.malespiritualitymn.org for more information. Note that $50 can be saved registering by March 31.
Paul Koch will be more than happy to tell you more and to share his personal experiences at both retreats. He will gladly speak to interested men at your church’s men’s group or individually. Please reach out to him at 636-221-7065 or paul.ccma@sbcglobal.net.
P.S. Van spots will be saved on a first-requested/first-reserved basis. Plans were to rent commercially but we’d rather rent from a Disciples church if you have a vehicle to spare over a Sunday. Call Paul!