February 28 - March 1
In Revelation 2, we read, “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write... I have this against you: you have abandoned your first love.” At this year's Men's Retreat, we'll pause and personally reflect on what serves as our “first love” and whether it does so figuratively or actually. Sages have told us that time is our most precious resource. Moses, in Psalm 90, instructs us to count our days so that we may get a heart of wisdom. It would follow that tracking how we spend our time, like the dial of a compass, would pinpoint what we love most.
Surveillance cameras are everywhere. Alexa, smartphones, and laptops are all said to be listening or watching us. The moments when someone is NOT observing seem fewer and further between. What would the surveillance footage of your past week reveal? What might someone conclude about your first love?
If we have abandoned our first love, can we come back? How do we return to God? What would it look like for you to experience a revitalized relationship with the Lover of your soul?
This is an important opportunity to seek God personally and to begin or deepen fellowship with other brothers from SLPC. In addition to solid teaching and helpful discussion, we’ll have good food and a great time together. There are some conversations you can only have when you’re away together sitting around a roaring campfire!
- Who: SLPC men and their friends
- When: Friday, February 28 to Saturday, March 1 (over before dinner)
- Where: The Traber Center at Camp Sankanac (about 40 minutes from SLPC)
- Why: to meet with God and build brotherhood
- Cost: $140 ($85 if you sleep at home); $70 Saturday only (scholarships available)
*Linens are provided by the camp, but bring a Bible and a notebook or journal.
Jim Bergwall is a graduate of Wheaton College, The Juilliard School, and Regent College in Vancouver. He serves as a Ruling Elder at Liberti Riverwards (PCA) in Philadelphia. But what he’d most want you to know is that he is a worshipper of the Father, follower of Jesus, and filled with the Holy Spirit. He was married to his late wife, Linda, for 17 years and has two adult daughters who live in LA. And Jim has been Dave White’s spiritual director for 14 years. He is passionate about leading men into a deeper relationship with God.