Ministerial Spouses Retreat

It was Friday evening, and the sun was setting over Nosoca Pines Ranch as our Carolina ministerial spouses arrived for the weekend of November 4-6. 2022, for their yearly retreat organized by a special team of ladies led by Carole Louis, Ministerial Spouses department director for the Carolina Conference. The women were welcomed to the cafeteria with warm orange and gold fall decorations, rocking chairs and special teas filling antique teacups. The serene setting was the perfect place for the weekend’s theme: “A Quiet Place.”

It was an opportunity for them to come away and rest, fellowship with other pastor’s wives, and be spiritually fed. The speakers and musicians were our own talented wives from the Carolina Conference. Participants were blessed with their messages and music and were drawn closer to Jesus through them.

Saturday night, after sunset vespers and a short break, the ladies began arriving for a pajama party. They played games, did crafts, and had a gift exchange. For the night owls a movie was shown while warm, buttered popcorn was served. The favorite event of the evening was when each lady received a back massage. After the massages they felt so relaxed that many decided to go straight to bed.

On Sunday morning there was an inspiring message and after breakfast, everyone said goodbye and headed home. The women expressed their gratitude to the Carolina Conference administration for recognizing the importance of providing this special weekend for them. They were able to relax and forget their stress for a moment and left with a sense of community and renewed energy to serve the Lord.

— Carole Louis