Speakers & Entertainment

2010 Retreat

In the course of a day, how many things are we encouraged to be connected to? From making a quick breakfast at McDonald's part of our daily routine to committing ourselves to the latest diet craze, we're bombarded with opportunities to connect ourselves to any number of companies or philosophies. As Christians, we know the best connection we have is to the True Vine, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Let him strengthen your connection to him during this weekend filled with his Word!

Friday Night Opening Session

Mary Clemons
What makes me so thankful to be connected to the Vine
What a joy to welcome Mary back into our midst. Mary's wit and humor will begin our weekend together as she takes a look at life through the lens of our theme passage.

Saturday Morning Breakout Session

Choose three sessions you'd like to attend.

Phil and Vicki Boileau
Trusting in the Vine in the face of mental illness
In early 2007, Phil and Vicki's son Jonathan was diagnosed with schizophrenia. We grieved with them over a serious health crisis back in 2008 and part of the offering from the retreat for that year went toward helping them with medical bills. This year we've asked them to share their 29 year old son's story. We often have requests from you to talk about the subject of mental illness. We know it touches many of your lives. We pray that the Lord will use their experiences to help us all understand and cope with the challenge of trusting the Lord when the branch, made vulnerable by mental illness, seems so fragile.
Kay Himm
Growing stronger in the Vine through the Word
Kay Himm, wife, mother, grandmother and alternative health practitioner, presents a Bible study based on our retreat theme. Expect to be engaged in a thorough look at our theme. Bring your Bibles and get ready to take notes!
Sarah Malchow
Pruned to grow stronger in the Vine
Sarah Malchow, past LWMS president and current communications coordinator at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, will share with us what it means to be pruned to grow. When life takes an unexpected turn, we often try to figure out what God is trying to tell us. Sometimes we can piece things together, but other times we'll never know this side of heaven why things happen. Sarah will point out the wisdom of the True Gardener who knows how and when to best prune us for growth.
Gary Gilgen
CFP® - Financial Pruning
Whether we've been touched by it personally or not, we are all too familiar with the phrase "economic slowdown." Gary Gilgen is a Certified Financial Planner(TM) with over 30 years of experience. He will offer tips on ways we can grow in the stewardship of our finances. Gary will also be leaving time for questions at the end of his session. Investment Advisory Services offered through Rehmann Financial, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Securities offered through Triad Advisors, Member FINRA/SIPC.

Saturday Afternoon Keynote Speaker

Daniel Dexter
I am the Vine.... A recitation of the book of John

Since 2006, this WELS member and staff ministry student has been storytelling. Not just any stories, though - Bible stories. In fact, he has been memorizing and storytelling entire books of the Bible, word-for-word. Listeners say they enjoy getting a feel for the drama of these Biblical events as they hear many familiar Bible stories and passages in context. Daniel has presented the book of John or parts of it over 100 times. For us he will focus on the Passion text. We look forward to hearing and seeing the Word presented in this very special way.

Optional Activities - 3:15 P.M.

A. Optional Saturday Bible Study - Pastor Norm Burger

B. Wine Tasting - $10.00 per person - We've arranged for a wine tasting of Michigan wines at the hotel.
Advanced reservations are required. See the registration form for more details.

Musical Notes

We are pleased to welcome two special groups to this year’s retreat.

Saturday night, Phil and Vicki Boileau will be accompanied by their daughter *Lindsey and son-inlaw Jaie, who live in the Nashville, TN area.

Sunday morning, our worship will be lead by Koine´. This group takes traditional hymns and arranges them into contemporary settings.

*Programming note: Phil and Vicki will be entertaining us with their music without Jaie and Linsday, due to unforeseen circumstances.