The Spring Retreat of the DOK SC Assembly was held at Camp St. Christopher the last weekend in April. The Rev. Jean DeVaty, a former chaplain for the DOK Assembly of SC and now rector at St. James, Lake George, New York, was the speaker. The theme for the weekend was "Being a Child of God in the Kingdom". DOK Brenda Albinger led all of the wonderful music during the retreat . Both Junior and Senior Daughters attended the weekend retreat and many DOKs came on Saturday for the day, including past DOK National President , Ethel Ripley, St. Andrew's, Mt. Pleasant! DOK Peggy Denny of 1884 Designs came with her DOK items, as well as DOK Joyce Pipkin with jewelry and craft items from Haiti.
Something new this year was a special side altar with a basket for prayer requests. DAL Nancy Barutio set up this special sacred area in the Temple conference room . Also, many Chapters brought their chapter banners and the worship/teaching space for the retreat was beautiful. Mother Jean taught how prayer, service, and evangelism help followers of Christ grow and mature as children of God in the Kingdom . She used Psalm 16 to teach about Prayer and encouraged the writing of prayer psalms. Many Daughters wrote their own prayer psalms to God and shared them during Eucharist. Service was illustrated with Luke 5: 17-26, Jesus healing the paralytic man. The man's friends performed an act of extraordinary service for him by cutting a hole in the roof of the home where Jesus was teaching, so they could lower their friend down to Jesus to ask for healing. Insight into Evangelism was shown in Luke 24: 13-34, the "Road to Emmaus" in which disciples of Jesus shared with a man who joined them on the road, all the reasons they loved Jesus. When Jesus broke bread with them, the disciples realized that they had been traveling with Jesus! Mother Jean encouraged Daughters to learn from the "Road to Emmaus" that sharing Jesus in words and actions in daily life is a big part of evangelism. Prayer, service, and evangelism are all special ways children of God connect with Him and grow in their faith as they live in the Kingdom of God.
Junior Daughters had a special teaching time on prayer with Mother Jean and other teaching and activities with directresses including Assembly Junior Directress, Olivia Sporinsky. Juniors enjoyed Compline with Mother Jean by the campfire on Friday night as well as lots of time on the beach.
The love offering during Eucharist was collected for Education Equals Hope, a ministry in Haiti that DOKJoyce Pipkin has worked with for 16 years. Joyce brought the beautiful jewelry and crafts made in Haiti, and she shared a powerful presentation about the ministry in Haiti and the devastation that Hurricane Matthew caused for the people. The love offering at Eucharist was $673.50 and it was given to Education Equals Hope.
A special tea was held on Saturday afternoon to honor Daughters at Large (DALs). DALs were presented with flowers and a little tote bag. Everyone bought homemade cookies to share and it was a wonderful time of fellowship for Junior and Senior Daughters.
After dinner on Saturday, Juniors and Seniors enjoyed scripture charades - acting out Bible stories in small groups. This activity offered a great opportunity for building relationships among Junior and Senior daughters and was filled lots of creative costumes and smiles.
Times of worship were an important part of Spring Retreat. DOK Assembly Chaplain, Bonnie Mefferd led Compline on Friday night as well as Morning Prayer and meditation on Saturday morning. The Saturday afternoon Eucharist, celebrated by Mother Jean and assisted by Deacon Dan Farley, included a special opportunity for healing prayers. Also, Deacon Dan led Evening Prayer for everyone on Saturday night. Junior Daughters did an excellent job leading the Morning Prayer service on Sunday morning to bring the retreat to a close. Thanks be to God for a wonderful Spring Retreat!
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Camp St. Christopher April 13-15, 2018.
Junior Daughters from Myrtle Beach, Florence, and Sumter with their leaders.