The speakers at the 2003 Retreat were Blacknall’s very own Dave and Ann Stuntz. Dave has been unabashedly and enthusiastically on staff for years as the Minister of Music Ministries. The theme for the weekend was, “Of Stones and Streams and the Journey to Joy: Paul’s Letters to His Friends at Philippi.”
“In anticipation of our time together, I would like to give you a reading assignment — if you can, please read Paul’s letter to the Philippians, and if possible, read it more than once (it’s quite short). We will be studying that letter through the weekend, and it would help to “set the table” if all of us have read it afresh. Friday evening, we will have an introductory session (beginning around 8:15 or so) so that Saturday morning we are ready to dive in. As you read, I ask you to consider these questions (we will refer to them again over the weekend):
1. The letter is full of references to relationships. In your relationships with others, which “character” are you, and why: are you Paul? Timothy? one of the Philippians? Epaphroditus? perhaps Euodia or Syntyche?
2. One of the key verses in this epistle is “It has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him.” (1:29) How does that compare with how you view suffering in your life?
3. Finally, in chapter 4, Paul says, “I have learned the secret.” What do you suppose that is, and is it something that you have learned?
Start your engines — on your mark, get set,…….”
