Pastor Retreats--Helping one Pastor at a time re-connect with Jesus.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

The Family of God

The first group of pastor couples at the Shack Country Inn in Michigan at the
Broom Tree October retreat.  Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Tennessee and Wisconsin are represented in this photo.  It is a testimony to the difference Jesus makes when couples from varying states, denominations and ages can meet with such "Family" ties.  But then, we all have the same Father!

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Potter and the Clay

When a potter's skilled hands shape a delicate lid like this photo, the clay is very soft and responds quickly to his gentle touch.   Scripture talks about the potter and the clay but when we hear it from the pulpit we don't get the same picture as watching how messy and dirty the potter gets as he molds his vessel into a beautiful, useful object.

Also watching the clay quickly comply to his hand is a picture of obedience worth noting.  Clay that is too hard often flies apart on the wheel or easily goes off center.
Clay that is too soft sags.

Another picture we need to imprint in our minds is a smile on the face of the potter as he admires his finished piece.  How God must beam as we obey.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

The Last Harvest



I’m not exactly sure when it all started - this crazy love affair I have with autumn.  But I think it may have had something to do with an old wooden wagon in a ripened Iowa cornfield.  It was really a bit of a ritual - a kind of coming to age for us guys.  You see, in our house, fourteen was the magic age.  That was the age when Dad would let us carry a gun on the annual pheasant hunt.  It was the time when we were allowed to skip school on the last Wednesday in September for the Farm Progress Show.  But the real sign of manhood at our place was when we got to officially participate in that hallowed Dutch tradition - coffee time.  Mom was able to hold us off the substance for fourteen years, but when that magic birthday came, we truly became “one of the guys”.  For the rest of the story click here.

Friday, October 1, 2010

Winners

Mike Fryatt and Mark Hammer won the crystal trophies for the 8th annual Broom Tree Golf Tournament held at Morningstar Golf Course in Waukesha, WI.  last Thursday September 16th.  They also won a dozen lobster tails!

Thursday, September 16, 2010

GOLFING for BROOM TREE!

Pictured front row: Tyler Morse, Mark Hammer, Pastor Walter Harvey & Dick Callan
Back row:  Joe Miller, Mike Fryatt, Matt Morse, Dwayne Hanon, Brian Steinke, Albert Washington, Scott Nelson and Ray Kuzniar.

These gentlemen braved the early fall Wisconsin weather with ominous clouds that threatened rain overhead to raise the needed funds for Broom Tree's scheduled retreats.  So many thanks to those who have faithfully supported Broom Tree.

Monday, September 13, 2010

A Child Shall Lead


Eight years ago Mike Bales, pictured left with his wife Sue, was diagnosed with liver cancer.  It was a clinical, abrupt, meeting with several doctors who told him he had liver cancer, no cure and told him to go home and get his things in order.

Mike continued to preach although very weak at this point.  He chose to not tell his congregation the severity of his illness but just that he was sick.  One Sunday morning the worship leader in his church interrupted the order of service and asked the church to pray for Mike.    Many adults spontaneously gathered around him and prayed for healing.  When they were through a large group of children did what the adults had just done, they gathered around Mike and began to pray.  Mike said; "It was when the children started to pray that  I felt a warm sensation flow through my body and I just knew I was being healed."

The doctors called it a miracle when the second biopsy came back negative.  The doctors explained that if someone has had cancer there are markers that can be seen in a biopsy and there was not only no cancer but no markers as well.  Thank you Lord!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

GOLF TOURNAMENT Sept 16th


The only Fundraising event for 2010 is approaching September 16th at Morningstar Golf Course in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

If you would like to PLAY call 262-646-7774

If you would like to PRAY we would really appreciate that!

The Tournament has a Ryder Cup format which makes it a good team effort for every two man team.  Because player raise their own support for the event they actually play free.

There are two beautiful cut glass winning trophies for the winning two some, as well as great prizes for the second and third place teams.