That Thread of Continuity

Once you have decided upon a theme for your event, you can then choose or commission artwork and make decisions about decorations and gift (remembrance gift) ideas.  Having the theme evident in every part of the retreat brings a cohesiveness and continuity that your women will appreciate, although they may not be able to single out anything particular that bound it all toegether.  Like the spokes of a tire bound by the rim and attached to the hub, the session titles, the retreat booklet, the skit, the quiet time study, the decorations and even the worship songs can reflect the theme and unify your retreat.  It may even be carried out in what your leaders wear.  I remember one event built around a sailing theme.  All the speakers wore a sailor’s cap and striped top.

Every aspect of the retreat or event should communicate the message that you want to get across.  When I think of our retreats over the past twenty-five years, I don’t necessarily remember the individual guest speakers, although so many of them were wonderful. But I see a bookmark or a remembrance–and I remember the theme and message of the event.

This is where the Retreat-in-a-Bag Series can be helpful.  Each book is centered on a theme, with artwork, a quiet time study, skit, decoration ideas, remembrance gift ideas and teaching titles that convey the theme.