'Power of prayer'

Hot Springs Village churches prepare for Arkansas Women's Retreat

By Elizabeth Pannell

LITTLE ROCK — For the first time, nine churches in Hot Springs Village are working together to organize a daylong women's retreat designed to leave women of all faiths encouraged, refreshed and energized.

Co-chairwomen Anna Riley and Darlene Phillips have been working since December to plan the Arkansas Women's Retreat: Pattern for Living scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Coronado Center. The $30 tickets go on sale Friday, May 15.

"We wanted to bring encouragement to women to really foster their well-being," Phillips said. "So the first thing we did was start praying, and it has grown from there."

Riley and Phillips contacted all the churches in the Village to see if they wanted to get involved. Nine churches responded, and representatives of those are serving on different committees for the event.

"We wanted to have a good cross section of people involved," Phillips said. "We want to meet people of all faiths and meet people who might not even go to church."

The first committee formed was the prayer committee, chaired by Nancy Spradlin.

"I volunteered to be the chair of the prayer committee because I have been involved in several other retreats, so I am familiar with how the prayer room should work," Spradlin said.

The prayer room is a quiet room at the retreat where a prayer committee member will always be in prayer.

"We will be praying for the speakers and for prayer requests that are posted outside on the bulletin board," Spradlin said. "We have also been praying for months for the retreat. I believe in the power of prayer, and I have witnessed its power."

The event will begin with a homemade continental breakfast followed by a message from Charlotte Strickland. Strickland is a a professional speaker who travels the country speaking at college campuses, churches and civic organizations. She also provides campuswide training at the University of Central Arkansas on subjects such as diversity, customer service and leadership.

After Strickland speaks, attendees will choose a mini break-out session to attend. These sessions include stress management, using a digital camera, how to unclutter your life, tips on economical grocery shopping and how to leave a written legacy.

"We sat down and brainstormed things that would be interesting to everyone," Phillips said. "So there will be four or five options to choose from."

Inspirational music will also be incorporated into the event along with lunch.

Registration forms can be found at www.arwomensretreat.com, and checks must be sent to AWR Marty Sack 115 E. Villena Drive, Hot Springs Village, AR 71909. More information is available by calling (501) 922-0499.

Tri-Lakes, Pages 61 on 05/07/2009