If you haven't ever attended a Men's Retreat and wonder if it's for you, rest assured that there is a wonderful diversity of views, interests, and experiences among the 40 guys who have been attending in recent years to feel comfortable. This weekend never fails to provide an added dimension to understanding better who we are as men, and what we face in our spiritual, family and professional lives. Please join us!

I enjoyed having everyone at our place on Friday nite. If everyone enjoyed it we will do a better job next year. Maybe i will remember to put all the food out. We have planned a some dishes that Sarah will do that will be better than the all Italian food that we ordered. It should be tasty and work out a little better (assuming i remember to put it all out to eat).
I have enjoyed every retreat that i attended for a different reason. Either i learn something new (hard to do at this point but ??) or i make new relationships that are always worthwhile. Thanks to Andrew for organizing everything.
JVB

This was my first time going to the Mens Retreat of Grace Presby. and I am not a member of your church I felt very comfortable . Everyone was friendly and I felt it was easy to start a conversation. I come from a smaller church that has no mens group and I am hoping to form a group in the coming months . If I suceed I would hope to get members of my church to join Grace's Mens group to next years retreat. I had a wounderful time and felt refreashed when I left. So thank you again for having me and I look forward to future gatherings . God Bless,
                                              Chuck McGee
                                      "Trinity Oxford Episcopal Church"

As a new member to Grace, I was happy to be invited to attend the Men's Retreat at LBI. I did know a few of the men in attendance and had the opportunity to meet and share fellowship with several more. I was particularly happy to see Sandy Hull in attendance as well. The speaker, Bob McCook led us in an easy going manner. He was congenial throughout the day as well. Thanks to John VanBuren for opening his house for the initial fellowship that sort of breaks the ice. The committee did and outstanding job in organizing the weekend. All-in-all the weekend was a very positive learning and socializing experience. I hope to attend future retreats.

Kudos to Brother Eby for a thought-provoking and wonderful Sunday message weaving the theme and providing food (!) for contemplation. More later.

Another memorable event with special note about the return to fellowship on Friday evening at the Van Buren’s which got the weekend off to a great start. The routine although a routine (meals, schedule etc.) is welcomed from the frenetic life that many of us have. And Jim Eby may get the Homily of the year award for his ability to weave the weekend theme into one of the most spiritually moving moments. Finally, the subject matter was meaningful and allowed me to take away yet more food for spiritual thought and action.

I look forward every year to this annual event. While we always have great speakers and topics, the real take-aways are the relationships strengthened, the new relationships formed, and learning more about yourself as well, all in relation to being a Christian. Even as circumstances have challenged my attendance, I have made an effort to keep that weekend available, and get there when I can (even if late). There is sufficient time on the weekend's agenda to explore the island, take part in a basketball game or swim laps in the indoor pool, or just sit back and read a good book. To anyone who has not attended: you don't know what you are missing, so try it!

It is very admirable that a group of faithful men gather for fellowship and fun while deepening their sense of and commitment to our faith. I applaud your cointinued efforts to understand the call to costly discipleship.

As one of the older,in age, attendees,I have been invigorated by the presence of younger commited Christian men.It has brought me into a wider sphere of men of Grace than I would normally know. It has exposed me to views of Faith that are not only as diverse as the other attendees but very deep and passionate.
Importantly,the Retreats have served to affirm that my professional career was truly important,not only to me,but others. I have learned that one can live in a cynical,often nasty,world,but remain true to one's Faith in his daily life.
Finally,the Retreat ,reinvigorates me for the daily task of caregiving which I undertake willingly, and hopefully, cheerfully!!It lets me know I am not alone.Christ and you are with me!!!You are my role models!!!!!

I have attended three or four of the weekends and they have been enjoyable. It is good to get away for the daily life and do a little thinking about what our beliefs mean to us. The fellowship provides an opportunity to get better acquainted, as well.

Since joining Grace Presbyterian in 2001, I have gone on all the Men's Retreats beginning in 2002. It is certainly a highlight of my winter. I look forward to the quietness of the shore, the fellowship, the facilities, the food, and especially the spiritual growth. Every retreat has brought new insights and friendships. Hope you can join us.

I think seeing the "known" guys with different emotional and intillectual wardrobes is a big help in seeing them in a different and oft times better light, that is excluding Saturday evening. Seeing "new" guys is always a pleasure as our family of Grace men enjoys new blood and observations. Finally, its just different from the other 51 weekends in the year and worhty of participation.

I have attend all but one of the Men's Retreats. For me getting to know better men of Grace that I don't normall see, having stimulating conversation and spirittual renewal are the highlights of the week end.

The Men's Retreat is always a great time for me. I can relax, enjoy being with the men of Grace and take time to get closer to God and Jesus Christ. I find it a very refreshing experience although not quite as refreshing as a January swim in Barnegat Bay followed by time in the hot tub. It seems that I always meet at least one or two people I didn't really know until the retreat. Many of the men I have met at the retreat have become good friends and some, who were not members of Grace, have become wonderful additions to our church.

I wanted us to resume the retreats after a lengthy hiatus, and Ray Robers was very supportive. We reorganized and started anew 6-7 years ago, and I was "volunteered" to organize the first one and so forth until new teams stepped up. We have had varied formats, themes and personalities for leaders, but all have been enjoyable and worthwhile. The fun, fellowship and cameraderie is outstanding and the programs compelling - every year we came home with new things to ponder and consider in our own lives. I am looking forward to 2007 and meeting first timers!

Edited by author 11-22-2008 09:02 AM

                         
I attended my first men's retreat 2 years ago. I almost didn't go. Although I knew some of the guys as acquaintances - no good friends of mine were going. I went anyway as people had been talking it up around church and the speaker sounded like he might be interesting. On one of the breaks I got to talking with another guy who was there for the 1st time to. A few months after the retreat we began jogging 3 miles every other day together. When winter came we got a home gym and started a workout routine. I lost weight, gained some muscle and made a great friend in the process. This past years retreat I drove down with 3 good friends. The speaker was excellent and we all had a terrific weekend. Now, I'm hooked and volunteered to help plan this years retreat.