Rebecca Carpenter
Carolina Conference ministerial spouses had the opportunity to pause for a weekend of rest this past December 10-12, 2021, at the annual MSA (Ministerial Spouse’s Association) retreat, themed “Warmth for Our Hearts.” The event featured music and relevant presentations by counselor Jennifer Jill Schwartzer, and created space for rest, recharging batteries, and connecting with other pastors’ wives. “I feel so loved and so pampered — I’m ready to get back to my life,” commented one participant. Several attendees expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to connect with other spouses.
“Being a pastor’s wife can be lonely,” said Carole Louis, director of the MSA. “I want them to be able to connect with others who understand and give them a place to feel loved and appreciated.” Louis started the yearly retreat in 2014, and the event has had up to 40 attendees at a time. “I am grateful for the support of the Carolina Conference and the team of women who help make this possible,” Louis said.
The retreat is held at Nosoca Pines Ranch, where director Rick Faber and his staff go the extra mile to ensure the experience is comfortable. Participants can choose to enjoy a variety of activities, or to simply unplug and have some personal downtime in their own private room. Activities typically offered include presentations, devotionals, music, group prayer, pontoon boat rides, hayrides, crafting, games, and massages.
This year, Schwertzer spoke on anxiety, depression, and abuse in the Church, providing helpful tools for dealing with these challenges at a variety of levels. Judith Flores, ministerial spouse from the Charlotte Central Spanish Church, spoke on Psalms 3, drawing several object lessons from the sunflower, and reminding participants that God is faithful to sustain them and hold their heads up if they keep their eyes on Jesus, the Son of Righteousness.
Carolina | April 2022
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