We all have places we want to end up in life. Yet the paths we choose often lead us away from our intended destinations. One poor decision can send us down the wrong road, crushing our dreams, and wasting years of our lives. As time passes, we look back wondering how we got off course, and how we can recover from broken dreams. During this men’s retreat, we will examine the disconnect between our dreams and the paths we take to reach them – that our direction, not our intentions, determines our destinations.

All men from high school age on up are invited and encouraged to attend this life-changing weekend of teaching, worship, prayer, and fellowship.  It’s a wonderful opportunity to grow closer to your brothers and strengthen the body of believers here at Eastside.

Weekend Details

Location: John Wesley Ranch in Divide, CO. (Click link for location and driving directions.)

Cost: $25 per person.  Price includes lodging and two meals on Saturday. :

What to Bring: Bedding for a bunk bed, towels, personal items, Bible, notebook

Schedule:

Friday, September 10

7 pm – Arrive at Retreat Center

8 pm – Session #1: The Principle of the Path

(Each session consists of singing, prayer, teaching, small groups, and wrap-up)

Saturday, September 11

7 am – Breakfast

8 am – Session #2: Should’ve Seen That Coming!

9:45 am – Break

10:15 am – Session #3: Lean Not

Noon – Lunch

1 pm – Session #4: Attention Deficit Disorder

2 pm – Head home

Guest Speaker: Buddy Bell

Buddy is the preaching minister of the Landmark Church of Christ in Montgomery, Alabama and a frequent speaker at revivals, seminars, and retreats around the country.  Buddy’s number one passion in ministry is to lift up Jesus and call people to follow him.  He also has a heart for life changing small group ministry.  In 2001 he founded Share Him Ministries which has helped hundreds of churches around the country set up successful small group programs.

Buddy has served as youth minister, campus minister and as preaching minister for churches in Alabama and Florida.  He and Stephanie have been married for 26 years and have four children.

Want more information?  Want to sign up?  Contact Bob Pottberg, Mike Nicolls, or Matt Elliott.

Sonshine City helps children learn & grow. The activities in this little town are interesting, challenging and enjoyable for each “commuter.” While you are participating in the adult Bible study, fellowship and worship, the kids will participate in activities appropriate for their age.

‘Commuter’ Groups
Scooters – 3 years old (or close to three)
Trains – Older 3 year olds and early 4 year olds
Buses – Older 4 year olds and early 5 year olds
Cars – 1st graders
Planes – 2nd graders
Taxis – 3rd graders

Here’s what happens in Sonshine City each week…

We Move Around
Each child moves through a series of places in the city during the course of each Sonshine City session, but in a different order by age group. The center of our town is the Town Square, a worship gathering for all the kids at one time where they actively participate in singing their favorite songs and learning lessons that use illustrations that they understand. At the Good News Newsstand, the children will hear a Bible story told at their age level. Tumble Town is where we put their energy to good use by combining mild physical activity with a lesson that ties mind, body and spirit together. Kids love to sing, and Tune Town is the perfect place for them to learn new songs and request their favorites. And, because we know it takes fuel to have all that energy, Snack Shack is where the kids take a refreshment break while watching an educational video.

Just the Right Speed
To make sure each child receives maximum benefit from the program, we group our “commuters” by age to allow us to tailor the songs, stories, prayers and other activities to the appropriate level. You will notice a type of vehicle on the name badge – a train or taxi – that will indicate the group that your child will travel with.

Getting Inside the City Limits
Look for the “Sonshine City” signs for the official check-in. Primary drop-off times are from 8:55-9:05 am, and 9:45-10:10 am. See the Safe Travels section for more details on the check-in process and our security system.

Heading Out of Town
Our “Gate Keepers” at the check-in area will be happy to locate and return your child at any time, but we ask that you try to wait until after 11:15 am to allow us to complete our program. Feel free to wait until the end of the worship service to come get your child, but please be on time to pick up your child so that they don’t worry. If you would like your child to participate in the main worship service please notify the Gate Keepers at drop-off, then plan to pick them up between 9:55-10:10 am.

Safe Travels
Children are under the active supervision of adults at all times. A badge system is strictly enforced within Sonshine City to help ensure the safety and security of all participants. Before any child can be checked into the program, one badge will be attached to each child and a corresponding badge will be given to the guardian who escorts the child to the City Gates. No child will be released to anyone who does not return with that corresponding badge. Children who participate on a regular basis will be issues a badge displaying a permanent name and photo. Others will be given uniquely coded badges that are fully secure. No snacks containing nuts are distributed at the Snack Shack station or any other stop in the city, but pleas notify the Gate Keepers at check-in if your child has any allergies.

We’re Big On Tourism
The activities in Sonshine City are specifically designed for each of our commuter groups, but if you ever wish to visit the city to get an idea of the experience, you are very welcome inside. Simply check-in at the City Gates to get a guest badge for full admittance.