Women of faith: Hanover Lutheran Church plans 10th retreat

Hanover Lutheran Church has planned its 10th women's retreat.

The retreat was first held at the Drury Lodge in 1999. This year's retreat, with the theme "In Moments like These," will be at Hanover Lutheran's new gym.

Pat Renner, chairwoman of the event, championed the annual women's retreat at its beginning. Renner attended a Women of Faith Conference in St. Louis, a nondenominational conference.

"I came home knowing that having a women's retreat here at home was the thing to do," she said. "God told me to do this."

Renner said she mainly prays for the success of the annual endeavor. She begins praying in June each year, and her committee begins praying in September for guidance concerning the retreat.

"The retreat is surrounded by prayers," Renner said. "God sends whatever I need."

The guest speaker this year will be Hazel Kinder. The title of her topic is "Frayed and Frazzled to Destined and Determined."

Kinder has been through her share of troubling times. She lost three children to neurological degenerative disease. She tells about God's presence in her life and about how God gave her hope and the ability to cope with stress. She uses a tapestry to show that God is the divine weaver. Kinder owns Hazel Kinder's Lighthouse Theater in Columbia, Mo.

"Everyone has troubles of some kind," Renner said. "They can be stressed over the economy or any other problematic situation that people are going through."

Organizers said the theme "In Moments like These" points to whatever moment is yours. Everyone's moment is different. The goal of the retreat is to assure women that whatever they are up against, Christ is there for them.

"Whatever stressful moments or troubles you are having now or have endured in the past, this retreat will show you how to live in Christ when you are 'In Moments Like These,'" Renner said.

Renner said this year's retreat will feature singer Kristin Schweain. Schweain is a singer, songwriter and recording artist. As a member of ZOEGirl, she has performed many Christian concerts.

Registration forms can still be picked up at the church office. The registration deadline is Sunday. The cost is $18. The retreat will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 7 in Hanover Lutheran's new gym.