Below is some miscellaneous information and FAQ's regarding the retreat. Please read through them carefully as they will help you in preparing for the retreat! You should receive a confirmation email soon and can expect an email the week prior to the retreat with a reminder regarding the event.
PLEASE NOTE: There have been several changes to the overall retreat format this year, so be sure to read the following for details.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Emily by email at sovereigngraceconnectionsretreat@protonmail.com or by call or text at 901-652-5158.
Event Purpose:
The Sovereign Grace Connections Group is for believers who are age 18-35ish (singles and young marrieds). Our goal is to host an event where people of similar beliefs can gather together to connect, forge deeper relationships with each other, and be better equipped to serve alongside one another in the kingdom, especially as our society continues to digress. For the above reasons, the retreat is designed for believers who generally agree with doctrinal statements found the in the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith and the 1833 New Hampshire Baptist Confession of Faith. For the record, we look to scripture as the final authority on all things and simply utilize these confessions to concisely state our theological position. As a note, the retreat is not intended to convince anyone to change their core theological beliefs nor is it planned as a witnessing event, although testimony sharing is most certainly encouraged!
Where is the event going to be held?
The Knapp family has graciously offered to host a second retreat at their home in Seneca, KS. It was a very special gathering the first time we were there altogether and we are so thrilled to be returning there. Exact ddress will be sent in the confirmation email.
Meals + Lodging:
There are two styles of accommodation at our venue — indoor and outdoor. Cost is $80 per person for outdoor camping and $140 for indoor accommodations for Thursday-Monday morning. Be sure to specify on the registration form which style of lodging you are reserving.
You will need to bring your own bedding and you can bring whatever you need to be comfortable! :) If you are flying in and have limited luggage space, just let us know in the registration form and we will provide a sleeping bag for you! If you are a couple and you have a tent, bring it; if not, let us know as we have a limited number of tents that we can provide. Meals will be provided from Thursday evening dinner through Monday morning breakfast. If you have any food allergies/sensitivities, please be sure to notate them in the registration form.
If I'm unable to attend the entire event, is it possible for me to come for part of it?
Yes! We want as many individuals to join us as possible. If you will only be attending part of the event, please be sure to let us know on the registration form so that we can plan accordingly.
What is the event outline?
The official event begins on Friday morning and continues through Sunday evening, but we will also have casual events starting on Thursday evening and a breakfast on Monday morning. During the retreat, we plan to have ____ sessions taught by ______. In addition to main sessions, we will also have opportunity to enjoy a hayride, participate in several team building activities, have our traditional folk dance, and times of fellowship.
What should I plan on for wardrobe?
It will be autumn in Kansas, so it will likely be nice, yet potentially chilly weather. We recommend bringing layers as well as warmer jackets and wardrobe items for mornings and evenings. Please remember to dress modestly as well. Due to the wide variety of views on modesty in Christian circles we ask that you avoid tank tops, low necklines, and tight or revealing clothing. Girls, out of consideration for our brothers in Christ, please avoid shorts that are above the knees. We are not trying to be overbearing, we are just hoping to keep the retreat a God-honoring environment and be respectful of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
What other items should I pack for the event?
• Bedding + Pillow (if you are flying, you will only need to bring a pillow)
• Toiletries
• Towels/washcloths
• Tennis shoes and/or hiking boots for outdoor activities
• Bible/Note-Taking Tools
• Bug Spray or Repellant Bracelets
• Comfortable/Practical shoes for dancing
• Girls, don't forget to bring a twirly skirt/dress for the dance!
• Water Bottle
• Thermos (for hot beverages)
Optional: We will likely be singing on several occasions throughout the event, so if you have musical abilities, please feel free to bring your instrument with you!
Specific Policies:
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION: If this is your first time attending, in order to secure your reservation at the event, you will need to attach to this form a letter of recommendation from your pastor stating that you are in good standing with your church. If you have already submitted a letter of recommendation, please upload a screenshot of a passage or biblical subject you've been reading or studying. ;)
ALCOHOL POLICY: This is a non-alcoholic event. Because there are a variety of convictions when it comes to alcohol, we do not have alcohol at retreats and ask that you do not bring any with you to the event. What you do on your own time is between you and the Lord, but at events, we desire to have a distraction free environment and do not want to cause any undue pressure or a stumbling block in the way of our fellow believers.
GUEST POLICY: Any non-registered guests that would like to attend the folk dance on Saturday night will either need to be approved by the SGCR team or the host church leaders. In the past we have had local believers join us on Sunday afternoon for the folk dance and fellowship and we are happy to welcome them again. If you are a local registrant and would like to bring a believing friend of yours who was unable to attend the retreat, please be in communication with Emily or the Knapps. :)
PAYMENT POLICY: Please make your payment at time of registration via PayPal or Venmo to Emily. If using PayPal, please send to pilotlady18@yahoo.com and be sure to add as “friends and family” to avoid unnecessary fees. If using Venmo, please send to @pilotlady18 and include “reimbursement for SGCR” in the memo line. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out by email at adventurepilotlady@protonmail.com or by call or text at 901-652-5158.