Over forty students signed up for what proved to be, for many, "one of the best retreats we've been on". The venue was the Hanifl Center - a much-appreciated, high-quality facility for such events as these. More than a dozen staff spent part of the weekend with the students, participating in the sessions and the activities, including those stalwarts who spent the whole time there - Mrs. Mucklestone, Mr. Shishak, Mr. Dunn and Mr. & Mrs. Wildman.

The theme for this retreat was "stewardship and discipleship". Part of the objective was to help the students to think through how they should be involving themselves in service to others during their time at Woodstock and beyond. Mr. Wildman introduced the topic by reviewing the account in Genesis of how man was put in the garden of Eden to "tend and to keep it". He drew attention to a number of websites which attempt to define the responsibility which Christians have towards the earth (see bottom of page for details).

On Saturday morning, Mr. Hayes, Edgehill dorm parent and politics major, took us through the different views about money which have been held by Christians, from "prosperity" teaching to "money is evil". Students looked at key parables of Jesus which reflected on what our attitude towards money should be. Mr. Dunn then related this to discipleship: whoever wishes to be a follower of Jesus must "forsake all". How much does the "pearl of great price" cost? - everything you have.

The evening session was led by Mrs. Mucklestone, and posed the question: how do we respond to poverty all around us? She was joined by Carey exchange student Joel Taylor who talked about the achievements of former Carey and Woodstock exchange student Hugh Evans, who started a youth charity called "The Oak Tree" which is now active in several countries including India. High School students will be participating in a fundraising event for the Oak Tree in September.

Mr. Dunn spoke again next morning, this time sharing the session with Mr. Montgomery and thinking about "covetousness and contentment". He showed how "covetousness" is one of the hidden sins in the church, which is often not viewed as serious, when in fact it is clearly equated in the New Testament with "idolatry". Much better is the way of "contentment", which Mr. Montgomery talked about in his usual humorous and iconoclastic way. He started with the whole group searching their pockets for their most expensive possession and giving it to someone else. He quickly reclaimed his camera from Mr. Dunn, though! Contentment is an ideal and a challenge - Paul the apostle said it was something he had "learned".

The school kitchen catered for us over the weekend, and we were well fed and well served. All of the praise and worship was led by students - guitars, keyboard, flute, violin, even harmonica. Thanks to all staff and students who made this such a good weekend.