Molded In The Potter’s Hands
By Paula Duveneck
We each received a small lump of colored clay and were directed to shape it.
We are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. Isaiah 64:8 ESV
We formed our clay just as the Lord molds us in His hands. The next task was to locate someone who had the same color of clay. We met and spoke briefly to that person. Then we exchanged our molded creations. This small act of walking around the room connected us with others at the retreat. We had a few minutes to get acquainted with one person who was committed to praying for us & our concerns. The excitement in the room was infectious. We could barely be corralled to sit for the start of the program. What a great way to begin the retreat! There were many things ahead of us.
“ From A Filthy Clod…To A Priceless Work Of Art” Pastor Totsky guided us in Bible Study on Isaiah 64:8 which effectively brought us into the Word. We were each made for a purpose - to be used productively. These words touched the hearts & changed the mindset of many women in attendance.
"We are all pots useful to the Master for His work.” Jan Struck instructed us with these inspired words at the 2008 Young Women’s Retreat in Madison during a snowy weekend in early February. Nearly 250 ladies of all ages participated in singing praises to our Lord, discussions, self-reflection, laughter and even a few tears throughout the weekend. Jan’s message emphasized that each of us is special simply because the Lord made us. Our mission is to use our God-given talents to His glory. Jan has a gift for teaching with humor and compassion. When asked about her experiences at the retreat, Kathy Neumeier said, “Who would want to miss Jan Struck?! What a role model, what an ambassador for the Gospel.”
Of course we were able to enjoy recreation, lively music (provided by Kim & Brent Wagner), crafts, snacks, and the company of friends while staying at the Crowne Plaza. Remembering that we are Lutheran Women in Mission, participants also had the opportunity to help others and learn about how their past donations and mites have impacted others. Ladies attending the retreat provided items for a mission trip for Deaf Ministries to Ghana & India. Our offering was taken for the benefit of CISM : Critical Incident Stress Management and for LWML scholarships. Hearing a presentation from Ann & Alana Nehring, two ladies that served on the MOST Ministries trip to Puerto Rico was an ‘eye opening experience’. We were fortunate to have Ashley McDonough, currently studying for a career in church work, as Our Mites in Action Speaker. She shared a very moving story about remembering her grandmother’s mite box in the kitchen when she was a child and now she is directly benefiting from the coins placed in boxes by others. It is so powerful to see first hand how the Lord works through us!
We are so blessed to have the chance to get away to spend time in the Word and to be with friends.
Young women display the bracelets they crafted
at the 2008 Young Women’s Retreat.
*Mark you calendars! The next Young Women’s Retreat is February 6 & 7, 2009 in Fond du Lac.