couples retreat

This weekend Steve and I went to couples conference at Twin Rocks Friends Camp. Here are some of the pictures I took in our togehter time. Steve has his own new camera and hopefully he'll post some of those some day too...




We had an good time under the excellent tutelage of Steve & Diane Fawver whose openness and honesty is always refreshing. I am fortunate to be able to call them both my friends and blessed beyond measure to be in ministry with them. The weekend provided a good balance of teaching time and together time.

Of course, any time we’re in a room with Friends from elsewhere, someone feels compelled to find out how everyone is connected. Of those not from Newberg: One couple’s daughter goes to South Salem Friends and loves Steve’s parents, the former pastors there. Steve’s sister and her husband attended this couple’s Portland church, Lynnwood Friends, a while just as City’s Edge was starting so they knew her too. Another couple’s daughter lives in Katzabue, Alaska where Steve’s grandparents were missionaries for 1 year in the 1920’s. Their daughter is married to a boy we watched grow into a fine young man at Newberg Friends. Another couple lives in Yacolt, Washington. They’re new to Cherry Grove Friends Church but already know my brother, Rob, as “the torch guy.” There’s no doubt in my mind he was talking about my brother. There were other connections but they're too hard to explain in this limited space...

So it’s a small world, this Friends Universe. It’s full of amazing people with hearts of gold that are seeking hard after God. We have our dysfunctions and can be a little tiring at times but, for the most part, we are a sincere bunch who want to do God proud, care for the people around us as best we know how, and help each other draw near to the heart of God. I’m happy to be part of the family.