The top ten memories of the Fall Retreat as told by the people who have been there. In another sense, these may be the top ten reasons why you should attend the fall retreat Oct. 3-4 at Cedar Crest Camp in Mexico, MO.

No. 6: Worship

“Some of my favorite memories were the extended worship times in the beautiful, old barn-chapel. There’s something about singing to God so close to His creation that touched me in a deep and different way. I especially love the first night of worship, where you truly experience leaving your life behind for a few hours and experience God in all His fullness instead. Surrounded by a hundred other of His children, all raising their hands to praise the King…it’s a piece of what Heaven will be like.

“Here’s a piece of what I wrote in my journal at my last fall retreat:
‘Ah, the fall retreat, where so much goes through my head and my heart. Move in me this weekend. Flame this little ember into a fire. Worship here reminds me…when I see you face-to-face, my words will lose significance and I will fall on my knees in awe. It’s not about me — more fully than I can imagine, it’s not about me.’”

- Kate Kromann (4 retreats)

“I think the memories I have of Fall Retreat worship time revolve around being exhausted (unfortunately). It was always so much work for the worship team to get down there early, set up, get play lists together for four different services, and finally play the sets. I think the best thing was whenever that first service kicks off on Friday and all of the work doesn’t matter, and we realize that the weekend is about growing closer to God more than anything else. Worship time is as special as how willingly you allow God into your heart. The reason it can be so special is the chance for a large group of extremely willing people to let God in for connection because He is always knocking.”

- Jeff Smith (3 retreats)