2017 Michigan Visual Faith™ Retreat hosts 90+

It's been almost a week since the 2017 Michigan Visual Faith™ Retreat ended, and I've taken this week to wrap up some final details so that I can begin to write thank you notes to the many who helped make this event a reality.

Connie Denninger, one of the presenters, did a nice wrap-up on her blog with photos, so be sure to check it out. If you are interested in materials related to Visual Faith™,  sign up for the private FaceBook group: Visual Faith Community - Metro Detroit. You can also send me your FaceBook address and I can add you.

The retreat at St. John Lutheran Church & School, Rochester, MI drew more than 90 participants, vendors and volunteers for an information-packed day. Presenters Connie Denninger and Patricia Maier discussed the history of Bible Journaling and Visual Prayer. Their informational slides were projected on two large screens while they shared current stories about Lingering Longer in the Word, and creating/sharing Prayer cards. Blank samples of Bible margin designs and prayer cards were given to each attendee to work on throughout the day.

Connie and Pat also gave hands-on demonstrations shown on another large screen so that everyone could see the details how-to work on the cards or journal. In the afternoon, I went to the camera to demonstrate art techniques. These included adhering decorative napkins or tissue paper to pages, adding a bit of shine with GildenGlitz™, making decorated page wraps out of envelopes (for those who don't want to work directly in their Bibles, and mica watercolors. So may techniques, so little time.

It was delightful to give away 50 gifts to attendees. One of the highlights was a young attendee - 2nd grader  - she was so excited to win her first Bible....a wide-margin journaling Bible. This young lady, who diligently worked quietly all day, made a lovely prayer card and presented it to Marie Schwartz, our nametag calligrapher. Marie was so touched by this expression of thanks.

Participants were intergenerational group - the young girl attended with her mother, her grandmother and her great grandmother - many others were mother/daughter. Two men registered. Hopefully families will see that Lingering Longer in His Word can become a family devotional time expressed visually with pens and pencils.

I extend grateful thanks to the volunteers, presenters, participants, vendors and staff of St. John Lutheran Church & School, as well as the generous support from Thrivent. What a blessing this day was to me and to others!

Candice

Contact me, so that I have materials prepared for you, if you would like to meet with us for our monthly Visual Faith get together. Next one is Saturday, September 16,  St. John Lutheran School Media Center, Rochester, MI 1 - 4 pm. Email me for details. We will be referring to the book "Waiting" by Sharla Fritz, so if are able to get the book and read the 1st 3 chapters, that would be great....but don't let that hold you back from attending!