One Another: Pastors’ Wives Retreat to Refresh

Story by Marcella Roark*
Photos by Donna McCartney, Ashley Reyes, Cynthia Johnson, Hayley Everhart

*Marcella is the women’s ministry administrator at Calvary Chapel Golden Springs, CA. She is also the wife of Golden Springs Pastor Lonnie Roark.

After being “locked in,” “locked up,” and “locked down,” as Sandy MacIntosh put it, women from the rocky mountains of Washington to the shores of New Jersey gathered at Calvary Chapel Corona, in Corona, CA, for the 2021 Calvary Chapel Association Pastors’ Wives’ Retreat in October.

Sandy MacIntosh, wife of Pastor Mike MacIntosh, founder of Horizon Christian Fellowship in San Diego, CA, opens the retreat. She emphasized the importance of needing one another and transparently illustrated how important it is to not only be the one another to someone in need, but to allow yourself to be on the receiving end when in need.

The retreat theme was One Another. In John 13:34, Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” The vast number of Scriptures focused on One Another created a rich kaleidoscope of exhortations, convictions, encouragements, and instruction. How fitting that we would return together with something new and unexpected. God is doing a fresh work!

Patti Height of Out of Egypt Ministries joyfully greets a sister in the Lord during registration.

Sandy MacIntosh, wife of Pastor Mike MacIntosh, founder of Horizon Christian Fellowship in San Diego, CA, opened the retreat, welcomed us, and introduced the theme. She emphasized the importance of needing one another and transparently illustrated how important it is to not only be the one another to someone in need, but to allow yourself to be on the receiving end when in need. Sandy challenged us to find someone—to love one of the one anothers sitting right there that day. “Would you love them fervently and sacrificially?” she asked. “I really feel if we could start this little fire going right here, we will see the beginning of a mighty move of God; let’s do this,” Sandy appealed.

Gia Lucid of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, CA, led the pastors’ wives and leaders in worship for the conference.

In the evening session, guest musician Gia Lucid from Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, CA, led a phenomenal “Throwbacks” worship set. Beautiful voices resounded through the sanctuary with songs and hymns from the past.

Ruth Beeler, wife of Pastor Garid Beeler of Vision City Church in Irvine, CA, straightforwardly exhorts the women of the dangers of “progressive Christianity.”

Ruth Beeler, wife of Garid Beeler, pastor of Vision City Church in Irvine, CA, kicked off another day with Exhort One Another taken from Hebrews 3:13. She took the opportunity to warn us about the dangers of “progressive Christianity.” Admonish One Another, from Colossians 3:16, was boldly taught by Karyn Johnson, wife of Jeff Johnson of Calvary Chapel Downey, CA. With challenges, strong exhortations, and many admonishments woven throughout her study, we were brought face-to-face with the sins that creep into our hearts and ensnare us.

Women enjoy each other’s company while waiting in line for one of the delicious meals provided.

 

Merrily Hagerman, wife of Senior Pastor Jerel Hagerman of Joshua Springs Calvary Chapel, CA, shares some practical ideas for the women’s ministry and how to reach women.

After lunch, a panel of women encouraged us to Stir Up One Another. They gave us practical, fun, and helpful ideas for the ministry, which included clothing exchanges, book clubs, and movie nights. Inga-Lill Guzik, wife of Bible teacher David Guzik, shared, “Women in the church need to get together in some way. They need to be part of each other’s lives, and they need to see God at work in one another.”

Marie Rosales, wife of Senior Pastor David Rosales of Calvary Chapel Chino Valley, CA, displays a recipe book that she compiled. She gave each of the attendees in that session a copy.

Later, we continued our spiritual feast in Ephesians 5:19 and Malachi 3:16-18 with Carol Wild, wife of Senior Pastor Malcolm Wild of Calvary Chapel Merritt Island, FL. Woven throughout her message, They Spoke to One Another, was the importance of walking in the fear of the Lord. The night ended with an intimate time spent in prayer and waiting on the Lord, as June Hesterly led us into the afterglow. June is the wife of retired CC Pastor Jim Hesterly.

A few of the retreat attendees take a break to grab some refreshments and fellowship.

 

Sharon Ries, wife of Raul Ries, senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Golden Springs, CA, fervently urges the conference attendees to pray for each other.

Sharon Ries, wife of Pastor Raul Ries of CC Golden Springs, CA, ushered us into Ephesians 6:18-20, and taught us to Pray for One Another. This vital lesson stressed whom we are battling. The apostle Paul exhorted believers to put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:11). Sharon expounded from Ephesians 6:12, “… We are not battling against flesh and blood.” She continued, “Write this in your heart: We are not battling against one another! We are battling against powers, and the rulers of the darkness (the organized rulers of this age) and against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places (from Ephesians 6:12).” She emphasized that prayer is the power behind the sword––the power that brings the victory.

The chapel resonates with praises to the Lord as women worship.

The teaching, Serve and Care for One Another, wrapped up the retreat, along with a very tender moment of communion led by Mindi Love, wife of Dave Love of Calvary Castle Rock, CO. What a great finale to encourage us as we left for home!

Jean McClure, wife of Pastor Don McClure, wraps up the retreat, lovingly encouraging the women to serve and care for one another.

 

The CCA Pastors’ Wives Board (left to right): Inga-Lill Guzik, June Hesterly, Ruth Beeler (2021 guest member), Karyn Johnson, Sharon Ries, Terri Rodriguez, Jeannett Walls, Marie Rosales, Jean McClure, Sandy MacIntosh, Carol Wild, Cathy Dickinson, Merrily Hagerman (2021 guest), and Gail Mays.

                  

Click to visit Calvary Chapel Pastors’ Wives
                  

 

All verses above are quoted from the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

© 2021 Calvary Chapel Magazine (CCM). All rights reserved. Articles or photographs may not be reproduced without the written permission of CCM. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.® Used by permission.