God instituted marriage and the family in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2). He created Eve as a helpmeet for Adam. This started the family of man. Within the family of man is the family of God. God called the Israelites His family in Amos 3:1 and Christians are considered God’s family today (Ephesians 3:15). “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” (I John 3:1)
Every family has its challenges and it seems especially true in God’s family, the Church. We need to balance our earthly family needs with serving God. We need to love our family members and work together to advance His Kingdom. Loving one another is a distinctive feature of Christians (John 13:35). In order to properly love our family we need to get to know each other better.
For this reason, we have planned another Family Retreat. Please realize that the Family Retreat is for all. It is for the young and old, singles and married, families with children and any other category of Karns’ members. Let me assure you that there will be activities, learning, free time and just plain fun for all. Sue and I have attended both Family Retreats and we had a great time and learned new things about our brethren.
This year’s Family Retreat Theme is “No Ordinary Family.” The retreat starts on Friday night, August 23rd at 6:30 p.m. at Hillbrook Camp. We begin with a potluck meal before the evening devotional. We start back again on Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. for more spiritual learning and family fun. We will dismiss at 4 p.m. Be sure to sign up and attend this great family event.
We are family!
For the elders, Dave Benner