'A Patchwork Life' -- Nebraska author, quilt stories planned for McCook Women's Retreat, Jan. 29-30

McCook, Nebraska--This year's Women's Winter Retreat, "A Patchwork Life" Jan. 29-30, will feature a Nebraska historical Christian author, Stephanie Grace Whitson, as well as quilts, encouraging messages, and a variety of workshops for women of all ages and from all walks of life.

The two-day retreat, sponsored by the McCook Evangelical Free Church, will be held Friday evening 7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) and all day Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (doors open at 8 a.m.). The event will be held at the church at 602 East 14 Street.

Featured Speaker

Award-winning, best-selling novelist Stephanie Grace Whitson began playing with imaginary friends (i.e., writing fiction) when an abandoned pioneer cemetery near the Whitson's Nebraska country home provided not only a hands-on history lesson for her four home schooled children, but also a topic of personal study. Since writing had always been a favorite hobby, it was only natural for Stephanie to begin jotting down scenes in the life of an imaginary woman crossing Nebraska on the Oregon Trail. Eventually, that story took on a life of its own, and Stephanie sent off a query letter--expecting instant rejection.

God had a different plan. Thomas Nelson Publishers offered a three-book contract. Two of Whitson's first three books landed on the ECPA best-seller list, and two of her first nine books were finalists for the Christy Award. In 2012, The Shadow on the Quilt, book 2 in the Quilt Chronicles series, was awarded Romantic Times Magazine's Reviewer's Choice Award for Best Inspirational Romance.

In 2014, Whitson celebrated her 20th year as a published novelist. When not writing or researching, she enjoys reading, quilting, spoiling her grandchildren and her golden retriever, and riding her motorcycle named Kitty.

Using antique and contemporary patchwork, Stephanie will share her personal faith journey, including losing her husband of almost 28 years to cancer, accepting widowhood, and then learning to trust God in a new marriage with a blended family.

For more information about Whitson, go to her website: http:// www.stephaniewhitson.com.

Retreat Workshops

Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in several of the workshops which will be offered over the two days, including:

And The Two Shall Become One, BUT WHICH ONE? - Lela Ladd

Whether you are single, married for the first time, or remarried - join Lela in a candid conversation on how to navigate the waters of becoming one with your husband.

You Are What You Eat - Shannon Pevoteaux

Join Shannon for a humorous presentation on the difference in eating healthy and eating junk food.

Mother-in-law and Daughter-in-law Relationships - Sharon Felker

Who is this stranger? These relationships can be, without question, complicated.

God's Way To Resolve Conflict - Derlys Gaster

We are all different! However, God has given His Word to us as a manual and with His teaching every Christian can learn to handle conflict.

Does God Really Care If I'm Fat? - Barb Wiemers

Barb will be sharing her struggle with food addiction and what God has been teaching her through the battle. This workshop can help anyone with an addition.

Does Holiness Matter? - Sharon Burrows

Not a popular topic-in fact it can get downright uncomfortable at times, but holiness is at the heart of being wholly satisfied with Jesus - it is the path to fullness in life.

Stress: Becoming a Warrior Not a Worrier - Becky Wiemers & Sarah Powers

Join Becky and Sarah as they explore a variety of ways that stress can steal your joy and peace and arm yourself with weapons that are sure to help you gain victory in the battle.

Bible Journaling 101 - Kelsey Brown

Bible journaling is a fun, creative way to study your Bible. We will talk about the tools you need and why it is a great way to dig deeper into God's Word.

Pastor's wives roundtable - Jamie Byerly and Kathy Lester

Connect and discuss the highs and lows of having a husband in ministry.

Three-Session Teen Track - For Teens and Young Singles, Mom's too!

Your World View Matters - Jamie Byerly

Let's talk about what God really says in His Word about current issues and how that should influence our faith.

Worship and Drama

Praise and worship team leader, Stephanie Montes and Christy Stevens, a Certified Minister of Music both lead worship music at the McCook Evangelical Free Church. They are excited to use their spiritual gifts to help women worship the Lord at this year's retreat.

Registration

Registration fees are: $10 - Friday only; $20 - Saturday only; $25 - Both days if registered by January 10; and $35 - January 11 and after. Lunch will be provided if women are registered by January 22.

Make checks payable to: Women's Winter Retreat, and mail registrations to: Stephanie Stevens, 1606 West Second Street, McCook, NE 69001. No phone registrations are allowed, but call with questions at 308-345-5688. Please leave a message.

Online registration and payment is available at www.mccookefc.org. Once registered, no refunds are available, but registration is transferable or can be applied to the conference's scholarship fund. Daycare is not provided. Due to the nature of the event, please do not bring children to the retreat. Nursing babies are allowed. Senior high through adult women are encouraged to attend.

Mission

The purpose of the Women's Winter Retreat is to equip and refresh believers, to reach out to others in evangelism, and to give God the glory.