gat-HER-ing

When: August 28 - 29, 2026
What: A retreat for teen girls and adult women at THE ARK.
Theme Verse: Daniel 3:17-18: “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But EVEN IF he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
Cost: Friday and Saturday = $60 Saturday only = $40

Overview:
Friday 6:30 - 9:00 pm:
Teen Girls (ages 15-18): ARK-led programming.
Women (19+): Bring your own craft supplies, journal, Bible study, and more for self-led time at camp in community.
Please bring bedding for a twin-size bunk bed.
Saturday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm:
ARK programming for women and teens combined. Breakfast and lunch provided.

More Details:
Friday Night: High School Teen Girls
In a world where life sometimes feels like we are stuck between bipolar opinions, how do we balance love and community while also following God? In our time together on Friday night, we will dig into real topics and wrestle with real issues together. Please join us for this night created just for teen girls!

Friday Night: Adult Women
Ladies 19 and older are welcome to come for a self-led time of fellowship, Bible study, prayer walks, and more. Please bring your own craft supplies, journal, Bible study, etc. The newly renovated Ark Science & Nature Center will be one of the cozy spaces available for community time. Come for a time to refresh through solitude and/or community around shared activities.

Overnight Option:
Both girls and women are welcome to spend the night. The girls will stay in the Cave, and women will stay in a renovated Lakeside Cabin or Conference Center dorm.

More about the theme: The phrase “EVEN IF,” from Daniel 3, is often quoted in Christian circles. But why is it so meaningful, and what does it mean for us today? In a world where Christian phrases can become clichés and lose touch with real-life experience, we want to approach this topic with authenticity and honesty. Together, we will explore how the Bible, from beginning to end, tells the story of God choosing to be WITH us. Because of this truth, we can face life’s circumstances differently. The challenges we encounter are often greater than we can handle alone. In our sessions, we will discover how, WITH God and others, we can make it THROUGH.

Tentative Saturday Schedule:
8:15 AM – Doors Open / Continental Breakfast
9:00 AM – Welcome and Announcements
9:15 AM – Session 1: God With Us
10:15 AM – Discussion Group
10:40 AM – Giveaway & Break
11:00 AM – Session 2: Even If
12:00 PM – Discussion Groups
12:15 PM – Lunch
1:15 PM – Large Group Discussion
1:40 PM – Message Activity: Candle Making
2:30 PM – Session 3: Us With Others is Us With God
3:30 PM – Final Worship and Dismissal