The theme of the Ladies' Retreat held in Arcadia Christian Church on Saturday, April 26 was AS JESUS CALMED THE SEA, HE CAN CALM YOUR SOUL. The tables were decorated with Sea Shells in strips of Sand that ran the full length of the two tables.

As guests registered they were invited to the table for Continental Breakfast of Doughnuts, Doughboys, Coffee and Orange Juice.

From the bungalow to the Church, the group enjoyed the Praise and Worship time conducted by Randy & Rena McKerley from Sand Springs, OK. He on guitar and she leading the chorus's. Their son Randy, accompanied all on the drums.

Before the introductions , Patty Peterson stepped into the aisle and was stopped by a fancy dressed lady in a lovely straw hat who wanted to tell about her close call with death. Excitedly she said she was rushed to the hospital, had her favorite blouse cut off her body in order to help hook her up to instruments. Though the patient, Willa Cable, made it a laughing skit, she warned all, "YOU MUST BE READY. YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN YOUR TIME ON EARTH WILL END. This was a serious statement to all.

Susan Casey, formerly co-pastor with husband Phil Casey in this Arcadia Church from 1971-1974 while attending OCC in Joplin was was introduced as guest speaker by Patty. Susan had many stories to tell of her girl-hood days, college years, and times spent as parents and as missionaries in Santiago, Chile. Truly a born again Christian lady.

A salad luncheon was served at the noon hour after Pamper time where the ladies were invited to dip their hands in hot wax, then peeled off for a soft warm feeling.

At time for Crafts, Betty Dehn passed out hand made calendars for 2009 with empty pages for pictures of loved ones to be placed according to special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries or special friends. These are very attractive keep sakes.

Then back to the sanctuary for more Praise and Worship, Susan Casey spoke again. All were dismissed with closing worship by Randy & Rena and son, Randy.

This was an outstanding Ladies retreat with credit going to Patty Peterson, Betty Dehn and Willa Cable.

After the lunch, names were drawn for prizes. Even though it was entitled A LADIES RETREAT, several men were welcomed. Present that day including those named above and others were Helen Sisney, Carole Garrison and Lou Dehn, Pastor David Peterson, Mary V. Shead, Mae Watt, Vera Parrish, and Mary Gross, out of town guest, from Olathe, Kan.