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Women's retreat chance for praise, fellowship
In the pulpit
0404 in the pulpit
The Rev. Debbie and Pastor John Morse - photo by Photo provided.
The idea of getting away from the everyday hustle and bustle of life is always exciting. But spending a few days on St. Simons Island for a Christian retreat is both exciting and inspirational.
For the past several years, the women of Pleasant Grove African Methodist Episcopal Church have traveled from Liberty County for a few days of spiritual renewal and refreshment. The annual retreat also provides an opportunity for the women to share fellowship with their sisters in Christ while enjoying the beauty of the Golden Isles.
During this year’s June 24-26 retreat, attendees will again stay at the D. Abbott Turner Lodge, which is at Epworth by the Sea, on the banks of the historic Frederica River on St. Simons.  
Attendees will step away from their hectic lives and spend time surrounded by magnificent live oaks, beautiful gardens and the famous marshes of Glynn County. Each room at the lodge has a magnificent view of the river and marshes.
“We thank God, for not only has He used these retreats to build up and encourage His daughters, but the pastors, prophets, evangelists, teachers, preachers and apostles come to be fed. We are so thankful,” retreat coordinator and host the Rev. Debbie Morse said.
Morse is the wife of Pastor John Morse of Pleasant Grove AME in Hinesville. “We are expecting God to move mightily in this retreat. He has always blessed and with each retreat continues to take us higher in Him,” Morse said.
Many women of God have spoken at past retreats, including Pastor Shwanada Jones of Lumbar City, Pastor Marsha Buford of Savannah and Dr. Dianne Curry of Hinesville. Recent facilitators include Evangelist Gwendolyn Broxton, the Rev. Kim Walker, the Rev. Clara Rouse of Savannah and Pastor Ashley Morris of Hinesville.
“Each year, God gives us the theme that is needed for his daughters at that time,” Morse said. This year’s theme is “Praise over Worship Equals Release.” The opening session begins at 7 p.m. June 24 with keynote speaker Dr. Diane Curry. She will also conduct a worship service at 7 p.m. Friday, June 25.
Conference facilitators for Friday, June 25 will be the Rev. Debbie Morse, whose presentation is titled “It’s all in the Equation,” and Pastor Bernadette Jackson of Faith on the Move Ministries, whose presentation is titled “No Limits, No Boundaries, Release Me, Enlarge My Territory.”
For the first time, this year’s retreat will feature a “girl talk session” for young ladies ages 16- 25. Jessica Morse of Pleasant Grove AME will present the teen workshop Friday, June 25, so young ladies can talk openly about issues they deal with.
The closing session begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, June 26 with a prayer and a 10 a.m. session titled “Woman Thou Art Loosed (Loosed from What).”
“Our evening services are always open to men and women, but the workshops are for women only,” Morse said.
“Come, expect and receive an encounter with God. This retreat has been ordained by God for such a time as this. We hope that you will be able to join us for a powerful move of God. It is our prayer that you will come and fellowship with us,” the coordinator said. “We truly believe that as we praise and worship our God, He will give us the release that we need in our spirit, mind, body and soul.”
The registration deadline is May 1. For more information, call Morse at 925-5060, LaJeune Futrell at 368-5974 or Sharon Tazewell at 545-2012.

Anderson is the author of “Lack of Knowledge” and “Dare to Soar.”
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