Cultivating Contentment

Philippians 3 & 4

THURSDAY, April 23 – SATURDAY, April 25

Our annual Ladies’ Retreat will be held at The Anchorage camp on beautiful Lake Waccamaw. The worship, lessons, fellowship, fun and food are destined to be amazing! Join us for rejuvenation, reconnection, relaxation and rejoicing! We encourage everyone to come for 2 nights but, if that’s not possible, come for as long as you can… even if its just a meal! Just come!

All women of Berean and girls 14 years and up, and nursing babies 8 months and younger are invited to join us down at The Anchorage camp.

Promo Video – click this link to learn why going to the Ladies Retreat is such an amazing experience!

Click here to register!

Use the Early Bird Discount – EarlyByApril1 – to get a $5.00 DISCOUNT

KEYNOTE – Philippians 3-4

What does it mean to be content? Is it merely a natural response to favorable circumstances? Let’s be honest, we all struggle with contentment in one form or another. The Apostle Paul indicates that contentment is learned (Phil. 4:11-13), which suggests that, due to the fall, it does not come naturally and is an ongoing process. Paul emphasizes that contentment requires an eternal perspective that focuses on an eternal hope (Phil. 3). Yet, there are so many daily obstacles to godly contentment that endures.

As we walk through chapters 3 and 4 of Philippians together, we will discover that true contentment is a Christ-centered state. It comes from pursuing Christ above all else, relying on His strength to endure both in plenty and in need, and trusting in His provision and peace.

Keynote Speakers

Karen Thompson

Karen has been happily married to her husband Tim for 50 years – which she considers both a testimony and a miracle. Together they raised 14 adult children, enjoy 21 grandchildren, and are now welcoming four great-grandchildren, proving that love – and laundry – multiplies!

She has a creative eye and joyful energy, with a special love for paper art quilling, gardening, event planning, and decorating spaces so beautifully that people hesitate to touch anything. Her garden grows almost as enthusiastically as her guest list.

Karen brings the steady wisdom of maturity mixed with a surprising bit of spunk. She loves sharing the lessons God has taught her throughout her long life journey – with warmth, humor, and just enough holy boldness to keep things interesting. Sit near her long enough and you’ll leave encouraged, inspired, and possibly signed up to help with a project!

Kelly Coaty

Kelly and her husband, Ben moved to Fayetteville from Chicago 6 years ago to escape the cold weather and high taxes! Kelly and Ben have been married for 16 years. She is a homeschooling mom to her 2 boys, Andrew and Micah. This means her days are fueled by Jesus and coffee, conversations about everything under the sun, and frequent reminders that character training is a full-time job. Over the years, Kelly has discovered that some of the most meaningful growth happens in the ordinary, imperfect moments of everyday life. To know Kelly is to know she has a heart for families and discipleship. Most recently, this passion has lead her to directing a local Classical Conversations homeschooling community, where her heart is to encourage others to pursue faithfulness over perfection. She longs to remind women that contentment isn’t found in having it all together, but in trusting God right in the middle of the life they’ve been blessed with.

Lovina Goad

Lovina has been married to her best friend, Justin, for 18 years, and together they are raising and homeschooling their two children. Originally from Virginia, she and her family have attended Berean since 2023, and currently serve in the kindergarten Sunday School class and in Sparks at AWANA. Having spent many years teaching high school English, she is grateful for the ways the Lord now allows her to serve at the FAITH Homeschool Co-op, leading a ladies’ Bible study and teaching a grammar class. She has a deep love for old hymns, especially “He Giveth More Grace” and “How Firm a Foundation,” which she treasures for their rich doctrine and heartfelt praise of God, and she hopes they will likewise encourage others to trust in His faithful strength and sufficient grace in every circumstance.

Schedule

THURSDAY, April 23

4:00p – Vans depart BBC (for those who want a ride)
3:00-6:00p – Registration
3:00-6:00p – Free Time
6:00-7:00p – Dinner
7:00-7:15p – Welcome/Announcements
7:15-7:45p – WORSHIP
7:45-8:45p – Corporate Prayer Time
8:45-9:00p – Break
9:00p-Until – Fireside Chat (Finding Contentment in Christ : Swings)
9:00p-Until – Fireside Chat (Finding Contentment in Christ : Firepit)
9:00p-Until – Free Time

FRIDAY, April 24

7:30-8:15a – Early Riser Coffee and Muffins
7:30-8:30a – Prayer Walk
8:00-9:00a – Morning Chat (Godliness with Contentment : Lounge)
8:00-9:00a – Morning Chat (The Rest Contentment Brings : Main Room)
9:00-9:55a – Breakfast
10:00-10:20a – WORSHIP
10:20-11:20a – KEYNOTE SESSION 1
11:20-11:25a – Break
11:25-12:25p – REFLECTION TIME (Group A) / Lunch (Group B)
12:25-12:30p – Break
12:30-1:30p – Lunch (Group A) / REFLECTION TIME (Group B)
1:30-2:30p – An Hour with God (Spiritual Quiet Time)
2:30-5:30p – Free Time (to include: Gatorgolf, Kube, etc. – Snack/Camp Store/Doc’s Coffee Bar open)
2:30-4:30p – Lake Open – Tubing/Kayaks
2:30-5:30p – Bunco
3:30-5:30p – Board Games
4:00-5:30p – Riflery/Archery
5:30-5:55p – Dress for Dinner (Theme Dinner – “Western”)
6:00-6:30p – Group Photo
6:30-7:15p – Dinner
7:15-7:30p – WORSHIP
7:30-8:30p – KEYNOTE SESSION 2
8:30-9:00p – Break/Coffee/Change clothes
8:30-Until – Free Time (to include: Ax Throwing, Climbing Wall, etc. – Snack/Camp Store/Doc’s Coffee Bar open until 10:30p)
8:30-9:30p – Skating
9:30p-Until – Volleyball Tournament
9:00p-Until – Free Time
9:00p-Until – Fireside Chat (Marital Intimacy : Firepit)
9:00p-Until – Fireside Chat (Enduring with Contentment : Swings)

SATURDAY, April 25

7:30-8:15a – Early Riser Coffee and Muffins
7:30-8:30a – Prayer Walk
8:00-9:00a – Morning Chat (Joy vs. Contentment : Lounge)
8:00-9:00a – Morning Chat (Obstacles to Contentment : Main Room)
9:00-9:55a – Breakfast
10:00-10:15a – WORSHIP
10:15-11:15a – KEYNOTE SESSION 3
11:15-11:30a – Break
11:30-12:15p – REFLECTION / QUIET TIME
12:15-12:30p – Break
12:30-1:15p – Closing/Surveys/Group Photo
1:15-2:00p – Lunch
2:00-3:00p – Free Time (to include: riflery, tubing, kayaking, etc. – Snack/Camp Store/Doc’s Coffee Bar open)
3:00p – Keys due
3:15p – Vans depart camp

See the full picture gallery below!

Morning Chats

Joy vs. Contentment

(with Laura Hawk)

We will explore defining what joy and contentment mean as we are studying Philippians 3-4 over our retreat weekend. And we will talk about how it contrasts with the world’s standards.

Do we need to be simultaneously joyful and content?
Is questioning a lack of contentment?
How are joy and rejoicing different?

Contentment and Godliness in a Busy World

(with Tabitha Banker)

Rise and shine to discuss I Tim 6 and answer questions about godliness and contentment. We are constantly being bombarded by a culture that wants us to seek after our own desires. In this chat, we will explore practical ways of being content and why it matters on a fundamentally spiritual level.

Rest that Brings Contentment

(with Sarah Burdon)

Contentment in rest is an intentional, internal state of peace where the soul finds satisfaction in God rather than relying on external circumstances, constant striving, or material accumulation. It is a profound active trust that allows for stillness in the midst of life’s challenges, viewing rest not as idleness, but as a spiritual discipline. This talk will explore resting in God’s presence, embracing surrender and trust, examine our heart’s orientation, consider what active stillness looks like, and address the challenge of overcoming discontentment.

Eyes Upward: Learning Contentment in a Comparison World

(with Emily Fera)

Comparison is one of the greatest obstacles to contentment. During this discussion, we’ll examine how measuring our lives against others impacts our joy, faith, and peace. Rooted in Scripture, we’ll learn how to let go of comparison, trust God’s plan for our own journey, and cultivate true contentment in every season.

Fireside Chats

Being Content with your Identity through Christ

(with Johlin Cummins)

Being content in Christ means learning to find our worth, joy, and identity in Him instead of the things the world offers. When we follow Jesus, some lifestyles, habits, or desires change, and that can feel like loss—but true contentment grows as we trust that Christ is enough. Even in a fallen world, lasting satisfaction is found not in what we have or do, but in who we belong to.

Finding Contentment in Difficult Seasons and Relationships

(with Melissa Sheets)

What does it look like to be content in difficult life seasons and relationships? Is there a relationship that you “didn’t sign up for” that the Lord is calling you to be content in (i.e., in-laws, ex-spouse (s), friendships, etc.)? “Why me, Lord? How can I do this?!” We will examine what Scripture says on this challenging topic and discuss how we can practically and obediently apply this in our own lives.

Marital Intimacy

(with Michelle Baughan)

PARTICIPANTS MUST BE MARRIED

The marital covenant offers the Godly framework for oneness. God designed the husband and wife specifically for this, but it isn’t only to bear children. Come join this casual yet lively discussion about all issues concerning intimacy. What is said around the firepit stays around the firepit! This is a retreat favorite – not to be missed!

Learning Enduring Contentment in the Valley

(with Savera Miller)

Learning Enduring Contentment in the Valley is for you, yes, you—right where you are, in the middle of hard days and heavy burdens. I used to think contentment would come once things changed, but I’m learning, like Paul, to be content in every circumstance, trusting Christ to hold and shape me right here in the valley. I haven’t arrived, but He’s teaching me—and He wants to do the same for you. So come join me, and let’s talk about it together.

Costs

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2 OVER-NIGHTS – ALL MEALS INCLUDED

Cottage – Single occupancy – $215.00
Cottage – Multiple occupancy – $190.00
Loft/Lair – $175.00
Dorms – $155.00

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1 OVER-NIGHT – ALL MEALS INCLUDED

Cottage – $155.00
Loft/Lair – $145.00
Dorms – $125.00

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DAYTIME ONLY

Conference Fee – $25
Meals – $9 each

Accommodations

Queen Room

Linens are provided

Loft Room

Linens are provided

Dorm Room

Linens NOT provided

All rooms are multiple occupancy with the exception of 7-8 cottages that are specifically designated as single occupancy. The single occupancy cottages are only available for a 2-overnight stay and are at a premium rate. There are a variety of room options available.

Single occupancy cottage – one queen bed and one bathroom (linen provided)
3-person cottages – queen bed and 1 bunk bed and one bathroom (linen provided)
5-person cottages – queen bed and 2 bunk beds and one bathroom (linen provided)
Loft – large room with 6 bunk beds (sleeps 12) and 3 bathrooms (linen provided)
Dorms – multiple bunkbeds. Occupants of the dorm must use a communal bathroom and bring their own sleeping bag or linen.

NOTE: Requests for specific rooms and/or roommates will be honored on a first-come first-served basis.

Click here for more pictures of the camp!

Details

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RIDE THE VAN TO CAMP

Don’t want to spend money on gas? Want extra time for fun and fellowship? Plan to ride the church van!

Thursday – Van will leave the church parking lot at 4pm
Saturday – Van will leave the camp at approximately 3:15pm

Check the box on your registration to indicate that you want to ride the van, or call the Church Office at 910-868-5156 before Thursday April 23^rd at noon!

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WHAT TO BRING

Bible, Notebook, and Pen
Board and Card Games for free time
Non-marking Gym Shoes
Chair cushion or camp chair
Modest Casual Clothing
Modest One-Piece Swimsuit and Towel (if you’re going to the lake)
Snacks for yourself and to share (optional)
Cash for Snack Shop
Toiletries
Linens (if staying in the dorm)
Theme-night outfit (Western) for Friday Supper

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THEME NIGHT – WESTERN!!

Theme Night will be during dinner on Friday night.
Find one or more sisters to share in the fun!
A gift will be awarded for the most awesome Western outfit(s)!

ANCHORAGE CHRISTIAN CAMP

412 Lakeshore Dr, Lake Waccamaw
NC 28450