The large group discussed such topics as periods of marriage, feelings and how to discern them and the importance of talking about them, mixed marriages (interethnic, interdenominational, interfaith), and saw a PP presentation called “The Good Conflict.” The topics of small group discussions included “Pastors’ Families,” “Love Not Nurture” (figuring out where to put a comma), “Is There Life after Divorce?” and “What Kind of Women do Men Like and What Kind of Men do Women Like?”

 

The clergymen of the ELCIR Uralic Deanery also met together additionally to the retreat sessions.

 

Uralic Dean Pastor Konstantin Subbotin, Pastor Vladislav Abdullin, deacons Aleksandr Mityakov and Marat Fazlullin led Bible studies. Southern Dean Pastor Valeri and Natalia Antipov facilitated the family and relationship discussions. Galina Sadovnikova led team-building games in the evening. Many thanks to the lady chefs for the delicious meals!

 

The recreation program included a tour of Yoshkar-Ola seeing the famous Twelve Apostles Clock, a candle-light dinner, a shish kebab, and taking pictures in the photo zone to remember the days by.

 

Information courtesy of Natalia Antipova, ELCIR family work coordinator.

 

Photo credits: Rev. Vladislav Abdullin and the Lutheran church of Syktyvkar group on VK.com