Great Smoky Mountain Marriage Retreat

Who

This is a couples only retreat for married couples of all ages. It is designed to be part getaway weekend and part practical instruction seminar on enriching marriage relationships.

Cost

Registration fee: $35 per couple. Early Bird Discount: $25 per couple (must be registered and paid by January 15, 2012). Register online: register.smokymountainmarriage.com Make checks payable to: Jacksonville church of Christ, P. O. Box 512, Jacksonville, AL 36265.

Why a fee?

The Great Smoky Mountain Marriage Retreat has been offered free to attendees since its beginning years ago as a getaway for Jacksonville members. It has outgrown four venues so far, and the expenses have finally reached the point where the elders felt it was more than one church can handle. By all pitching in a little, we can cover the costs for speakers, conference rooms, and printing costs. Neither the Jacksonville church, nor any individual, makes any money on the retreat.

Location / Lodging

Holiday Inn Conference Center

3230 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37868

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING YOUR ROOM RESERVATIONS. Room rates are $55.99 for the weekdays and $78.99 for the weekend. Call Holiday Inn: (800) 782-3119, then give the three-letter code JCC to qualify for the group rate.

Including fee, food, and hotel, most couples can come to the retreat for about $250.

Free Time

Many go early to enjoy time with each other. The schedule builds in free time to go to the outlets, see a show, explore the beautiful mountains, or enjoy leisure time at the hotel.

Hosts

The retreat is under the oversight of the elders of the Jacksonville (AL) church of Christ. The first session is hosted by the Sevierville (TN) church of Christ and the event is held at the Pigeon Forge Holiday Inn Conference Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Allen Webster is the Retreat Director.

Schedule

All times Eastern Time

Wednesday (2/15)

Bonus Session (will not be repeated) Sevierville church of Christ

7:00 p.m. B.J. Clarke

A Match Made in Heaven: God’s Plan for Every Marriage

Thursday (2/16)

Early Track

5:00-6:30 p.m. Registration

6:45 p.m. Jim Dearman, Welcome 7:00 p.m. Mike Vestal

A Match Made in Heaven: Seven Kinds of Love Needed in Every Marriage

8:00 p.m. B.J. Clarke

Matrimonial Minefields: Subtle Ways Satan Seeks to Undermine Your Marriage (1)

9:00-9:45 p.m. Mike Vestal

A Match Made in Heaven: Lighting the Match in the Bedroom

Friday (2/17)

9:30 a.m. B.J. Clarke

Matrimonial Minefields: Subtle Ways Satan Seeks to Undermine Your Marriage (2)

10:30 a.m. Mike Vestal

A Match Made in Heaven: Don’t Throw in the Towel Just Yet. Some Considerations When Divorce Seems Like a Good Option

1:15 p.m. Jim Dearman Contests/door prizes

1:30 p.m. B.J. Clarke

A Match Made in Heaven: Planning for an Eternity Together

2:15 p.m. Jim Dearman

Farewell: Always Leave ’Em Laughing

Late Track (repeats Early Track lessons) 5:00-6:30 p.m. Registration

6:45 p.m. Jim Dearman, Welcome 7:00 p.m. Mike Vestal

A Match Made in Heaven: Seven Kinds of Love Needed in Every Marriage

8:00 p.m. B.J. Clarke

Matrimonial Minefields: Subtle Ways Satan Seeks to Undermine Your Marriage (1)

9:00 p.m. Mike Vestal

A Match Made in Heaven: Lighting the Match in the Bedroom

Saturday (2/18)

9:30 a.m. B.J. Clarke

Matrimonial Minefields: Subtle Ways Satan Seeks to Undermine Your Marriage (2)

10:30 a.m. Mike Vestal

A Match Made in Heaven: Don’t Throw in the Towel Just Yet. Some Considerations When Divorce Seems Like a Good Option

1:15 p.m. Jim Dearman Contests/door prizes

1:30 p.m. B.J. Clarke

A Match Made in Heaven: Planning for an Eternity Together

2:15 p.m. Jim Dearman

Farewell: Always Leave ’Em Laughing

Speakers

MIKE VESTAL, MIDLAND, TEXAS: Mike Vestal currently preaches for the Westside church of Christ in Midland, Texas, where he has labored for the last ten years. He is an alumnus of Freed-Hardeman University. He has taught in two schools of preaching, and preached in gospel meetings and lectures in 35 states and several foreign countries. He and his wife, Cherie (Workman), are greatly blessed with two children, David and Caren.

B.J. CLARKE, MARION, ARKANSAS: B.J. Clarke was born in Canton, Illinois, and attended Noblesville (IN) High School and Freed-Hardeman University. On September 24, 1983, he married his college sweetheart, Tish, the former Tamela Suzanne Hall. They have three children: Daniel, Holly, and Michael. B.J. presently serves the Hwy 77 church of Christ in Marion, Arkansas, teaches in the Memphis School of Preaching, and speaks on two nationally televised GBN programs. B.J. and Tish conduct a popular series of weekend marriage seminars.