A Rooted Life
We are holding a Women’s Retreat for gals of all ages and all denominations in the beautiful Upper Valley of Vermont!
Doors open at 8:30 AM so you can pick up your welcome bag at check-in and then enjoy a light breakfast. Program starts at 9:30. Lunch is served at noon followed by a sing-along, and last session concludes by 3 PM.
Seating is limited to 150 guests so please register early for this unique event being held in the Upper Valley of Vermont on the New Hampshire border for an opportunity to enjoy the sights of New England foliage and the sounds of songs of praise to the Creator!
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Presenters and Musicians
Deborah Shofstahl, an RN, was ministry/travel companion to Sue Thomas (of the TV Series, Sue Thomas: FBEye) for nearly two decades. She was a shy small-town girl, but the years spent with Sue gave her no other option but to come out of her shell. She is currently the director of Sue Thomas Ministries, a nonprofit whose heartbeat is to encourage people to take time out of our busy noisy lives, to “be still and know that He is God.” Deborah loves to use her life’s experiences, including those years spent with Sue, to illustrate truth about the Lord. She spends summers in Vermont, at WaterBrooks, developing the vision that God laid on Sue’s heart many years ago; to create a beautiful place that is quiet and set apart where God’s people can come into the silence to reconnect with their Creator. In the words of Jesus, “Come away by yourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” Mark 6:31
Michele Morin is a reader, writer, speaker and gardener who does life with her family on a country hill in Maine. Active in educational ministries with her local church, Michele delights in sitting at a table surrounded by women with open Bibles. A member of The Redbud Writer’s Guild, Michele shares her insights and encouragement at Desiring God Ministries, Living By Design, The Gospel Coalition, The Joyful Life Magazine and many other publications including her own blog, Living Our Days. She laments biblical illiteracy and advocates for the prudent use of “little minutes.” Michele loves hot tea, well-crafted sentences, poems that stop her in her tracks, and days at the ocean with her family. She has been married to Calvin for over 30 years and together they have four sons, four daughters-in-love, and 5 grandchildren. She wisely reminds us that “The way we live our days will be, after all, the way we live our lives.” Annie Dilliard
Marlies Menkveld grew up in the Netherlands on a Tulip farm in a very secular area with few true Christians. Marlies learned early to stand firm for the truth. She was just a young girl when their family made trips into Eastern Europe smuggling Bibles behind the Iron Curtain. As a teen, Marlies and her brother did street evangelism in Amsterdam and other cities. Being the only Christian in her class was not easy. In high school, she boldly challenged the teachers when they pushed evolution, atheism, and other agendas. During the annual Flower Festival when the entire town displays mosaics made from flower petals, Marlies began using the design of their Mosaic to illustrate a Scriptural message. She met her husband, Jeroen, through this outreach when a broadcasting station filmed a documentary. After they moved to the US, Marlies volunteered at the Creation Museum in Kentucky and Jeroen became a salesman of flower bulbs and plants. They eventually settled in the Smoky Mountains and enjoy hiking and camping. After the devastating and emotional loss of their full-term baby, God’s grace and strength was revealed in a much deeper way. Today Marlies loves to remind us that the Lord is working in the good times and in the deep valleys to show Himself strong.
Donna Lee is a passionate pianist and worship leader at the Newbury Bible Church in Newbury, Vermont, where her husband, David, is the pastor. Donna holds a Master’s Degree in Christian Education and with over 30 years of worship experience, she has inspired many at women’s conferences, retreats, and church services. It was at a Women’s Retreat where she met Sue Thomas and they became instant friends. Donna is also a 4-H Program Manager at the University of New Hampshire, helping today’s youth develop leadership skills. A mother to 3 grown children, she greatly enjoys her new season of life being Oma to 6 grandkids. She is inspired by the quote from Mike Harland, “Look deep in your own heart and find the song Jesus has put there. Then, open your mouth and declare it- for the edification of your brothers and sisters in Christ and for the glory of the Savior.”
Sarah Alimowski inspires hope by sharing her personal life experiences. She knows the joy of freedom that comes through forgiving and that having a merry heart brings vitality to life. Having heard her musical parents singing even before she was born taught her the power of music. Sarah has fond memories of singing with her parents and siblings while on the streets of Times Square in NYC, to the streets of Red Square in Moscow, Russia. It was on one of their many mission trips to Eastern Europe, that she met her husband, Marek, from Poland. They live in North Port, Florida with their two energetic sons and spend summer months in Narew, Poland, embracing their Polish heritage. Sarah enjoys meeting new people, traveling to new places, and keeping a welcoming open door in her own home. Her heart’s desire is that women will be drawn to Christ through her singing, speaking and living for the glory of God.
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