Laughlin Chapel to host weekend retreat

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nathan L. Maysonet
  • 47th Flying Trainig Wing
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Laughlin Chapel will be hosting a family retreat Nov. 11 to 13, Veteran's Day weekend , at the San Antoni o Marriot Riverwalk Hotel.

The retreat is an opportunity for families to spend the holiday weekend exploring San Antonio among friends while building fellowship and having a good time.

"We want to make a special moment where families can come together," said Chaplain (Capt.) Shane Marley, 47th Flying Training Wing chaplain and retreat project officer. "It's busy and we just want to help build families, which is a big part of what the chapel does."

Previous retreats have been successful with attendees and have had a positive impact towards reconnecting families and couples, according to surveys from past participants.

"It builds resilience for a couple," said Chaplain (Maj.) Dwayne Keener, 47th FTW chaplain. "With the mission we have, the deployments and graduating pilots, it gets intense. This is an opportunity to step away from the environment and have a different outlook and see marriage from a different perspective."

While at the retreat, couples will attend two marriage care classes designed to help strengthen their relationship with one another and improve family communication, said Marley.

"We will talk about how to keep love alive in a busy family with kids," he said.

Attendees will meet at the Marriot Riverwalk Hotel at 5 p.m. Nov. 11 for a briefing of weekend events . The next morning, couples will attend two training classes while childcare for younger children and a movie viewing and discussion for teenagers is provided.

Families are free to enjoy the city as they wish Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. The chapel will be hosting an optional devotional Sunday morning.

Those attending will be responsible for travel and food expenses while family lodging at the Marriott, childcare and teen activities during couples' counseling will be at no cost to participants and will be paid for by the chapel's tithes and offerings. It is suggested that families bring their own breakfast to eat on Saturday and Sunday morning to reduce personal cost.

Because space is limited, those who wish to go must contact the chapel at 298-5111 or e-mail Marley at derek.marley@laughlin.af.mil to reserve a spot before Oct. 31. A deposit of $25 is required for accountability and will be returned upon arrival to the retreat.