FRANKFORT AUTHOR PENS RETREAT GUIDE
By Rena Fulka
The SouthtownStarRetreats offer much more than devotional time in a quiet and peaceful setting.
"They're little escapes from the real world to get back on track with God," Frankfort author Rachel Gilmore said.
"Retreats provide opportunities for transformation. Sometimes they're little transformations, sometimes they're huge. And they come with a new understanding of who God is to you, and how to use your gifts to serve God and make the world a better place."
Gilmore planned religious and secular retreats for 20 years before channeling her advice to help others do the same.
In her new book, "The Complete Leader's Guide to Christian Retreats," she walks readers through the planning process from start to finish and offers sample retreats on topics for men, women, youth, families and older adults.
"Some themes tie into books, movies and other pieces of culture that serve as discussion points for applying biblical truths," she said.
The book also features reproducible handouts and helpful tips from experts in the field. The state-by-state listing of camp and conference centers includes Camp Manitoqua and Retreat Center in Frankfort, where Gilmore has led local outings. Released in December, the book sold 2,000 copies in two weeks, placing Gilmore among the top 20 Judson authors of 2008.
The honor has its perks.
"Before my first book was out, I had a contract for a second book," Gilmore said.
Scheduled for release later this year, "To All Generations" will present intergenerational church programming featuring events geared for entire congregations.
Gilmore and her husband, Dave, grew up attending First Presbyterian Church of Homewood.
"Retreats were a huge part of my faith formation in high school," the mother of three said.
So stepping in to plan and lead the congregation's spiritual excursions was a natural fit. She also served the church as director of Christian education.
A writer for as long as she can remember, Gilmore pursued English degrees at Illinois Wesleyan University and University of Illinois at Chicago.
She established WriterRae Communications, her own public relations company, and tackled curriculum, devotional, newsletter, magazine and grant writing. She also freelanced for The Star.
At New Life Church in New Lenox, Gilmore started the Write4Him writing ministry and works with the food pantry and student ministries programs. She also leads a small group and sings on the praise team.
Facilitating retreats is among her favorite spiritual activities.
"A retreat is a small group get-away to recharge your spiritual batteries and discuss faith-related issues," Gilmore said.
"For me, friendships got deepened on those experiences, especially my friendship with God."
Rena Fulka can be reached at rfulka@southtownstar.com or (708) 802-8829.
find out more...
"The Complete Leader's Guide to Christian Retreats" by Frankfort author Rachel Gilmore isavailable for $17 atwww.completeretreatguide.com with payment through PayPal.
The book also can be purchased at local Family Christian Stores and online at Judson Press and Amazon.com.
For a limited time, Gilmore is offering one hour of free consulting with a book purchase to Southland small group ministry leaders and retreat planning teams.
She also offers webinars, retreat leadership services and speaking engagements. For more information, call (815) 685-3305 or visit www.writerrae.com.
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