Over the years, The Firs Adult Retreat has become a unique tradition. The week is designed with you in mind. Friends connect and reconnect, gathering together for fun events, fabulous meals, special music and hymns, meaningful fellowship, and challenging instruction from God’s Word, presented by gifted communicators.

We are pleased to have Bill Clem return to The Firs Adult Retreat as our evening speaker. Bill is a member of the pastoral team of Mars Hill Church, serving as Campus Pastor at the main campus, located in Ballard, WA. Bill has been a youth pastor, college and seminary professor, and church planter. He directed the INN university ministry in Bellingham and was the North American director for Sonlife Ministries. He also serves as a board member for church planting and seminary education. When speaking in church, class and retreat settings, throughout North America, Bill’s passion for Biblical truth unites with his commitment to spiritual formation.

Bob Marvel will be our morning speaker for the retreat. Bob, a third generation pastor, is the Senior Pastor at Cornwall Church in Bellingham, WA. Cornwall Church is a large, growing, and innovative church; one of Whatcom County’s leading churches. Bob arrived in Bellingham in 1987, to serve in Student Ministries at Cornwall, and became the Senior Pastor in 1993. Bob’s spiritual gifts include preaching/teaching, shepherding and leadership. He is very mission minded and has led and participated in short-term mission trips to Mexico, India, Africa and Haiti, as well as being part of “Salt on the Street,” a Cornwall ministry to homeless people in downtown Bellingham.

Bruce Becker has served three pastorates; nine years in rural Paulding, OH, nineteen years in inner city Philadelphia, and two in Bellingham, WA. For seven years, Bruce wrote a baseball column for a Philly newspaper and a Christian commentary for a national Presbyterian website. In the 1990’s, Bruce painted limited edition prints of major league ballparks, selling 1800 copies nationally. Owners of Bruce’s artwork include players (Curt Schilling, George Brett, Tony Taylor, among others), MLB personnel, umpires, and the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Bruce was trained by Dr. Richard C. Halverson in 1978-79, two years before Dr. Halverson became Chaplain of the U.S. Senate.

Bob and Arlene Overman will lead music and worship for the 2010 Adult Retreat. Bob and Arlene met at Western Washington University, while pursuing music degrees, and have served on staff in music ministry at a variety of churches over many years. They home school their three children in Victoria, B.C. They lead worship at various conferences, throughout the year, and currently lead worship monthly at their home church.

Accommodation Rates:

Please note, roommates must request each other. Price per person includes accommodation (linens provided), program & meals.

Cabin with private bath (single occupancy)...................... $329

Cabin with private bath (2–3 per room)............................ $274

Lodge with shared bath (some stairs)............................. $244

Commuter (price per person includes program & meals)..... $105