Recently, United the Movement core team took the opportunity to gather together for a retreat on November 8th to 10th in order to reflect on the past year and plan for the future of this ministry department.
The focus was to deepen our spiritual growth and strengthen our commitment to the mission of serving others and the youth of our community. We took the time to discuss our vision, refocus on what the Gospel talks about our ministry, and propose events for the upcoming year of 2025. The framework is built on Christ and we defined our purpose as messengers of the Gospel, unifying the churches and communities that are part of Pacific Coast Slavic Baptist Association.
Proposed Events for 2024
Several key events were proposed during the retreat, aiming to engage, equip, and inspire both the leadership team and the broader community. These events will serve as critical milestones for fostering connection, spiritual growth, and community building:
- February 8th: Worship Night
- April 19th: Leaders Workshop
- June 7th: Summer Bash
- September 29th – October 1st: Camp United
- October 4th: Sports Tournaments
- November 7-9th: Next Retreat
- December 7th: Last Worship Night
- Washington Worship Night (Date TBD)
These events are designed to create opportunities for worship, leadership development, outreach, and fellowship throughout the year.
Core Values for the Movement
The retreat emphasized the importance of living out core Christian values, which will guide the activities and ethos of United the movement. These values will be the foundation upon which all events and initiatives are built:
- Purpose and Calling
Verse: Ephesians 2:10
We are reminded of our divine purpose to serve God through good works, trusting that He has prepared us for this mission. - Serving Others
Verse: Philippians 2:3-4
The movement will focus on serving one another in humility, prioritizing the needs of others and fostering a servant leadership mindset. - Unity and Community
Verse: Psalm 133:1
Unity will be central to our mission, emphasizing the need to build a strong, supportive community of believers. - Encouragement and Support
Verse: Hebrews 10:24-25
We will encourage regular gatherings and support one another in our faith journey, stirring up love and good works. - Courage and Strength
Verse: Joshua 1:9
Leaders and participants will be encouraged to step forward in faith, trusting in God's strength and guidance. - Faithfulness in Small Things
Verse: Luke 16:10
Faithfulness in the small details will be a hallmark of the movement, encouraging integrity in all actions, no matter how small. - Vision and Hope
Verse: Jeremiah 29:11
The movement will be grounded in a hopeful vision, trusting that God's plans for us are good and filled with hope. - Prayer and Guidance
Verse: James 1:5
Prayer will be central in our decision-making process, seeking God's wisdom for direction and guidance. - Commitment to God’s Work
Verse: Colossians 3:23-24
Our commitment to serving God will be reflected in our actions, working with excellence in all that we do. - Patience
Verse: Proverbs 15:18
Patience will be emphasized, especially in resolving conflicts and maintaining unity within the movement. - Joy in Serving
Verse: Acts 20:35
Serving others with joy and generosity will be a central focus, demonstrating the blessing of giving over receiving.
The retreat has provided a clear direction for United the Movement as we move into 2025. With a focus on purpose, unity, service, and faithfulness, the proposed events and core values outlined in this report will guide the movement in fostering a strong, supportive, and powerful community built on Christ and the Gospel given to us as a tool. As we move forward, the leadership team is committed to embodying these principles, ensuring that all activities align with our mission to glorify God and serve others. Through prayer, courage, and a shared vision, we are excited to see what God will do in and through United in the coming year.
Evgeniy Kamyshov
