Nov. 2: Women's retreat at UPC focuses on sisters, saints and sinners

The third annual women's retreat at United Protestant Church of Grayslake will explore fascinating women from the Bible – sisters to relate to, saints to admire and sinners to learn from.

The Nov. 2 retreat will be facilitated by Rev. Merlyn Lawrence, associate pastor of UPC, and Rev. Dr. Lillian Daniel, senior minister at First Congregational Church of Glen Ellyn. All women are invited to attend the retreat, which begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. Lunch is included.

Rev. Daniel is the author of “When ‘Spiritual But Not Religious' Is Not Enough” and co-author of “This Odd and Wondrous Calling: The Public and Private Lives of two Ministers.” She speaks and preaches to groups all over the country.

Rev. Lawrence is originally from Cape Town, South Africa and came to the United States 27 years ago. She was a social worker and was actively involved in the anti-violence movement in South Africa and in the U.S., she has coordinated counseling programs for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence and has served the United Church of Christ in a variety of capacities at local, association, national and international levels. She received her Master of Divinity degree from Chicago Theological Seminary in May 2013 and was ordained into the United Church of Christ in August 2013.

Those interested in attending should contact the church by Oct. 24 at (847) 223-8131, ext. 16 or email Rev. Lawrence at pastormerlynlawrence@merol.com. Registration is $30, which includes a copy of Rev. Daniels' book, “When ‘Spiritual But Not Religious' Is Not Enough.” The retreat is being hosted by the UPC Women's Christian Fellowship. The church is located at 54 S. Whitney Street in historic downtown Grayslake.

About UPC: The United Protestant Church of Grayslake is made up of two denominations: the United Methodist Church and the United Church of Christ. It is a member of the Elgin District of the United Methodist Church and the Fox Valley Association of the United Church of Christ. The senior pastor is Rev. Dr. David Russell, and the associate pastor is Rev. Merlyn Lawrence. Sunday worship services are held at 8:15 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday morning Christian education for all ages. Childcare is available all morning. For more information, call (847) 223-8131. The UPC is fully accessible, the sanctuary is air conditioned and an elevator is available at the west entrance.