Men at Renew don’t retreat, we advance. That’s why we’re doing something a little different this year for our annual guy’s getaway by helping out a worthy cause. We all know that men naturally bond when we work on a project together – and what could be more fun than a demolition project?

During this year’s Men’s Advance we will be helping Ray of Hope to prepare 2400 square feet of old office space for new ministry possibilities by removing all current partition walls, floors and ceilings. Ray of Hope (www.rayofhope.net) is a program that provides care and hope for those struggling with crime, addiction or homelessness in the Waterloo Region. We will also have the opportunity to interact with some of these individuals by sharing two meals with them served at Ray of Hope’s Community Centre.

This is going to be an exciting opportunity to go on mission during our Men’s Advance, and of course, we’ll also have the requisite time to hang out, play games, eat together, have fun and grow closer to God through devotional/discussion time.

Where?

Project: Ray of Hope, 659 King Street East, Kitchener, ON N2G 2M4
Accommodations: Hidden Acres Retreat Centre, 1921 Line 37, New Hamburg, ON N3A 4B

When?

Friday, November 18 – Saturday November 19
Arrive early at 1:30pm to begin demo project, or join us after work for dinner

Cost?

$100 – includes overnight accommodations, meals & snacks

Personal items to bring:

• sleeping bag or blankets
• pillow
• towel(s)
• games

Equipment needed:

If you have any of the following items, please bring them along:

• sledgehammers
• reciprocating saws
• hammers
• utility/carpet knives
• crow bars
• pliers
• hard hats
• work boots
• work gloves
• safety glasses
• wheelbarrows

Itinerary:

Friday, November 18th
1:30pm – arrival at Ray of Hope and orientation
2:30pm – begin de-construction
4:15pm – coffee break
6:45pm – clean up for supper
7:00pm – join the Community Centre supper in progress
8:15pm – depart location for overnight @ Hidden Acres Retreat Centre
9:30pm – debrief and short message/discussion
10:30pm – snacks and games

Saturday, November 19th
8:30 am – breakfast at Hidden Acres
9:30am – departure for Ray of Hope
10:00am – continue de-construction
12:00pm – join the Community Centre for lunch in progress
1:15pm– continue deconstruction
3:30pm – coffee break
5:30pm – clean up site and depart
Stopping for dinner as a group, or partial group, on the way home is optional – Wild Wing in Kitchener (not included in price)

Notes:

1. Approximately 10 men from Radiant City Church in Kitchener will be participating in this event with us
2. During the two meals at Ray of Hope, we are requested to not sit as a single group, but rather disperse through the room in pairs and eat with the guests present
3. It is a 30 minute drive from Ray of Hope to Hidden Acres Retreat Centre
4. Normal construction site protocols will be in effect
5. If you are unable to participate in the physical labour, we still want you to come! There are other ways you can be involved

Register by contacting Mitch Van Rassel using the link below: