Meet Our Core Team
Kris Swiatocho, Co-Director
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Pastor Freddy Johnson, Co-Director
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Missy Honeycutt, Admin, Excursions
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Carrie Robinson, Admin, Excursions
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Cherri Miles, Volunteers
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Meet Our Servant Leaders
Mary Lois Woodson, Hospitality
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Crystal Allison, Hospitality
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Kate Stewart, Fundraising
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Tammy Kerkstra, Silent Auction
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Rozanne Banicki, Decor/Merchandise
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Ernest Jefferson, Breakfast, Lunch & Learns
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Malika Davis, Breakfast/Lunch Learns
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Davey Tucker, Facilities
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Jeff Sparks, Prayer
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Jimmy Miles, Facilities
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Brenda Schweitzer,
Prayer
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Pastor Wes Reed, Prayer/Speaker
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Terri Davis, Admin; Worship; Merchandise
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Angela Busha, Prayer/Speaker
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Stephanie Johnson, Decor
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Assistants to Servant Leaders
Larry Robinson, Facilities
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Richard Jennings, Facilities
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James Hunter, Security
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Camille Murray,
Prayer Team
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Cary Johnson, Registration
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Kim Rich, Fundraising
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Christy Yow, Merchandise
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Debbie Davis, Nursing
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Michelle Hipp, Counselor
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We have a great team of leaders and pastors who contribute to the Labor Day Singles Retreat along with an impressive list of volunteers who are instrumental in making this retreat happen. Meet our servant leaders:
- Kris Swiatocho, Director of The Singles Network Ministries, First Baptist Hendersonville, NC, (Co-Director/Teacher)
- Pastor Freddy Johnson, North Point Church, Columbia, SC, (Co-Director/Teacher)
- Missy Honeycutt, Taylors First Baptist Church, Taylor, SC, (Co-Leader Admin/Excursions)
- Terri Davis, Swartz Baptist Church, Monroe, LA, (Co-Leader Admin/Worship team)
- Carrie Robinson, Hopewell Baptist Church, Monroe, NC, (Co-Leader Volunteers)
- Cherrie Miles, Millbrook Baptist Church, Aiken, SC, (Co-Leader Volunteers)
- Jimmy Miles , Millbrook Baptist Church, Aiken, SC, (Co-Leader Facilities Team)
- Jeff Sparks, Biltmore Baptist Church, Asheville, NC, (Co-Leader Prayer Team)
- Davey Tucker, Pelham COG, Greenville, SC, (Co-Leader Facilities Team)
- Rozanne Banicki, Wellsville First Christian Church, Wellsville, OH, (Co-Decor and Merchandise Leader)
- Mary Lois Woodson, Camden Associate Reformed Presbyterian, Camden AL (Co-Leader Hospitality Team)
- Crystal Allison, Trinity Baptist, Asheville, NC, (Co-Leader Hospitality Team)
- Kate Stewart, Summit Church, Durham, NC, (Co-Leader Fundraising/Silent Auction)
- Tammy Kerstra, Cornerstone URC, Grand Rapids, MI, (Co-Leader Fundraising/Silent Auction)
- Pastor Wes Reed, Cornerstone Fellowship, Newark, NY, (Co-Leader Prayer/Teacher Team)
- Angela Busha, Grace Chapel Church, Elizabethtown, PA (Co-Leader Prayer/Teacher Team)
- Brenda Schweitzer, Grace Church, Clarksburg, MD (Co-Leader Prayer Team)
- Ernest Jefferson, St. Mark UMC, Taylors, SC, (Co-Leader Breakfast, Lunch and Learns and Table Host Leader)
- Malika Davis, Light Way Church, Charlotte, NC (Co-Leader Breakfast, Lunch and Learn Team/Table Host Leader)
- Stephanie Johnson, Chapin Baptist, Fayetteville, NC, (Co-Decor Leader)
- James Hunter, Swartz Baptist Church, Monroe, LA, (Co-Leader Security Team)
- Larry Robinson, Hopewell Baptist Church, Monroe, NC, (Leader Assistant: Facilities Team)
- Richard Jennings, Holland Park Church, Simpsonville, SC (Leader Assistant: Facilities Team)
- Camille Murray, Sharon Baptist Church, Philadelphia, PA (Leader Assistant: Prayer Team)
- Kim Rich, Destiny Worship Center, Destin, Fl (Leader Assistant: Fundraising Team)
- Christy Yow, Loves Grove Methodist Church, Stanfield, NC, (Leader Assistant: Merchandise Team)
- Debbie Davis, Trinity Baptist, Asheville, NC, (Nurse)
- Cary Johnson, Hopewell Baptist Church, Monroe, NC, (Leader Assistant: Registration Team)
- Michelle Hipp, Taylor's First Baptist, Greenville, SC, (Counselor)
Pastor Freddy Johnson: A Clean House=Peaceful Mind |
Interview of Michelle Hipp, Labor Day Retreat Prayer Warrior and Counselor |
Kick-Off Zoom Event with Leaders |
Leaders Mid-Year RetreatPlanning and Praying and Mission Project
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Labor Day Singles Retreat Mission/Visions/Core Values
I Chronicles 4:10 Now, the Labor Day Singles Retreat called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that You would bless us indeed and enlarge our border, and that Your hand might be with us, and that You would keep us from harm that it may not pain us!” And God granted them what they requested.
Why Is Our Vision, Mission, and Core Values So Important…
Walt Disney never lived to see the opening of Disney World. During the opening ceremonies, someone is reputed to have said to Walt’s wife, "It’s a shame Walt is not here to see this." To which she responded, "He did see it, or it wouldn’t have been here."
Our Vision: Labor Day Singles Retreat exists to help individuals, churches, cities, and nations understand the value of single adult ministry. Our vision answers the question, “What do we hope to achieve?” It inspires us to strive for something greater that goes on beyond Labor Day Singles Retreat Weekend!
Our Mission: Labor Day Singles Retreat exists to encourage, equip, and challenge single adults to grow in their relationship with God and to help them love others as He does! Our mission allows us to focus on the present and make the Labor Day Singles Retreat Weekend experience everything God wants it to be for those who attend.
Our Core Values: Core Values and beliefs drive everything the ministry does. They are the foundation upon which the Labor Day Singles Retreat was/is built. Core values help all of us (leadership) stay on the same page about what we are trying to do and how to do it. They also help us decide where to allocate our resources and how to operate throughout the year.
Labor Day Singles Retreats Core Values:
Teaching God’s Word
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. —2 Timothy 3:16
• We believe the Bible is filled with timeless truths that, when taught, should produce applications that can be used in everyday life.
• We design our messages (including devotions) to reach the audience of single adults and be used to guide, direct, encourage, and support singles in various life stages.
• We teach in authority by and through the Holy Spirit. We teach to change lives, including those who have not accepted Christ or need to recommit.
Relationship with God
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.—John 3:16
• We believe the Labor Day Singles Retreat Weekend is more than just a fun weekend; it is a weekend of building our relationship with God.
• From what is taught to worship, mixers, table discussions, excursions, Breakfast, Lunch and Learns, the Prayer experience and more are all ways we connect and communicate with God.
Prayer
Call me and I will answer you and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.— Jeremiah 33:3
• We believe communicating with God is a privilege and is vital to a Christian’s daily life and growth in his/her relationship with Christ. This can be done privately and corporately.
• We believe prayer is essential in all the planning of our retreat from the time we end the last one till the agreement by God’s direction of the next one.
• We believe prayer should be done to cover every area, allowing the Holy Spirit to change direction, open and close doors, and lead someone to change, including salvation.
• We believe prayer should be visible and showcased to attendees throughout the weekend so they know of its importance and value.
Fellowship
Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. —Hebrews 10:25
• We believe the Labor Day Weekend is also about building relationships with others.
• We know most singles come for that purpose, and we are mindful of how the weekend structure allows strangers to become life-long friends.
• Being strategic in our fellowships, such as the proper ice breakers and table discussions, is critical in establishing trust, respect, and learning about each other. Healthy and safe fellowship builds healthy and safe friendships.
Stewardship
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace. 1 Peter 4:10
• We believe our awesome privilege and responsibility is to support God’s work in our church, community, and world with our time, talent, and resources.
• At Labor Day, we encourage people to volunteer in every area, including leadership.
• We want to be a great steward of what God has given us, so we budget our resources and time.
We re-use, protect, and care about resources. We raise funds to cover needs, and we strive to reduce waste. We also seek to protect what God has brought us in every area, including what is said and who attends.
Reaching
Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! —Psalm 96:3
• We believe it is our privilege and responsibility to share the “Good News” with others, which can only be found through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
• We have designed the Labor Day Singles Retreat to be a witness during the weekend and through the year prior (through our Facebook page postings, Zoom and in-person events, promotion, and personal conversations) and after (testimonials and experiences).
• Our goal is for a life-changing weekend that will affect others during the weekend and once they leave and decide to return the following year.
Why do we need core values?
· They help us understand what makes us different from other ministries.
· They help see where people can get personally involved (serve).
· They communicate what we believe is important.
· They inspire leadership and individuals to act (get involved).
· They enhance the credibility of our leadership.
· They shape the ministry’s character.
· They create a ministry culture that is biblically based.
Core values speak to our identity.
· Who we believe we are.
· How who we believe we are fits with God’s vision for us.
· How will we act based on what we believe about ourselves?
Core values speak to our purpose.
· They help develop ministry-wide goals and objectives (planning).
· They help us evaluate, based on their values, what we currently do and any new opportunities we may consider (decision-making).
· They empower Christ-followers to live out their faith (daily living).
Five characteristics of core values:
Why Is Our Vision, Mission, and Core Values So Important…
Walt Disney never lived to see the opening of Disney World. During the opening ceremonies, someone is reputed to have said to Walt’s wife, "It’s a shame Walt is not here to see this." To which she responded, "He did see it, or it wouldn’t have been here."
Our Vision: Labor Day Singles Retreat exists to help individuals, churches, cities, and nations understand the value of single adult ministry. Our vision answers the question, “What do we hope to achieve?” It inspires us to strive for something greater that goes on beyond Labor Day Singles Retreat Weekend!
Our Mission: Labor Day Singles Retreat exists to encourage, equip, and challenge single adults to grow in their relationship with God and to help them love others as He does! Our mission allows us to focus on the present and make the Labor Day Singles Retreat Weekend experience everything God wants it to be for those who attend.
Our Core Values: Core Values and beliefs drive everything the ministry does. They are the foundation upon which the Labor Day Singles Retreat was/is built. Core values help all of us (leadership) stay on the same page about what we are trying to do and how to do it. They also help us decide where to allocate our resources and how to operate throughout the year.
Labor Day Singles Retreats Core Values:
Teaching God’s Word
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. —2 Timothy 3:16
• We believe the Bible is filled with timeless truths that, when taught, should produce applications that can be used in everyday life.
• We design our messages (including devotions) to reach the audience of single adults and be used to guide, direct, encourage, and support singles in various life stages.
• We teach in authority by and through the Holy Spirit. We teach to change lives, including those who have not accepted Christ or need to recommit.
Relationship with God
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.—John 3:16
• We believe the Labor Day Singles Retreat Weekend is more than just a fun weekend; it is a weekend of building our relationship with God.
• From what is taught to worship, mixers, table discussions, excursions, Breakfast, Lunch and Learns, the Prayer experience and more are all ways we connect and communicate with God.
Prayer
Call me and I will answer you and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.— Jeremiah 33:3
• We believe communicating with God is a privilege and is vital to a Christian’s daily life and growth in his/her relationship with Christ. This can be done privately and corporately.
• We believe prayer is essential in all the planning of our retreat from the time we end the last one till the agreement by God’s direction of the next one.
• We believe prayer should be done to cover every area, allowing the Holy Spirit to change direction, open and close doors, and lead someone to change, including salvation.
• We believe prayer should be visible and showcased to attendees throughout the weekend so they know of its importance and value.
Fellowship
Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. —Hebrews 10:25
• We believe the Labor Day Weekend is also about building relationships with others.
• We know most singles come for that purpose, and we are mindful of how the weekend structure allows strangers to become life-long friends.
• Being strategic in our fellowships, such as the proper ice breakers and table discussions, is critical in establishing trust, respect, and learning about each other. Healthy and safe fellowship builds healthy and safe friendships.
Stewardship
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace. 1 Peter 4:10
• We believe our awesome privilege and responsibility is to support God’s work in our church, community, and world with our time, talent, and resources.
• At Labor Day, we encourage people to volunteer in every area, including leadership.
• We want to be a great steward of what God has given us, so we budget our resources and time.
We re-use, protect, and care about resources. We raise funds to cover needs, and we strive to reduce waste. We also seek to protect what God has brought us in every area, including what is said and who attends.
Reaching
Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! —Psalm 96:3
• We believe it is our privilege and responsibility to share the “Good News” with others, which can only be found through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
• We have designed the Labor Day Singles Retreat to be a witness during the weekend and through the year prior (through our Facebook page postings, Zoom and in-person events, promotion, and personal conversations) and after (testimonials and experiences).
• Our goal is for a life-changing weekend that will affect others during the weekend and once they leave and decide to return the following year.
Why do we need core values?
· They help us understand what makes us different from other ministries.
· They help see where people can get personally involved (serve).
· They communicate what we believe is important.
· They inspire leadership and individuals to act (get involved).
· They enhance the credibility of our leadership.
· They shape the ministry’s character.
· They create a ministry culture that is biblically based.
Core values speak to our identity.
· Who we believe we are.
· How who we believe we are fits with God’s vision for us.
· How will we act based on what we believe about ourselves?
Core values speak to our purpose.
· They help develop ministry-wide goals and objectives (planning).
· They help us evaluate, based on their values, what we currently do and any new opportunities we may consider (decision-making).
· They empower Christ-followers to live out their faith (daily living).
Five characteristics of core values:
- Core values are constant. We live in a world where change is inevitable, and the ministry sometimes needs to change methods, etc., to continue to grow and reach people; however, the core values should not change.
- Core values are passionate. While we may have many values, there are only a few that we can be truly passionate about.
- Core values are Bible-based. We must always ask if it’s “scriptural.”
- Core values are beliefs. They are the convictions we try to model in our ministry and daily lives.
- Core values drive the ministry. They determine the direction of the ministry.
