For Such a Time as This: A Reflection of Serenity’s 2026 Staff and Board Retreat
by Dr. Emi Barresi, Board Member
The 2026 staff and board retreat was a resounding success. Set in the beautiful and blessed atmosphere of Serenity itself, I gathered with the leaders and contributors of the Serenity Retreat mission to collaborate, strengthen relationships, and cast vision for the important work ahead. I left inspired and anchored in my calling to steward the next steps of this ministry.
One of the most memorable moments of the weekend was the retreat’s opening setting. As board members, we took a stroll along the prayer trail to pray over the retreat’s intentions. New board member Debra Hill led an impromptu, Spirit-led time of worship along the trail, and the presence of Christ during our walk was palpable. Together, we gave glory to the finished work of Christ and calibrated our hearts to hear His guidance, direction, and wisdom. Later, the new board members broke bread under the newly installed lights at the Serenity pavilion, sharing our unique callings and the testimonies that led each of us to unite here for such a time as this.
Staff and board members then came together, aligned and ready to dive into a shared vision for strengthening the ministry’s foundation of TPM, exploring opportunities for enhancement, and considering transformative developments for the future. It was clear to me that the staff had spent much time in prayer, focusing on sustainability and expansion as they prepare to serve the community with intention while building upon 25 years of impactful ministry. The staff presentations were inspiring, blending the wisdom of long-tenured leadership with fresh ideas and perspectives. Each participant reflected on where they see their contribution and service within the organization and how the Lord is guiding their efforts.
Cynthia Wenz, Serenity’s Interim CEO and Board Secretary, served as a unifying presence throughout the retreat. She cultivated an environment where staff and board members could connect deeply and steward the time with reverence for the Lord, open hearts and attentive ears, and a shared commitment to building relationships that will shape the road ahead.
Hospitality was on full display thanks to Tiffany Pardue and new staff member Katie Sohacki, who works remotely and traveled in to be present with us during the event. Their thoughtful care included a beautiful lunch served in the barn, an intimate and welcoming space brought to life through their creativity and attention to detail. Each meal and moment was intentionally prepared, creating an atmosphere that felt like fertile soil where meaningful conversations and collaboration could naturally flourish.
Board members shared their reflections on the experience. Debra noted, “This was my first Serenity Board Meeting. I enjoyed it very much. I am looking forward to being part of this ministry, and I hope to help make Serenity Retreat known to churches and communities so that more people can be transformed.”
New board member and longtime volunteer Skip Koshak described the event as “an opportunity to partner with Papa as He transforms and liberates people,” adding, “We have a phenomenal team and one message with many voices.”
As I reflected on the retreat, I left deeply inspired, with a renewed desire to contribute to a mission that has personally impacted my life. I understood why and how the Lord called me to help build a sustainable future for others who deeply need His truth. Vision is seeing what is not yet there, and the staff and current board worked diligently to articulate the vision in a way that brought clarity, allowing us to truly see the path ahead and understand how I can serve alongside this ordained team.
Staff members were moved as well. Angela Miller, Program Manager, shared, “The Board and Staff Retreat was a unifying and encouraging time for our team at Serenity Retreat. It was beautiful to put faces to the specific board roles that serve this ministry, but even more meaningful to hear our board and staff’s heart for the ministry and their desire to see it thrive. The unity around the table and the opportunity for all of us to learn from one another was truly a gift!” Barbara Rolen, Program Director, added, “The entire staff is hopeful and expectant for the fruit ahead in 2026 as the board and staff continue to collaborate.”
There is still much work ahead to equip more prayer ministers and bring many of these ideas to fruition, and this gathering set the stage for every contributor to make an impact in the days, weeks, and ultimately the year ahead. As the future comes into clearer focus, with the expansion of the board and called leaders and stewards in place, the next 25 years of community impact and freeing truth are well positioned to flourish, an alignment that could only have been orchestrated by the Lord.
