by Bob Vestal, contributing writer

Men, if it can't be heaven, then what could be better than a weekend in the Piney Woods of East Texas? Now is the time for you to plan to attend the Men's 2009 Fall Retreat, October 9–11, at the shores of Pine Cove near Tyler, Texas.

"Words simply cannot express how refreshing it is to get away from the world for a few days and enjoy the fellowship of men who truly understand what is important in life, share my values, and love my Lord," says Jeff Hurst, a Men's Retreat alum. "The teaching and worship are always excellent and there is ample downtime to suit the interests of everyone."

Dr. Darrell Bock, Research Professor of New Testament Studies and Professor of Spiritual Development and Culture at Dallas Theological Seminary, will be the featured speaker for the weekend retreat. Dr. Bock is a former president of the Evangelical Theological Society and serves as corresponding editor-at-large for Christianity Today.

The retreat is more than just another weekend trip with a bunch of guys from church. The fun, fellowship, and Bible teaching can be a life-changing experience that will strengthen your daily walk with the Lord. Plus, it’s a relaxing setting that will "help men get better connected with our church and, possibly, make a few new friends," stated George Sun, who attended last year's retreat and is planning to attend this year. While there are many excuses for not attending this fall (economy, job stress, family stress, etc.), "it is time, more so than ever, for us Christian men to pull together and to support each other in these difficult times," George said.

Register online for this year’s retreat. If you have questions, contact Men's Ministries at 469-252-5337, or e-mail mensministries@stonebriar.org. Check-in at the camp begins Friday, October 9, at 5 p.m. The retreat will conclude  on Sunday, October 11, around 11 a.m.