As reported in "Celebrating ten years in the ministry," 29 seminary graduates from the classes of 2001 and 2002, along with their spouses, enjoyed attending the first Grow in Grace retreat, which was held in April in San Antonio, Tex. Here are reactions from other retreat attendees.

Jared Oldenburg, serving at Eternal Rock, Castle Rock, Colo., says, "My wife, Aimee, and I both were uplifted and encouraged not only now, but for the next ten years of ministry together. I recommend these few days to any pastor who is even thinking about it. In fact, it was hard thinking about my fellow classmates and friends who had to miss out this year."

Aimee adds, "It was a special experience, and I think the benefits and the take-homes were helpful immediately spiritually, physically, and emotionally."

Tim Spiegelberg, pastor at Hope, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, notes, "The 'Renewed in Grace' event was wonderful. On a spiritual front it was a great reminder why we do what we do. Weariness easily sets in the longer you are in the ministry, and yet the harvest does not cease to be ready. There is strength in knowing that as pastors and families there are others who wrestle with similar issues."

Spiegelberg's wife, Jamie, says, "I found the reunion equally beneficial and uplifting. God also gave the women, as pastors'wives, a gift in each other. To relax and enjoy the company of women whom you can identify with who completely understand the exact joys and struggles that are presented in ministry and pastoral family life was a joy! I was reminded that we are all in this together—to share successes and frustrations and to pray for one another."

Graduates and spouses of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary's class of 2003 will be invited to the next Grow in Grace retreat, scheduled for April 2–4, 2013.