McConnell Chapel hosts couples retreat

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Thornbury
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Imagine embracing your significant other, peering out to a grassland of countless hills topped with a variety of full trees as far as the eye can see. The sun meets the tree-covered horizon, sharing its vibrant colors with the sky; capturing a moment like this doesn't require traveling to a far-away land, instead sign-up for the next couples retreat.

The McConnell Chapel is scheduled to host a couples retreat in Branson, Missouri, May 8-10, which is designed to help 25 families reintegrate after a deployment; although, couples that have not deployed are still welcome to attend.

"The retreat is to help married Airmen who have deployed to reconnect emotionally, spiritually, relationally and socially," said Chaplain (Capt.) Shannon Workman, 22nd Air Refueling Wing chaplain. "Relationships change when a member deploys. A lot of times roles or functions change and their partner has to take on that responsibility."

Chapel staff and a marriage specialist will lead training and group discussions from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 9.

"In the morning, we are going to have seminars on reintegration and deployment," said Workman. "The second half of the day, we will have a marriage specialist that specializes in marriage issues such as the struggles of marriage, rebuilding intimacy and breaking the barriers of intimacy."

At 5 p.m., couples will be have the opportunity to spend quality time with their other half. Couples also have the chance to see what Branson has to offer.

"We have hosted a number of retreats throughout the years and people have always come back and tell us how good it is to get away and have time with their spouse, away from the stress of work," said Wendell Skinner, 22nd ARW protestant religious education coordinator.

Accommodation and breakfasts are provided free of charge to the participants. Other meals and transportation to and from will not be provided.

"The training we offer is going to provide tools on how to better communicate with your spouse, how to build your relationship and strengthen it," said Skinner. "Overall, it builds a resiliency that helps them become a better, stronger person."

To RSVP call the chapel DSN at 743-3562 or commercial at (316) 759-3562 or email Workman at shannon.workman@us.af.mil.