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PLAINVIEW, TX — Wayland Baptist University’s Sally Society presents The Relationship Retreat: Cultivating Communication, a free one-night event featuring Sherman and Tammy Aten that also includes the society’s annual Power of the Purse silent auction.

The free retreat takes place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, April 27, at Harral Memorial Auditorium on Wayland’s Plainview campus. Reservations are requested by April 24 but not required. Childcare is available for $5 per child but must be reserved. Go to wbu.edu/relationship-retreat.htm to RSVP or arrange childcare.

Many are familiar with Sherman and Tammy Aten as the hosts of popular Three2One Marriage Conferences across the nation. However, The Relationship Retreat isn’t just for couples. “This event is open to anyone — singles or couples — wanting to improve communication within marriage or dating relationships, friendships, or family relationships,” said Teresa Young, a development officer in the Office of Advancement.

Wayland’s First Lady, Laurie Hall, proposed The Relationship Retreat to the ladies of the Sally Society as a way the group might minister to the community.

“It was unanimously agreed that we should sponsor a community-wide event on the Wayland campus that would offer some practical and biblical ways of dealing with our relationships whether it’s with spouses, family, or even friends,” Hall said. “We all need encouragement and reminders as we juggle and struggle with so many other challenges in today's society.”

Because Power of the Purse has been so successful in funding much-needed projects at Wayland, the Sally Society incorporated the annual silent auction into the retreat.

“We are excited to offer our silent auction as in years past, but with packages to appeal to men and to families, as well as the traditional purse packages we’ve had every year,” Young said. “Doors open at 6 p.m. for the perusing of the auction tables around the Harral Auditorium hallways. Our dessert charcuterie will be a delicious break in the retreat content and allow more time to sign up for auction items.”

The idea for The Relationship Retreat grew out of a conversation Hall had with the Atens, who had offered to speak at Power of the Purse. “As I thought more about their ministry, I wondered if we couldn’t find a way to reach a larger audience,” Hall said.

The retreat includes keynote addresses, breakout sessions, snacks, and the auction. All are focused on improving relationships.

The Atens, who met as Wayland students, have been serving in full-time itinerant ministry since November 1990. For 20 years, their family ministered in worship through revivals and concerts. Today, Sherman and Tammy spend an average of 30 weeks per year ministering in the U.S as well as internationally. The couple has a passion for Godly marriages and families.