One Flesh

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”  - Genesis 2:24

Couples from both Hill Country Lutheran Church and Peace Valley Lutheran Church in Monroe, WI gathered together for a marriage retreat in Spring Green, WI on August 7-8, 2026. Friday night was filled with food, games, and laughter as the people got to know one another. Pastor Bieri from Hill Country and Pastor Benish from Peace Valley took turns preaching and leading services for the event. Pastor Bieri preached for Vespers on Friday night on Genesis 2:15-25. His sermon focused on what it means for husband and wife to be truly one flesh through the lens of the creation account. Husbands, behold your rib. Wives, behold the man that God fashioned you for. Pastor Benish preached for Matins on Saturday morning on Ephesians 5:22-33. His sermon delved into the mystery that marriage between husband and wife refers to Christ and the church. On the cross Jesus said "I do" to us when He said "It is finished."

The South Wisconsin District's president, Rev. Dr. Nathan Meador, was the keynote speaker for the weekend. He led the couples into a deeper understanding of what it means to be one flesh in this fallen world. The love of God is shown on the cross of Christ. God has united husband and wife and made them stewards of His love that flows from His body and blood. The couples left on Saturday enriched in God’s Word and Christian fellowship. Couples were invigorated to deepen their devotional life as a family around their home altar. They were glad to have spent the weekend together and looked forward to making this an annual event between the church plants. Please pray that God would continue to unite the families of these churches, and all Christian families, around His Word faithfully taught in our homes and churches.