On Saturday, Aug. 15, the Salem Lutheran (Albert Lea) ladies held their annual retreat in the Gathering Room at Salem. Barbara Forsyth was in charge of the program entitled Peace. Morning coffee was served by Lydia Circle. Sharon Dilling gave a welcome and Forsyth offered opening prayer. The hymn “When Peace Like a River” was sung by all, accompanied on the keyboard by Bekah Sousa, Salem Church choir director. Each guest was asked to define in their own words what peace means to them. All guests were informed to bring an object from home reminding them of peace, which resulted in many very meaningful items. One person brought a miniature house and she spoke of moving back to her small house after many years and how she found peace there. One guest came dressed in red/white/blue wearing a bracelet in honor of her grandson stationed in Afghanistan, another lady brought a globe reminding her of good things to come, many found peace in quiet, calm, prayer, and one told of memories of peace during years of raising children in cabin living.