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The Weekend for Women by Margaret Knight The weekend starts off as any other church retreat does. Women slowly arrive at the conference center, bringing with them books, clothes, yoga tapes and even homework and art supplies. But this is where this weekend stops being like any other weekend. Friday night the group gathers for informal introductions. The speaker outlines some of the highlights of what is to come-not so much as to give it away, but enough info to spark high curiosity and wonder of what is in store for us. We have a short devotional and are encouraged to "be silent" for the rest of the night until breakfast. For some this may seem like a feat in and of itself, but what it can be is a time to find your self and a time to find yourself in uninterrupted communion with God. Some read, some walk around, some pray, some go to chapel and some meditate. Saturday is filled with workshops, food and fun. It is a time for great growth and reevaluation of our lives and how we see our world. Excellent discussions, handouts and small/large groups are thought-provoking and challenge us to see who we are in relation to God. The varied activities are hands on and very applicable to our everyday lives. Last year we deepened our understanding of prayer through a more Celtic tradition and the group leader was available during free time for questions about the Celtic tradition. On Sunday there is worship, similar to the family retreat at Julian. Each person helps put the worship together, utilizing their talents in the worship service in groups such as music group, altar guild, Prayers of the People and so forth. This weekend has proved its uniqueness because by Sunday the women know not only each other's names, but now also know some of their beliefs, thoughts, and feelings. This binds them by invisible but ever-present ties that carry on past the retreat weekend. The chance to share a piece of our lives together at the retreat brings care, concern and friendships that are strengthened each week as we continue to see each other at church. It is through the women's retreat that one can contribute and gain much in the life of the church. (Editor's Note: This year's Women's Retreat will be held April 29 - May 1, 2005 at the beautiful La Casa de Maria in Santa Barbara. At this time, the retreat is now fully subscribed, although there is a "wait list." For more information, please contact the Rev. Joyce Stickney)
Copyright © 2005 St. Augustine by-the-Sea
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