Transformed into a cozy, art-filled space, the living room of the Farmhouse at Valle Crucis Conference Center became the meeting space for our 2010 Women’s Retreat. Held September 10-12, Gaelyn Evengreene, Janna Hoekema, Ceren Richardson, Lisa Sellers, and Sondra Stamey attended the “Telling Your Story” workshop facilitated by Laurie Berry Clifford, writer and hypnotherapist.
The theme for the retreat was “Sacred Spaces” and throughout the weekend, we were encouraged to deepen our awareness of that sacred place within where our deepest self combines with the divine and cannot be separated. The weekend centered on “deep listening” and “compassionate telling” sessions in which each woman told a portion of her life story witnessed by the rest of the women in the circle.
Other activities included jokes, songs, Psalms, conversational prayer, readings, stories, mixed media projects, alone time for reflection, candlelit relaxation sessions, walks, and meals together. As our love, compassion and understanding for ourselves and for one another deepened throughout the weekend, we felt grateful for this broadening experience and prayerful that it might be woven into the fabric of our everyday lives. We left the mountaintop with smiles on our faces, gifts in our bags, and gratefulness to God for this special time of love and sharing.
We now look forward to our next Women’s Retreat planned for next May. Please contact Lisa Sellers at 582-4288 or lisasellers@inbox.com. By expressing interest now, you can be part of choosing the May weekend.
Our next Women’s Celebration is Saturday, November 13, at All Souls, celebrating World Community Day. We will host the Women of Church United and gather to raise awareness of the Chaplain program that the Ministry of Hope provides. Registration begins at 9:30. The program starts at ten and concludes at noon. Please join us.