Womens' Retreat

Women's Weekend 2011

8th Annual Women's Weekend

Wading with the Spirit
September 16 to 18, 2011
Strawberry Creek Lodge

On the weekend of September 16th to 18th, 2011, 20 Robertson-Wesley women gathered at Strawberry Creek. The beautiful Autumn weather, the gorgeous scenery, the hospitality at Strawberry Creek Lodge, and the wonderful women, all contributed to the uplifting of our spirits.

Something new this year was a Saturday evening speaker. Our speaker was Phyllis Schnick from Warburg, AB (close to Strawberry Creek Lodge). Through a 'Water Quiz' Phyllis made us aware of how little we know about the use of our Alberta water. She challenged each of us to become informed and to get involved with the protection of our Alberta water.

Some thoughts on the weekend:

• "I was challenged to examine my next step in my personal spiritual journey."
• "For me the most significant part of the weekend was being in community with so many wonderful women!"
• "The part of the weekend I enjoyed the most was the fellowship and the laughter."
• "The spirit of joy seemed to permeate the weekend activities and the relationships."
• "The walking and the enjoyment of nature was my favourite part of the weekend."
• "I enjoyed the challenge Phyllis presented and her commitment to change."
• 'To have a special guest speaker was the cherry on the sundae!"
• "I especially enjoyed the activities on Saturday, i.e. the guided walk in nature, the afternoon activities."
• "I enjoyed the warm reception and the feeling of acceptance."
• "I enjoyed our Sunday morning worship with a gathering of women."

The dates for the 2012 R-W Women's Weekend are September 14th to 16th. Further information will be available spring 2012. Hope you will join us!

Bursary Fund

As result of discussions at the 2009 Women's Weekend a Women's Weekend Bursary Fund has been established to support Robertson-Wesley women who may require financial assistance to attend our annual weekend. If you would like to donate to this Fund contact Pat Stewart, Jill Lambie or the Church office.

History

Since 2004 Robertson-Wesley United church has celebrated the women of our church community. This celebration has been an Autumn weekend retreat. From Friday evening to Sunday early afternoon, women gather at a rural retreat center.

Planning

The weekend is planned by a committee of women who believe in women gathering together to deepen their spirituality and to deepen their friendships. Every year new women discover the Women's Weekend and make a plan to attend the following year. Having said that, there are also women who have attended all of the Women's Weekends and who look forward to it every year.

Themes

The Women's Weekend program and activities have been planned around a theme. We have had our Red Shoes weekend, our Sacred Garden weekend, our Let Your Light Shine weekend, our Entering Your Castle weekend, our Stepping Lightly: A pilgrimage to..., and in 2010 our Joy of a Spirited Community weekend. The program includes discussions in both large and small groups, singing of new and familiar songs, walks with nature, creative activities, sharing meals, walking a labyrinth, celebrating in worship as a community of women, free time and lots of laughter. No doubt there are pleasures that I have missed, but just ask someone who has attended, and they will share their favourite parts of the Weekend.

2010

2009