What's On

NewCoast MCC Women's Retreat 2005

On Friday 22nd July, 22 MCC women travelled to Red Gum Retreat on Lake Macquarie for a weekend of prayer, reflection and exploration, organized by Reverend Shelagh and her band of helpers.

Many had been to a women's retreat before and looked forward eagerly to another opportunity to bond with other women, move closer to God and to develop greater understanding of what it means to be a spiritual woman in today's world.

Other women came along full of hope and excitement but not really knowing what to expect. No-one was disappointed. As always, the Retreat means different things to different people and often the gifts, or benefits include:

• Spending quiet time in reflection, alone or in company, by the lakeside whilst watching the glorious sunset or sunrise
• Laughing and joking over a fun game of volleyball or pool
• Sharing beautiful communal meals prepared by Jemma, Ann-Marie and Clare
• Feeling God's presence in the beautiful songs sung around the campfire led by Ann-Marie, Jemma, Sarah & Robyn
• Sharing stories of pain, growth and hope
• Tackling challenging questions of faith and exploring answers alone and in group-work
• Experiencing "Prayer-Stations", introduced by newcomer Jen and discovering just how powerful they can be
• Just being yourself in the company of old and new friends and discovering that it is a wonderful way to be
• Building confidence and renewed energy to go back out into the wider-community and to truly be a light in the world no matter how small the flame.

To those who were on Retreat with us, we say, "thank you" for all that you gave us so willingly by simply being there. To those who were unable to be there for whatever reason, we urge you to join us next time in this wondrous "celebration of God's love and community spirit".

With love Lee Dunbar