What's On

MCC Women's Retreat at "Redgum", Lake Macquarie, Feb 24-26 2006

Once again, many Women of Spirit gathered at Redgum Retreat on the shores of Lake Macquarie to rest and renew. We came from the bush, the city, the edges, and far-away places, both literally and figuratively. A traveler from the UK was welcomed, along with Mothers and children, refugees from orthodox Christian churches and those of no 'fixed church address'. Facilitated by Reverend Shelagh and her partner Clare, the aim of the weekend was to 'tread the sacred path' together for awhile.

All women contributed to the weekend by being active participants, by running sessions and helping with practical stuff. Physical healing was offered through complimentary massages and Bowen Therapies. We were blessed and gifted through music, drumming, great cooking, belly-dancing, games of cricket and precious sleep.

The spirit of the weekend was very much mutual caring, sharing and seeking. There were tears and laughter. There were quiet moments to 'simply be' in the beauty of the trees by the lake and by candlelight under the stars. And there were many 'deep and meaningful' discussions. We moved through sessions from "A Vessel of God's Presence" to Community Prayers and a guided meditation called "Jesus Sitting Qigong". Through this meditation practice one may experience the Love of Jesus who gave himself totally in life and death. Offerings from other faith traditions were a new feature of this MCC Women's retreat. Sara and Lee provided a memorable introduction to Buddhism including personal insights.

Writing our dreams on coloured 'prayer flags' at one of the Meditation Stations was really inspirational. Dreams for love, peace and a better world were voiced along with ideas for practical change. Other highlights of the retreat included canoeing on Lake Macquarie and talking with new friends. It's great to meet women regularly at MCC and these retreats, each time getting to know and care for one another better.

Hopefully, there'll be another retreat soon - as due to popular demand this retreat was scheduled early in the year ! Watch this space ?

Wendi

In order to write this report I had to anchor myself from my present state of spiritual fulfilment and inner bliss just to pick up a pen. What a weekend it was!

Reverend Shelagh, NewCoast MCC, organised the Retreat for all interested MCC women. In all there were 28 women who lived in during the weekend and several more who popped in for sessions when they could. We also had the pleasure of the company of two very short honorary lesbians for the weekend - Jack & Regan, who were entertained otherwise during our sessions. The beautiful surroundings of Redgum Retreat, situated on the shore of Lake Macquarie, provided an excellent backdrop for the spiritual journey we undertook.

The weekend began on Friday night and we sang, prayed, discussed, attended, played, laughed, cried and didn't sleep much at all. We met new people, made new friends and by the end we all felt uplifted and spiritually closer, not only to God, but to each other.

The sessions that were presented helped us to look more deeply at our expectations of ourselves, others and of God; to explore the obstacles that hold us back from a deeper relationship with God and to look closely at our responsibility and ability as women of the church to provide a voice and to safeguard our own needs within the church and the community.

At the retreat a new door was opened allowing us to explore our spirituality through a Buddhist perspective. Lee and Sarah presented a session linking Christ's message "Love one another as I have loved you" and Buddha's message of loving-kindness (compassion) to all beings. We were instructed that, as happiness and suffering are both states of mind, then in order to increase happiness and eliminate suffering we need to train our mind.

Retreat members also had the option of enjoying a relaxing message from either Clare of Mary C, a Bowen Therapy treatment from Katrina, Qui Jung meditation and Belly Dancing session from Eileen and singing was always going to be a choice with Sarah and Nic around. In the recreational options, there was table tennis, canoeing (thanks to Lindy and Chris), volleyball, cricket, swimming and pool (both the wet kind and the one with the cue stick).

We had three "Birthday Girls" Katrina, Clare and Sharon which meant lots of Happy Birthdaying and lots of cake too.

There were some excellent variations of the Prayer Stations this Retreat and everyone enjoyed writing their dream or vision on a colourful prayer flag which will be displayed within the two Churches as soon as it is completed. Another display will be our colourful banner of hands which united us on canvas and in laughter. For some, it was an instant return to their finger painting days - very satisfying too.

One of the most beautiful and most moving occasions was our Lakeside healing ceremony. A change of venue brought us to the pool where we read scripture, sang hymns and songs then we each lit a floating candle, bundled our troubles, issues, sadness onto the candle and released it into the pool. It's a wonder they floated at all, but float they did and, as the floated off, our troubles floated off with them. It was a wondrous space of soft light, gentle voices and much healing.

To sum up the weekend is difficult but whilst I was drifting on the lake in a canoe with Blessed Mary, Sister of Choice, at about 8:45pm, I heard her say, "How good is this?" We all agree. Our hearts were filled and spirits lifted, our resolve strengthened and our smiles broadened.

Some of the comments in our Retreat booklet were:

• "I feel as though something has shifted and shall take this back to my life and keep moving forward"
• "Thank you all for allowing me a great spiritual experience"
• "You have helped me to renew myself and be able to continue doing the work I do"
• "A safe place to reflect, pray, meditate and just have fun"
• "I arrived feeling fragile and I am leaving feeling more connected and stronger"
• "Thank you for encouraging me back on my journey with God"
• "A blessed gift suffused with peace and contentment - unbeatable"

Thank you Shelagh for once again guiding us with such loving leadership, with such compassion for us all and wish such faith in our individual journeys. In the words of our friend Gretski, "We love you." When's the next Retreat?

Lee