What's On
MCC Women's Retreat at "Redgum", Lake Macquarie, Oct 20-22 2006
What a great weekend! As always, Reverend Shelagh has organised a wonderful time for us to spend together.
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 The Retreat officially began on Friday evening but, there was plenty to do to prepare the place for the weekend's activities.  We still managed to fit in some touch footy and some time down by the lake before dinner.
Shaz and Flo were our caterers this time and what a great job they did to provide us with gourmet dinners, desserts and lunches. Thanks Girls!
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The first evening together was spent singing old well-known songs (Not "American Pie" again!) led by Sarah and Nuxal on guitars and Mezza on the shakers. Some others played pool or just relaxed sitting around chatting, unwinding and enjoying the lakeside view of Lake Macquarie.
  
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Saturday began early
with a wonderful Quigong
session with Eileen.
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We then spent time exploring
our personal spiritual journeys
following guided worksheets. |
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During Prayers Stations, we had the opportunity to discover our creative painting talents thanks to Clare's prayer station design and a few professional suggestions from Jacquie. |
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In free time, we could play touch footy tabletennis or volleyball, play pool, swim, sing, sleep, play with Jack or cuddle baby Hannah...the choices were many. Deb proved herself to be the most dedicated touch footy player as she dived over the line to score a try, leaving way too much skin on the rough surface. |
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'Wisdom & Grace' was the title of another thought-provoking session which encouraged us all to investigate the influences which affect our spiritual dedication. In the session entitled 'Letting Go' we were invited to explore all of the baggage that holds us back from our relationships (including God) and release it into a stone before casting the laden stone away. No wonder we all felt lighter! Some of us tossed those stones out into the lake.
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After dinner there was a new favourite session...pampering. We could have our nose stripped of all blemishes (and skin), enjoy a facial treatment or indulge ourselves with a massage - all whilst being serenaded by our musicians AND being entertained by our belly-dancing Eileen!. Than you Katrina and Julie for providing the inspiration. |
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After another late night at our Big Girls Camp we spent the first session of Sunday relaxing in Buddhist style meditation. Lee and Sarah then directed our focus away from ourselves as we learned of the importance of cherishing others in order to gain happiness ourselves. |
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This was followed by Wendi's stimulating and challenging talk on Ecospirituality. We were so inspired by her that a subgroup has agreed to meet to look into how MCC can become more environmentally sensitive...leaving less of a footprint on the earth whilst leaving a spiritual footprint on our hearts. |
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Our final Retreat time was spent in worship and communion. This quiet time gave us further opportunity to reflect on our own journey and of our time spent together. Before long we were gathering for our final group photo before lunch and pack-up.
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Gretski, once again, summed up our feelings when she thanked Shelagh on behalf of us all. We are so grateful and we love you Shelagh. Can't wait for the next one! |
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