Women’s
Ministry of the Diocese of the Rio Grande recently revised their mission
statement. It now states, “The mission of
the Women of the Diocese of the Rio Grande is to connect and support all women
in their diverse ministries. We do this by offering opportunities to gather for
studying, re-creating, and celebrating who we are as women of Faith, Hope and
Love.”
This was
very evident at the Boldly Forward weekend on August 17 and 18 held at the Bosque
Center. Over 2 dozen attendees explored how the lives of Mary (Mother of
Jesus), Mary Magdalene, Judith, Ruth, and Esther inspire our ministries in the
21st Century. We discussed how these women are in fact our strong,
godly faith mothers with attributes like courage, loyalty, dedication,
strength, and trust in God. We celebrated with worship, fellowship, and discussion.
The women
all were risk-takers, even whistle-blowers (Esther). Despite being charming and
patient, these were authentic women who recognized that they had the strength
to speak the truth. Each of the women
was dedicated to listening to God and then taking action that made a real
difference in their world.
·
Mary (Mother of Jesus) said ‘yes’ to God’s
request to bear a child out of wedlock.
·
Mary Magdelene, constant to the end was graced
with bearing news of the Resurrection to the male disciples.
·
Judith, in the bold action of cutting off
General Holofernes head routed the Persian army.
·
Ruth remained faithful to her mother-in-law and
the Hebrew faith despite being from Moab. As a result, she bore Obed, grandfather
of King David.
·
Esther became queen ‘for such a time as this’
and protected the Jews in Babylon from destruction.
In upcoming
weeks, further study guides will be
available to continue the exploration of these women. If you are
interested, these and the bios and bibliographies for the 5 women can be found on the Boldly Forward page. The beginning of a deeper look at Esther is already posted there.
You can view
the opening portions of the Saturday Eucharist, including the sermon by the
Rev. Pat Green. She noted that the one thing all the five Bible women have in
common is that they were ‘ordinary’, just like we are. However, they did extraordinary things.
The final
hour of the event was spent visioning
ways to follow the mentorship of these women by stepping out in faith in
our diverse ministries in the diocese. The lively discussion produced ideas
ranging from a pilgrimage to Chaco Canyon during the meteor showers, to
offering training events, and diving into some form of hands-on mission
project! It was suggested that we remember how geographically diverse and
distant we are in the DRG, and that we remember that we can act ecumenically.
Actions that
can be taken on individual, parish, and diocesan levels are simple things like
being welcoming to all ages. Creating child and youth friendly spaces could
attract younger families. Providing ways, like live-streaming, for all to
participate could be explored.
We were
reminded that the diocese and many parishes already do Mission work
(Borderlands, Navajoland, Juarez) and as women’s ministry we can join their
hands-on efforts. Pilgrimages don’t have to be to distant locations. There are
many options close to home like Chimayo, Christ in the Desert or the Norbertine
Monastery. Even Jemez Hot Springs and Chaco Canyon are candidates for
experiences that could be linked to faith growth.
Bishop Elect
Michael Hunn spoke briefly to the women before the closing worship. He noted
that women have been the driving force behind ministry throughout history, and
stated he looks forward to working with the women of the Diocese of the Rio
Grande.
The Women’s
Ministry is planning on Christmas Parties in each of the deaneries this
December. As plans progress, we will explore the option of making these more
‘hand-on’ in ministry to a local outreach. Watch for dates and information.
Coming in
2019, we are planning a one-day Lent retreat, perhaps at Camp Stoney, in March.
The summer
event is in early planning stages. Ideas include time in Ruidoso to rest and
re-create, or something in the further south of the Diocese.
Mark your
calendars now for the 7th Annual Bosque Center Weekend on November
17-18, 2019. The theme is not yet determined; but may be focused on ways to be
more effective in our ministries.
Contact Cindy Davis, Coordinator
of Women’s Ministries (cynthiadavisauthor@gmail.com)
if you have ideas for speakers, topics, and even locations that would be fun
and inspirational for upcoming events.
