Fertile Ideas from the Retreat

At the end of the retreat, everyone agreed that the time together had been productive and a blessing. It was good to have a variety of activities, including the prayer tree in the patio area. Attendees shared ideas for future retreats and how to make them even better. The Council of the Women of the DRG will take these under advisement as we move forward.

Feedback: There was a suggestion to end by 3PM so that travelers can get on the road. Everyone felt that having different topics throughout the day made it more interesting than having just one speaker. There was interest in having a presentation of a ministry in the diocese (like Las Palomas) at every retreat. Participants could be encouraged, as at the Lent retreat to bring donations and also a collection should be taken at the Eucharist which would go to the spotlighted ministry.

Attendance: In order to encourage younger women such as moms and working women, it is important to have something for children. It was felt that the multi-faceted presentation idea could also encourage greater attendance as some might only be able to come for the workshop that interested them.

Speakers: We started a list of speakers which is posted on the blog. This is a resource for all women’s groups to use when they are considering having a retreat and/or need a speaker for some occasion.
Retreats: Ideas for future retreats included a Labyrinth Workshop (perhaps in Glenwood, NM-White Water Mesa), Liturgy and the Liturgical Year, Anglican Rosary-making & using, Life of an Episcopal Nun, and exploring music of various kinds: Taize, Contemporary, and others. Connecting: Participants also shared interest in connecting across the Diocese. Visits to other churches, and sister parish partnerships were suggested. In this technological age, we can also connect via the web through groups, the blog, and even web casting. It was suggested that the keynote speakers of retreats be recorded and the talk posted for others to share in.

The next event for Women of the Diocese will be the visit of Bishop Barbara Harris on Pentecost weekend! Watch the Together and this blog for more info as it is available. 

Registration will soon be available for the Body, Mind, Spirit Retreat at San Geronimo in Taos, June 21-22. This will be a lovely time to relax in the beauty of the mountains, enjoy some pampering, and refresh our souls.

Anyone with other ideas is encouraged to share them! If you have thoughts about retreat topics, speakers, and/or ways to share respond to this post or email Cindy.