Monday, May 26, 2014

Memorial Day Thanks

Happy Memorial Day to you all.

To all women in this diocese who are now or who have served....we thank you! Men and women through the centuries have given of themselves to create and preserve the freedoms we, too often, take for granted.

Did you have an ancestor in the Civil War? in the Revolutionary War? the War of 1812? the Korean or Vietnam conflicts? One or both World Wars? Think about the human link you have to that person. Like you they had a family that they left behind when they went to fight for their country. They were fighting to create a new nation or preserve that nation or to ensure the freedoms of this nation. The rows of white markers in cemeteries around the country and across the world testify to their sacrifice for you and me.


Do you know someone who is now serving or recently served in the military? Send them a card or give them a call to say 'thank you' for your sacrifice.

Please keep all military, past and present in your prayers.

Saturday, May 24, 2014

Ministry to Women of the Rio Grande

Christ, Chocolate & Cherishing

come unto me, all who labor and are heavy laden…”
 
If you've been considering attending the 'pampering and cherishing yourself' retreat in Taos  there are still a few days to sign up, either online or via the downloadable registration form.
It will be so much fun!

  • Give yourself the gift of a time of relaxation and fellowship.
  • Visit around a chocolate fountain and sip wine starting at 5PM on Friday, June 13, then have a delicious dinner at San Geronimo.
  • There will be masseuses at San Geronimo Lodge on Saturday ($75/hour massage) and you can sign up for that indulgence.
  • Other (free) opportunities for physical, mental, and physical relaxation will be available all day Saturday.
  • Swim in the pool (weather permitting) and/or watch the movie Saving Mr. Banks on Saturday evening. 
  • If you need to leave early to be at your own church for Sunday morning, you can register for just one night, or as a commuter.
  • You are invited to stay the night of June 14 and attend St. James' on Sunday morning.
Registration is $25 to cover supplies, plus room cost, which includes all meals.
Commuter registration is $100 and includes 5 meals.
 

Reserve your room directly with San Geronimo Note: You cannot book on line as the rooms will be all blocked for the retreat. Call the Lodge at 575-751-3776 with your room choice. Mention Women of the DRG.  San Geronimo will require a credit card and a non-refundable $25 deposit  in order to hold the  room. If you wish to share a room, please identify your room mate(s) at the time of booking.
Rates range from $170.04/person (for 2 nights, triple occupancy plus 5 meals) to $214.90/person (for 2 nights, single room plus 5 meals).
One night rate of $153.72/person (single room plus 4 meals).


(Half scholarships are available to help with room cost. Contact Cindy Davis.)


If you have any questions or trouble with the registration form links, email Cindy Davis.
If you have suggestions for other retreat topics, locations, speakers, etc., please contact Cindy.


We need your input to make this truly a ministry
for ALL women of the DRG!

Sunday, May 11, 2014

Mothers and Sisters and Daughters...to each other

Happy Mother's Day to all
Even if you do not have a biological child, you have been a Mother to someone (probably more than one person) in your life.

A Mother offers a word of encouragement when you are discouraged.
A Mother provides a hug when you are in need.
A Mother laughs with you when you are happy.
A Mother cries with you when you are sad.
A Mother is a strong arm when you are weak.
A Mother seeks for you when you are lost.
A Mother never gives up on you.
A Mother... (add your own accolade)

We are also each of us daughters of a mother, and we are sisters to each other. Those relationships make us more fully a member of the household of God. Mostly we think of God as Father. What if you took a little time to think of the ways God has acted as Mother to you-in cherishing and strengthening and nurturing you?

Recently I've been reading a book that takes the children's story Are You My Mother? by PD Eastman as a metaphor for our search for the relationships and support we need in our lives (Nurture by Lisa Bevere). Bevere challenges us, as women, to be Mothers and Sisters and Daughters to one another. She suggests that it is in that partnership that women have always built strong relationships both among ourselves as women AND with God. In that relationship with God and each other, we are able to be more fully partners in the incarnation of God's Love into the world.

Consider coming to the Christ, Chocolate, & Cherishing Retreat in Taos next month (info below) to be part of the continuing growth of mutual fellowship, encouragement, and exploration of our various callings as women of the Diocese - and as Mothers, Sisters, Daughters of each other. And we'll take a bit of time to think about PD Eastman's book...just for fun!

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Pamper Yourself at the Retreat in Taos

Christ, Chocolate & Cherishing

Sign up NOW for the Christ, Chocolate & Cherishing Retreat on June 13-15, at San Geronimo Lodge in Taos.
This will be a time of
cherishing ourselves as women of God. The Rev. Pam Tyler and Cindy Davis will lead us as we meditate on Jesus’ invitation to “come unto me, all who labor and are heavy laden…”
There will be pampering with massage, mani/pedi, quiet, and other activities including a movie, labyrinth walk, and enjoying the pool at the Lodge!


Registration is $25 to cover supplies. You can register for the retreat
online or via the registration form. Room reservations are made directly with San Geronimo Lodge (575-751-3776).


Reserve your room at San Geronimo by June 1 by viewing rooms online. Note: You cannot book on line as the rooms will be all blocked for the retreat. Then call the Lodge at 575-751-3776 with your room choice. Mention Women of the DRG.  San Geronimo will require a credit card and a non-refundable $25 deposit  in order to hold the  room. If you wish to share a room, please identify your room mate(s) at the time of booking. 
Rates range from $170.04/person (2 nights, triple occupancy plus 5 meals) to $214.90/person (2 nights, single room plus 5 meals). One night rate of $153.72/person (single room plus 4 meals), (Half scholarships are available to help with room cost. Contact Cindy Davis.)

We had a great time last year and all came back quite refreshed. Do yourself a favor and consider signing up for this retreat!!

 Consider coming a bit early to do some browsing around Taos, or stay later on Sunday! There's lots to see and do in Taos!