Does My Life Have a Message Weekend-Great Fun

The Does My Life have a Message? Weekend at the Bosque Center (November 6-7) for women of the Diocese and their friends was attended by a total of 50 women. This was the 4^th Annual Weekend Event and each time new friends are made and inspiring ideas are shared.

Katrine Stewart was the leader this year. Attendees came from Lovington and Farmington, from El Paso and Carlsbad, and from Albuquerque. Several women took advantage of the ‘Re-focus’ sessions with Katrine Stewart on Friday during the day. This was time to journal and look at the story of Mary and Martha from the Gospels, and what their story might teach us about stress, confronting God, and living as women of faith.

The weekend itself started with dinner on Friday evening, followed by a time of sharing a meaningful life ‘message’, Bible verse, or motto; along with 3 words Christ has spoken to our hearts. After breakfast on Saturday morning we shared Eucharist in the beauty of the Bosque Center. It was a lovely time of music (thanks Gay Crouch) and prayer; the perfect way to start out time together.

Katrine’s talks on Saturday led us to contemplate what a retreat is and why women on the ‘front lines’ of ministry sometimes need to ‘retreat’. A soldier on the battlefield is sometimes called to retreat in order to regroup, rest, heal, strategize, and refocus the attack. In the same way, busy women need time to step back and let God show us a bit more of the whole picture as we rest, listen, and refocus our lives and ministries. Katrine reminded us that God sees the whole tapestry, while we too often focus on just the knots staring us in the face. In community we are strengthened to let God’s light shine through the cracks of our humanity. Through the mentorship and friendship of one another, we learn to invite others to ‘come and see’ Christ.

Katrine suggested that the way culture tells us to fill the ‘God shaped hole’ is in opposition to the light-giving way of discipleship. ‘Messages’ from parents, culture, and other influences impact how we face life. As we learn to weigh the various voices and determine which are worth keeping and which are not we are more open to Christ’s invitation to ‘come and see’ God. When we are planted in the good soil of the healthy messages, we can hear the voice of God that is imprinted on our heart. Then we love without giving up, love others more than ourselves, love what we have rather than wanting what we don’t have, love without keeping score, love and be able to make mistakes without giving up, love and put up with anything, love and trust God, and love by keeping on until the end. We are a new creation, transformed by grace.

Katrine urged us to remember that emotion is neither right nor wrong. What matters is what emotion is put in the engine of the train. The messages from parents, culture, church, and even pets can derail us, until we look for Christ’s message in the voices.

There was time to journal and share insights during the day. Wonderful fellowship occurred as women met new friends and renewed acquaintances over meals, during breaks, and while sharing experiences. 

Next year’s weekend (our 5th) will be on November 18-19. Mark your calendar now so you don’t miss this Spirit-filled time of retreat and re-creation in the beauty of the Bosque Center. Also, join together in Socorro for Mysterious Lent (with the Rev. Carole McGowan) on March 5. Other opportunities are on the calendar page. See more photos from the event on the photo page, too.

Women's Council Planning Meeting

The Women's Council of the Women of the Diocese of the Rio Grande met on September 12. (Thanks Linda for your hospitality!) We had a great time of fellowship, spirited discussion, and wide-ranging planning. Our continuing mission is to empower all women of the Diocese in their diverse Christian ministries. Each time we gather as women of the diocese we are enriched.

Since 2012 we've had an annual retreat at the Bosque Center. Registration is now available for the upcoming weekend: Does my Life have a Message with Katrine Stewart, on November 6-7 via the Life Message page or on the calendar page of this blog. We have also sponsored a Lent Retreat and Summer Event for the past 3 years. This will continue in 2016. Watch for locations and registration details for these events in the coming months!
As a Council, we looked at the immense distances in the Diocese of the Rio Grande. Did you know it is nearly 800 miles corner to corner (Farmington to Lajitas, TX)? Because of this, the Council is committed to trying to find ways to help connect women in far-flung parishes with opportunities and activities. One way, is via our Facebook page. There we can exchange ideas and notes about what's happening in all areas of the Diocese. If you are on Facebook-be sure to like the page, so you can be 'in the know'. Over the next few weeks, we'll be experimenting with posting of discussion topics on Facebook to see what the response will be.  The Council had extended conversation about the definition of 'ministry', so that will be our first topic to discuss.
Stop by the Women's Ministry table at Convention this year. Let us know if you'd be interested in having a Women's Hospitality time at upcoming Conventions. Whether this would take the form of an actual event, or just a room to gather and chat is still to be considered.  While at the WDRG table, you can pick up a flyer about our ministry around the diocese and a calendar of upcoming events.
Ideas under consideration for coming years include a Mystery weekend, Spirited Spa, Puzzle Pieces, Christian Grandparents, and lots of other ideas.

If you haven't joined the weekly e-study, now is the time. Current and new subscribers (email wdrgstudy@gmail.com) are encouraged to start small in-person, or online discussions with each other about the lessons. Invite new people to subscribe and then discuss your thoughts with them. If you want to share insights or ask questions to the writer of the meditations-email wdrgstudy@gmail.com.
The work of the Women of the Diocese is for each woman in the Diocese, so let us know what you want in the way of events, speakers, action, etc. Contact Cindy Davis, or one of the other Council members. (Sue Easterday, Linda White, Pat Green, Laurie Burdick, Elaine Wilson, Ann Bagby, Bambi Sturbois).