Throughout the retreat we'll experience ways to live Lent in thought, word, and deed. Come see how Lent is really a time to examine and live more deeply into our Baptismal covenant. Lent is a wonderful opportunity to renew our commitment, made at baptism, to “continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers.”
To “persevere in resisting evil, repent and return to the Lord.”
To “proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ.”
To “seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself.”
And to “strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being.”
On Saturday morning, we will hear a Keynote talk by Bishop Vono, followed by Eucharist and lunch. After lunch we will learn about the Las Palomas Ministry from Susan Hutchins as a way to "strive for justice and peace...and respect the dignity of every human". Then there will be time for a couple of workshops focusing on hands on and hearts on ways to live a Lively Lent. A prayer workshop will be led by the Rev. Shannon Collis, new rector at St. Francis on the Hill (ways to "persevere, repent, and return to the Lord"). Cindy Davis will lead an introduction to using journals as a study and meditation aid as well as how to use non-traditional books as guides to "proclaim by word and example the Good News". We will end with dinner and closing worship, but hopefully many will return for the Sunday service at St. Francis on the Hill so we can be a lively and visible presence of the Women of the Diocese in action, living out the newly created Mission Statement: "to empower all women in their diverse Christian ministries."
All who are attending are encouraged to bring canned goods, fabric, or a monetary donation to support the La Coopertiva border ministry at Las Palomas. Women in the program use fabric, recycled bags and other items to make lovely crafts which are sold. Proceeds return to the women to help them break the cycle of poverty. You can come for just Saturday, if that fits your schedule better. Already women from Albuquerque, Silver City, Las Cruces, Roswell, and of course El Paso will be attending. What a wonderful way to make new friends and learn how to make Lent a time to really live the vows made when you were baptized!
If you cannot come to the retreat, you will find that the Footprints From the Bible blog (by Cynthia Davis) is looking at these same topics during Lent. Watch this blog for a summary of the retreat, too.