Celebrating Moms and other Caregivers

 About a dozen of us gathered in small groups and on Zoom to "Celebrate Caregivers". We played a word game, learned about Florence Nightingale, Hildegard of Bingen, and Harriet Starr Cannon, who each represented a different style of care-giving. We also remembered our moms because it was Mother's Day weekend.

Everyone got to make at least one May basket to give to someone special, or to keep for themselves. In Santa Fe and Albuquerque ladies gathered to join the Zoom, have coffee, tea, and make the baskets. (This is from the Santa Fe group, thanks Kathleen C., Camille D., and Mother Kay.) 

 The group from St. Christopher's met early because they couldn't join the Zoom event. They made almost 3 dozen baskets to give to moms on Mother's Day. Thanks to Carlisle for organizing it!

The slides from the event can be viewed here, and the handouts, including some recipes from HealthyHildegard.com are available here. 

This was the last Zoom event until Fall. We'll gather in-person at St. Francis, Rio Rancho on July 30 so watch for more info and registrations. 

Watch for posts from ECW Triennial and General Convention, here too the first week in July. 

All events are listed on the What's Happening page of the website and are in the women's ministry newsletter that you can subscribe to (see right hand column), if you aren't getting it already.

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!