Registration began at 4pm, but a number of ladies arrived before then as they couldn’t wait to see old friends and make new ones. Excitement grew as more and more ladies arrived, were welcomed, registered, and were assigned their rooms. Everyone was not only physically hungry for the great meals we knew we would be offered, but also spiritually hungry for what God had to offer us throughout the weekend.

The first assignment for the team was not only registration, but also setting up a worship space that would become the chapel for the weekend. It included an altar, space for our music team, and seating for all ladies.

After a delicious meal (prepared by the staff) and some getting connecting and reconnecting with one another, everyone gathered at the chapel for our opening worship. Each lady was given a song book prepared by one of our committee members, Veronica Rogers, for their use throughout the weekend. Songs/hymns were chosen by the committee members in consultation with members of our music team. Our theme chorus was “Open My Eyes, Lord. I want to see Jesus.” From the moment the worship began, it was evident to everyone that we were on “Holy Ground,” and that the the Holy Spirit was moving among us.

Following worship, we gathered in the conference room for ice-breakers, singing, laughter, and fellowship. To complete the evening, there was more food, card playing, singing, and sharing (which went on into the night).

Saturday was a very busy day. Following breakfast and our morning worship, Rev’d Hannah began her first of 3 sessions, speaking to us about “listening to God and growing in grace.” Her talks were very inspirational, at times emotional, and very thought provoking. She was certainly a blessing to us all as our guest speaker. She gave us many lessons to take away with us. Thank you, Rev’d Hannah! Our day also included a prayer walk.

In preparation for our supper on Saturday, the members of the committee took it upon themselves to beautifully prepare the dining room (with the staff’s approval and support) for the ladies to enjoy a very relaxing meal. Everyone was so pleased and appreciative

Following our nightly worship, everyone, despite the time of day, was rearing to go. There were many skits, much singing, laughter, and fun. It began in the conference room and then moved to the area in front of the fireplace, with more singing and even a few dances, while others chose their favourite card games.

On Sunday morning, we gathered for the Holy Eucharist with Rev’d Hannah as our presider and preacher. Our day concluded with a delicious cold plate supper, prepared by the kitchen staff. With many hugs, a few more tears, and some reluctancy, we left to go back home.

A great debt of gratitude is extended to the members of our planning and organizing committee; Marilyn Rogers, Veronica Rogers, Marilyn Dowden, and Daphne Parsons; thanks also to our diocesan staff, and the staff at the Lions Max Simms Memorial Camp, for making the weekend such a joyful and wonderful experience for us all. Thank you to those who captured the many beautiful moments for us on your cell phones.

We extend many thanks and much appreciation to our music team for the many ways they blessed us through music and song: Major Donna Anstey, Marilyn Rideout, May Feltham and Gertie Hodder. You made such a good team in so many ways. Thank you to Lorraine Morgan for entertaining us with her beautiful voice and music as well. Your joy was contagious!

To the staff at Lion Max Simms Memorial Camp, we want you to know that you are loved and appreciated. You go every step of the way to make us feel welcomed and comfortable. You have become like family to us.

To all our ladies that attended: thank you for coming. You were all a blessing to each other in so many ways. You shared both laughter and tears. As someone said, “ I came here as a stranger, and I am going home as a member of a whole new family.”

Last, but certainly not least, and above all else, we give God thanks for our wonderful Women’s Weekend of 2022, and pray that we will have the opportunity to gather again in 2023!

The post Diocese of Central Newfoundland’s Women’s Weekend, 2022 appeared first on Anglican Life.

Registration was scheduled for 4:00, but ladies started arriving even before that time—everyone was so anxious and so excited to be able to gather and see each other for the first time in months! There were COVID-19 restrictions, but no one had any objections to following guidelines. Masks could in no way covered the smiles and laughter that began from the beginning of the conference.

At registration, each lady was given a zip-lock bag containing their name tag, a bookmark, a tea light candle, and a few treats. The tea light candles were hand held high as we sang songs of light throughout the weekend.

The opening worship was a “Service of Light,” reflecting the theme of the weekend. Following the worship, there was a time for “ice breakers,” and then free time for fellowship. The energy, both spiritual and physical, could be felt throughout the centre from the time of arrival. Literally hundreds of candles of all shapes and sizes lit up different areas of the centre. In fact, our Saturday night dinner was lit by candlelight.

Our speaker for the weekend was Archdeacon Charlene Taylor from the Diocese of Eastern NL. She was an excellent choice, and spoke to our theme on a number of levels. She inspired us, challenged us, and give us so much food for thought. Her presentations were captivating. Thank you, Archdeacon Charlene.

Besides hearing from our guest speaker, there was free time on Saturday and also a prayer walk as we walked around the beautiful surroundings in the area, stopping to pray and to take in the beauty of God’s creation. The weather was absolutely beautiful. 

On Saturday evening, we came together for evening worship and sharing time. During this time, we were asked to share one thing that had brought light into our lives during the dark times of COVID with all the restrictions. The answers were heart warming.

Then came the time for laughter and fun. There were a number of skits, including a “wedding” and a “trip to the doctor’s office.” There were games of cards and lots of singing (while wearing masks).

We were very blessed with lots of music. Our music team included May Feltham, Gertie Hodder, and Marilyn Rideout. What a great team they made. Lorraine Morgan brought along her guitar and even entertained the kitchen staff. There were a number of vocals.

Besides candles, the centre was beautifully decorated with lots of fall decorations brought along by the committee and some other ladies. Needless to say, the meals were delicious and the staff very friendly. They were as happy to see us as we were to see them.

Following the Eucharist on Sunday morning, a number of ladies stayed to enjoy their meal with each other rather than take it with them on the road. There was a reluctance to leave with some asking, “Can we do this again next weekend?” One lady said, “We came here strangers and we are going home friends.”

The committee for the weekend was: the Rev’d Daphne Parsons, Marilyn Rideout, Rose Collins, and Marilyn Dowden. None of them had attended a women’s weekend before but was blessed indeed by organizing and witnessing the light of Christ shining in and through all who attended. Thank you, ladies, for attending. 

For the ladies on the Burin Peninsula who were not permitted to attend due to the COVID-19 outbreak in your area at that time, please know that we missed you, were sad for you, and prayed for you.

We give God thanks for making it possible for us to attend this conference in 2021. We encourage other ladies to attend whenever possible.

The post Women’s Weekend 2021 In The Diocese of Central Newfoundland appeared first on Anglican Life.