2005 Fall Women’s Retreat
Epworth-by-the-Sea
October 7-9
"Women in the Heart of God: Refocus, Refresh, Relate"
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 Women’s
Retreat 2005 lived up to its publicity. Despite the “late-in-the-game”
change of location from Norman Park to Epworth-by-the-Sea, we had 140
enthusiastic participants. Most arrived a little wet or tired, having
traveled in the torrential rain; but we were quickly revived by the
lively music of Ann Haines and the inspiring message of our keynoter,
Petie McLean. Fortunately, the rain stayed away for the rest of the
weekend; we did keep the 100% humidity, however! Still, folks were glad
to be together in retreat and thankful for the coordinating efforts of
the commission and staff.
 Petie
McLean, our keynote speaker, brought a message which stretched and
challenged the hearers. It was comforting to be reminded that we are in
God’s heart and nothing can separate us from God’s love. We were given
spiritual tools for remembering that we are in God’s heart: 1. Practice
hospitality: Tell others that they are in God’s heart. 2. Pray: Listen
for God’s prayer; explore your place in God’s heart. 3. Study the
scriptures. 4. Live the Sabbath. 5. Be grateful. We were challenged to
go where we know we can find God – with the marginalized of society. In
small groups on Saturday morning, we had an opportunity to discuss
Petie’s first two keynotes and share personal stories and encouragement
with one another.
Gratitude for God’s many blessings was
expressed through offerings into Blessing Boxes placed around the Nalls
Auditorium area as well as through offerings from churches brought to
“The Celebration of Blessing” on Saturday afternoon. To date, nearly
$8,000 has been given. Women’s groups who have not sent their blessing
box offerings into the regional office are encouraged to do as soon as
possible!
We were blessed to have Dr. Ray Miles
with us at retreat. He lifted up blessings of the region in our Saturday
afternoon session. New commission members were elected and installed,
current members were recognized, and
 departing
members were thanked for their dedicated service to the women of
Georgia. Rev. Wendy Miles did a beautiful service of recognition and
installation for commission members. Ana Guardiola of Community
Christian in Fayetteville is the new Study Coordinator, Valerie
Alexander of Decatur First Christian is Service and Life Concerns
Coordinator, and Cecelia Glosson of Waycross First Christian is Worship
Coordinator. Frances Shumake takes on the position of Northeast District
Coordinator, having served as Study Director for the past two years. Pat
Brannen of Glennville First and Darlene Reynolds of Barney Welcome-Hope
will serve an additional term as Southeast and Southwest District
Coordinators. Continuing members of the Commission are Ann Haines as
President (Watkinsville Antioch), Dottie Gill as Secretary
(Chattahoochee Christian), Sue Baker as Northwest District Coordinator
(Atlanta First), Jacque Bloom as West Central District Coordinator
(Columbus Central), and Lavonda Shadix as East Central District
Coordinator (Eastman First). Barbara Powell (Decatur First) and Cathy
Moorehead (Watkinsville First) leave their positions as Service/Life
Concerns Coordinator and Worship Coordinator. We thank all these
creative and capable women!
The healing service on Saturday afternoon
was once again a retreat highlight. Care teams of clergy and laywomen
received the prayer concerns of women gathered and created a circle of
care, healing, and love. Thank you to Revs. Linda Whitmire, Carol Mallon,
Kathy McDowell, Erin Iobst, and Katie Hayes and their able team of
helpers for providing leadership.
 Delores
James, Woman-to-Woman representative to Kenya in 2004, delighted the
gathering with her stories on Saturday evening. She left us wanting to
hear more about her travels and encouraged churches and districts to
invite her to speak.
The boutique composed of items made by
women of our churches raised over $1400 to be divided between Week of
Compassion and the Narok Conservation Project in Kenya (a well-digging
project!). The women also collected love gifts and offerings of over
$2000 to support women’s ministry in the region and other work of the
Christian Church in Georgia.
A fun accent to the weekend was provided
by Dottie Gill and her “Dream Team” encouraging one and all to attend
the Mix in ’06. (www.dreamonsisters.com).
They caught our attention through skits spread throughout the weekend.
The enthusiasm was contagious!
Once again, the women of the Christian
Church in Georgia were drawn closer to each other and to God through
time set aside for retreat. See you next year for the 53rd Annual
Georgia Christian Women’s Retreat, October 13th-15th!
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