Women's Retreat Update by Lindsay Thorburn

The Women's Retreat was held at Aldersgate Retreat center in Pacific Palisades last weekend with the theme 'Ashes to Beauty.' And beauty it was. The location was a unique old house which has been used as a retreat center for a century, with a chapel on the small property. It was warm and charming with traditional wooden pues, a fire place, and barn doors opening up the space completely. Every detail was thoughtfully considered by the retreat committee: Lara Mellema, Rosie Smart, Kim Powell, Leslie Casserly, Jackie Flora, Carrie Paschall, Susan Neidwick, and Hailey Dawson - THANK YOU! We were welcomed with fresh herbal water, cookies and smiling faces. There were gifts on each bed, a handmade journal, pillowcase and sweet treats. All of these details set the stage for an amazing weekend resting in the love of God and each other.

Elisabeth Books and Lindsey Snyder, who have a ministry focused on Soul Care, gently led us through a series of thought provoking talks and set us free for an extended quiet time Saturday to reflect on the concept of hope, disappointment, and God's truth, and how we hold those in tension.  

Also, a special thanks to Emily McClain for leading a Yoga practice, Bronwen Newcott for leading a visual prayer art workshop, and Elizabeth Books for leading a photography walk.