Thoughts of some of the ladies who have attended a Women's Enrichment Weekend.

It was just what I needed in my life and I didn't even know it. It was like a mini Feast that filled up my spiritual piggy bank.

Women's Retreat is the highlight of my year. I look forward to the fellowship and stories/lessons each woman presented to help enhance my life and others.

I have found the ladies weekends to truly be enriching, spiritually, physically, and fellowshiply (new word.) Spiritually the messages hit home as I can relate to what others are going through or have gone through and I learn from them how God's spirit has worked in their lives and can work in mine. Physically I feel rejuvenated from the relaxing, easy going atmosphere, no rushing to and fro as out in the world. And fellowhsiply I get to reconnect with ladies I don't get to see on a regular basis due to distances or logistics. At the end of these weekends my cup is overflowing and I'm ably fortified to do battle back in the world again. -Sharilyn Matthews

I am renewed, energized, full of love for God, and ready to go home and put my new attitude into practice!

I love listening to the wisdom and learning from the experiences that these wonderful women have to share. The support and love is so pervasive and uplifting.

I look forward to our Ladies weekend in LaConner, Washington. It's a wonderful opportunity to learn God's word through the eyes of women, to learn how others deal with life, and to really get to know your sisters. Some of us get together one evening for a pajama party after the day's events, we have plenty of food and laughter. Our weekend is so full and exciting we all go home tired but ready and anxious for next year. I really feel all women should have the opportunity to attend a weekend such as this. I have never come away thinking it was a waste of time, but rather trying to remember all I have learned. I cherish the new friends I have made, young and old alike, and the bonds that have grown with all my sisters. -Dorothy Smith

I have enjoyed attending 5 Women's Enrichment Weekends-two in the Midwest and three in the Northwest. Some of the benefits of these weekends include the sermon given by the guest or local pastor, usually on a theme of women in the Bible, true womanhood, etc., helpful information and mentoring by other women through the speeches given and of course, fellowship! For all the weekends we traveled to antoher church area, so it was delightful to be hosted by the local women and to get to know them better. We were able to get acquainted with those also traveling in. And when I say "we" I mean that each time I traveled with friends from our local church to the weekend, so we had the opportunity to grow closer and experience it together. It became a nice bonding time and shared adventure. We enjoyed talking about the things we heard and learned and found it to be another great way to grow in friendships. -Melania Nutzman

Dear Cincinnati Ladies,
I have gone to many Women's Enrichment Weekends. Remember that each congregation's retreat will have a different flavor. Make yours reflect the Christ-like personalities in your congregation. Also, please be kind to those who do not attend every meeting. Some people get a lot out of peace and quiet, while others thrive in the hubbub of fellowship. My favorite part is listening to God speak to me through sister Christians. May God bless you richly. -Louise Trew