ECW LENTEN RETREAT

REGISTRATION FORMS DUE BY FEBRUARY 1, 2004

“TO RETREAT OR NOT TO RETREAT – THAT IS THE QUESTION”

(Excerpted from an article appearing in the April 2003 issue of “The Current written by a first time retreat attendee.

“According to the dictionary, the word ‘retreat’ has many meanings – ‘a quiet, private place, refuge; a period of seclusion and solitude; a period of group withdrawal for prayer, meditation and study; a time to reflect, to think, to read, to pray, to learn.’  Given the opportunity to attend the Diocese of Springfield ECW Lenten Retreat, I was able to put the definition to a test…

The moment I arrived I knew some of the definitions had already been met.  The retreat was a beautiful, private, quiet, secluded place that gave us all the opportunity to experience the wonders of nature and to marvel at God’s work all around us.

Through prayer, meditation and study, we were led on a spiritual journey that touched our lives.  Our time for prayer, meditation, study and learning mentioned in the retreat definition were all fulfilled to the brim.

The retreat was all I could have hoped for, and more – fellowship and friendship, making new friends, cherishing old friends; singing together, learning together; praying together; eating together; walking together….….all were priceless gifts.”

“CALLED TO BE A PILGRIM – THE WAY TO TRUE DISCIPLESHIP” is the theme that the Very Reverend Anthony B. Holder, Vicar, St. Michael’s, O’Fallon, has chosen as he leads us during this uplifting weekend.

This year’s ECW Lenten Retreat will be held at Toddhall Retreat and Conference Center, Columbia, IL March 12-14, 2004.

The retreat begins at 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 12 with registration, social time and snacks.  The retreat ends after lunch on Sunday, March 14.  All meals are included except Friday evening; participants are encouraged to bring snacks and drinks. Bring comfortable clothing, walking shoes, Bible, and notepad.

The cost of a double occupancy room is $85.00 and $115.00 for single.  A deposit of $35.00 is due February 1 and is non-refundable.  Please make checks payable to Episcopal Church Women; balance is due during registration on Friday.  The ECW Board has provided a small scholarship fund for those needing financial assistance.  To apply, call or write to:

Joan Foster

                                    50 Matterhorn Drive

                                    Glen Carbon, IL 62034

                                    Tel : 618-288-9477

                                    E-mail : rojofoster@aol.com