Women's Fall Retreat Weekend - late Oct 2004

by Dianne Marks

Forty-six women from Port McNeill, Ucluelet, Tofino, Comox, Port Alberni, Qualicum Beach, Thetis Island, Cobble Hill and Victoria gathered to hear Sarah Donnelly teach us the importance and relevance of remembering the Sabbath. Sarah challenged us to give ourselves permission to rest, calling it life giving. She said forgetting the Sabbath is like forgetting to unwrap the finest Christmas gift.

Rev. Karen Fast led our Eucharist and prayers throughout the weekend. Diane Bell returned to camp to lead our music and encouraged all of us to sing out with praises to God. Saturday night saw lots of hilarity as women raided the 'tickle trunk' to put on a fashion show spoof. We finished the evening in our pjs, munching popcorn and enjoying 'Calendar Girls'. No, we are not planning a Camp Columbia calendar at this time but one never knows. After all, Camp relies on successful fundraisers.

Thanks to the women representing 17 parishes who came, Susie and Tess for yummy meals and to the Committee who put on the weekend.

Mark your calendars for our Spring Women's weekend - April 8-10, 2005. Sister Val and Sister Anitra promise an excellent program.