Friday-Sunday, April 30-May 2, 2021
Bishop Lane Retreat Center, Rockford
Theme: "God's Diamonds in the Rough"
The 2020 theme is now the theme for 2021: "God's Diamonds in the Rough." How are we like diamonds? The purest diamonds are clear, and the beautiful colors come from impurities in the gem. Maybe we don't see our lives as perfect; they contain impurities of one kind or another. But we are still a beautiful, colorful creation of God, beloved by God.
Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, the 2020 retreat has been postponed until 2021.
The decision to postpone the retreat was not made lightly, but with concern for the health and well-being of all participants. If you registered to attend in 2020, any payments you made will be credited to the 2021 retreat, unless you request otherwise. In February 2021, the retreat coordinators will send out previously completed registration forms for participants to review. For those ordering T-shirts, the order will be placed in March 2021, and the retreat coordinators will set up a day for everyone to bedazzle them.
Mary Ann says, "Diamonds must undergo a lot of heat and pressure to form, and I would say that we are all going through a lot of heat and pressure, and that is making us so much stronger." Amen, Mary Ann!
Service Project
We are still moving forward with plans for taking up a collection to support Pioneer Center in McHenry County. Pioneer Center helps individuals with special needs live independently and build life skills. It operates 11 community homes, each with 7 residents. Our project is to prepare 80-100 kits for Pioneer Center. To participate, gather the following NEW (not used) items: washcloths, hand towels, and bath towels in neutral colors.
About Our Annual Retreat
All women are invited to participate in our annual retreats. A retreat offers time for discernment and perspective. We learn from and are inspired by meaningful speeches, activities, service, and devotions. This is also an opportunity to spend more time with God and other sisters in Christ. Retreat participants also have a chance to contribute to service projects.
Here are a few comments from participants' evaluations of past retreats:
Bishop Lane Retreat Center, Rockford
Theme: "God's Diamonds in the Rough"
The 2020 theme is now the theme for 2021: "God's Diamonds in the Rough." How are we like diamonds? The purest diamonds are clear, and the beautiful colors come from impurities in the gem. Maybe we don't see our lives as perfect; they contain impurities of one kind or another. But we are still a beautiful, colorful creation of God, beloved by God.
Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, the 2020 retreat has been postponed until 2021.
The decision to postpone the retreat was not made lightly, but with concern for the health and well-being of all participants. If you registered to attend in 2020, any payments you made will be credited to the 2021 retreat, unless you request otherwise. In February 2021, the retreat coordinators will send out previously completed registration forms for participants to review. For those ordering T-shirts, the order will be placed in March 2021, and the retreat coordinators will set up a day for everyone to bedazzle them.
Mary Ann says, "Diamonds must undergo a lot of heat and pressure to form, and I would say that we are all going through a lot of heat and pressure, and that is making us so much stronger." Amen, Mary Ann!
Service Project
We are still moving forward with plans for taking up a collection to support Pioneer Center in McHenry County. Pioneer Center helps individuals with special needs live independently and build life skills. It operates 11 community homes, each with 7 residents. Our project is to prepare 80-100 kits for Pioneer Center. To participate, gather the following NEW (not used) items: washcloths, hand towels, and bath towels in neutral colors.
About Our Annual Retreat
All women are invited to participate in our annual retreats. A retreat offers time for discernment and perspective. We learn from and are inspired by meaningful speeches, activities, service, and devotions. This is also an opportunity to spend more time with God and other sisters in Christ. Retreat participants also have a chance to contribute to service projects.
Here are a few comments from participants' evaluations of past retreats:
- “Amidst all the story-telling, devotions, and fun, it is obvious the Holy Spirit is working to create relationships, inspire and renew.”- Trish N.
- “You’ll get so much more out of the retreat than you ever expected.”- Patricia L.
- “ Having attended the Women’s Retreat over the last 5 years, I’ve seen up close and personal how God has shown up in the lives of women and their families –stories of both struggle and joy which demonstrate Gods love and faithfulness, no matter what” Doris H.
- "I enjoy going to the retreat for the opportunity to take time and care only for myself (not the kids/husband/dog) for one weekend out of the year, while making connections with women of our church that sustain me through the return to daily life.-Erin H.
- "The Spiritual uplifting and the ability to commune with my lovely sisters, means every thing to me." Betty Jo J.
- "I enjoy the fellowship and the fun at the Women's Retreat, along with reflection that the retreat encourages."- Diane S.
- "The Women's Retreat is a wonderful combination of faith stories, prayer, social ministry projects, laughter, getting to know other women, fun, tasty snacks, and more laughter." -Deb M.
At Bishop Lane Retreat Center--