2004 retreats gather women from
East and West at two locations

The “Women in Conversation” retreats had a new twist this April, with locations in not one but two places. In addition to meeting at Laurelville Mennonite Church Center, the Mennonite Women USA retreat was also held in Wichita, Kan. “This new way of working with Laurelville – in settings outside of Pennsylvania – enabled us to more easily include women from both east and west,” says MW USA executive director Rhoda Keener. “Both of our organizations have a mission to serve Mennonite Church USA, not just one region.”

Warmest thanks to Laurelville staff member Mandy Yoder, who took these photos and did so much to organize the retreats along with Rhoda Keener and two planning committees. Click on each picture below to see a larger version.

	Persistence. Risk-taking. Faith. These are the characteristics of biblical women who actively created wholeness in their worlds: models women can follow today, noted participants in the “Women in Conversation” retreats. Brenda Martin Hurst of Harrisonburg, Va., keynote speaker at both events, emphasized the active ways women can seek out and experience wholeness in every aspect of life, through the power of God’s Spirit. The hemorrhaging woman who touched the hem of Jesus’ garment, for example, models not only tremendous faith in God’s power to heal but shows her belief that this healing power was meant for her. In structured conversation and prayer circles, participants reflected on what risks might stand in the way of taking an assertive step toward creating wholeness in their own lives.
	Some 130 women from ranging in age from their 20s to 80s attended the two events co-sponsored by Laurelville and Mennonite Women USA.   This first set of photos was taken at the Wichita Hilton, April 2-4. At this event, two women who had lost contact with each other were surprised to run into each other again: a welcome chance to renew their friendship. And two sisters-in-law, from Pennsylvania and Oregon, arranged to meet in Wichita at the retreat. Other participants came from Arkansas, Colorado, Indiana, Kansas, New Mexico, and Virginia.
	Wichita worship leader Roma Eicher.
	Part of creating wholeness is learning to communicate, noted participants in Lee Schmucker's workshop, "Expanding Your Assertive Voice."
	The retreats offered plenty of time for relaxation and conversation, here at the scenic Tower Room of the Wichita Hilton. "What a privilege to see what God is doing in other women's lives of all ages,” said one participant. “What a challenge to see where God may be nudging and wanting to grow in me in areas I thought complete."
	Of course, there was plenty of good food, too.
	But we have to mention all the plain old fun. An afternoon relaxation room offered shoulder massage, soothing music, and card-making.
	A special gift also was provided for each woman; what could be in those soft packages?
	One participant shows her new slippers to MW USA board member Paula Brunk Kuhns.
	What fancy footware!
	The “Zany Aunt” dinner has become a delightful retreat tradition.
	(These are zany farmgal aunts.)
	And here's the zany dressup winner of the Wichita retreat—beflowered slippers, hat, prize, and all. "A wonderful spirit led the weekend,” said one participant. The retreat reminded her “that I can have joy in my journey. How freeing!"
	Moving on to Laurelville, April 16-18 was a beautiful weekend for relaxing in the woods.
	Donna Mast led worship at the Pennsylvania retreat.
	Music leader Brenda Benner.
	Joy in adversity? Angie Williams explained how, in her workshop.
	Retreat participants look at  materials from Lorraine Eby's workshop, "Scrapbook for Wholeness."
	Laurelville's relaxation room offered soothing hand massages.
	Many women also enjoyed trying a wax treatment.
	Retreat planners (from left) Rhoda Keener, Mandy Yoder, and Brenda Wagner deserve a little pampering after all that work!
	More of those zany aunts!
	Conversation circles: the heart of each retreat.
	Of the Laurelville weekend one participant said, “I wrote down the words that were given to me and I plan to take them back to my church: assertive, bold, creative, daring, persistent, empowered, vigorous, and blessed.”
	Yes, it was “Women in Conversation”—um, and Jacob (with mom Sue Schmucker Coblentz, MW USA treasurer). He didn't have a whole lot to say. We hope to see you in 2006!