Women Ministries of the GLC

Women Ministries of the Great Lakes Conference

3 weeks ago

ANNOUNCEMENT - FALL RETREATS

We love the fall Women Ministries Retreats held at Mission Meadows and Portage Lake. It is a time of being with God, laughter, community, learning, and just plain silliness. We plan for it all year long and are excited each year to reconnect with you. We invest in it because we want it to be 'the best'. So this year it is with a heavy heart and sadness that we have decided to not hold the Fall Retreats this year.

The retreat planning team sought input from the camps, from the speakers, and from previous attendees. The responses were mixed - some wanted to continue to hold it; others felt we should cancel. Still others felt we could make something work. We actively sought creative ways to allow retreats to move ahead. But retreat is about proximity. It is about being close and with one another whether eating in the Dining Hall, being in the cabins, playing games, worshipping, or praying. The potential spread of the virus keeps us from this reality.

This pandemic has thrown everyone into a new normal. The uncertainties of the virus leave everyone with an inability to plan future events. We looked at a reasonable vision of what retreat would be - one with social distancing, masks, and in accordance with appropriate board of health regulations. We felt we simply could not provide a retreat experience that would be in compliance with guidance from healthcare and public officials, our own high standards, and respect for the well-being of our community.

We want to thank you for your patience with us as we have sought to do the right thing both for retreat attendees and the long-term ministry of retreats. We are incredibly sad and grieve this loss along with you. It is a decision like this that makes us aware of just how special fall retreats are for everyone involved.
We can’t ever take this gift from God for granted.

We are continuing to explore some creative ways to 'retreat' during the next year. We know that this decision has an impact on the camps. We would encourage you to make a donation to either Portage Lake or Mission Meadows to ensure that their ministry continues.

We will keep you apprised of plans for 2021. Fall Retreat at Mission Meadows will be September 17-19. Fall Retreat at Portage Lake will be October 1-3. Watch the FaceBook pages for further information.

Thank you for your participation and your understanding. We are always available for your questions and comments. ... See MoreSee Less