VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 5/15/18)—American Baptist Women’s Ministries is collaborating with American Baptist Women in Ministry (ABWIM) to host a wellness retreat in September for women in and around Rhode Island. The Harvesting Shalom conference is inspired by the biblical passage Acts 17:28, which says, “In Him we live and move and have our being”. Attendees will learn to incorporate their faith in the pursuit of holistic wellness, and consider how their wellbeing affects their faith.
“This is an opportunity for fellowship and intentional focus on wellness of the mind, heart, and soul. Welcome Shalom into your life for a weekend so that you may begin new habits that sustain wellness. Do this for you; you really can’t afford to miss this opportunity for self-care,” says Rev. Gina Jacobs-Strain, executive director of American Baptist Women’s Ministries.
About the Retreat:
Through the Harvesting Shalom conference, women will learn from special speakers and each other about creating a well-balanced life, including through their relationships, work, physical health, finances, and faith. The event will include:
• Experiential workshops
• Seminars on art, exercise, financial wellness, and more
• Contemplative prayer and meditation
• Labyrinth exercise
• Worship, Bible study, and fellowship
The event will take place at Canonicus Camp & Conference Center, beginning after dinner on Friday, September 28 and ending before noon on Sunday, September 30.
Special Guests:
The keynote speaker at the retreat will be Rev. Aracelis Vázquez Haye, associate pastor of Church of the City in New London, Connecticut, and the Protestant chaplain at Connecticut College and at The Waterford Country School. Rev. Vázquez Haye also serves as a board member of the New London Public Schools Board of Education and the Yale Divinity School Alumni Board.
Linda Wiles will lead music at the retreat. She serves as the Director of Music, organist, and director of the Performing Arts Academy for St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Warwick, Rhode Island. She has a rich history in music including experience directing and playing music for choirs, handbell choirs, and musical workshops.
Additionally, the conference will feature a spiritual director and a life coach who will explain their roles to demonstrate the differences between what they have to offer. They will each lead a workshop to give attendees an idea of what it looks like to work with each of them.
Registration:
Women can register for ‘Harvesting Shalom: A Retreat About Wellness’ by visiting abwomensministries.org. Attendees will be housed at the Canonicus Camp & Conference Center at Pierce Lodge and Green Lodge. Each bedroom includes two beds and a bathroom.
About AB Women’s Ministries:
American Baptist Women’s Ministries is a Christ-centered organization committed to encouraging and empowering women and girls to serve God. For more information about AB Women’s Ministries or the F.E.E.L. Conference, please visit abwomensministries.org.
American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.