VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 10/24/12)—American Baptist Women’s Ministries hosted more than 30 young adult women at “C2R4—Confidence through Christ: Retreat, Reflect, Renew, Relate,” held at the Canonicus Camp and Conference Center in Exeter, Rhode Island on September 28-30. Rev. Dr. Trinette McCray led a very interactive Bible study based on the theme Scripture, 2 Corinthians 3:4-6. Ms. Hornrette Washington led music and engaged many of the participants in solos and small ensembles, allowing any who felt led to help provide leadership in praise and worship. Sharon Johnson provided a dramatic presentation of the theme and helped participants learn to express faith through drama. “R-Experiences” offered participants the opportunity to do hands-on mission at South Providence Neighborhood Ministries, meet with MOPS International leader Tina Whitby, do scrapbooking, take a tour of Rhode Island, and have a time of personal prayer by walking a labyrinth. Participants also brought piles of donated items to give to the Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County.
Participants expressed deep appreciation for the Bible study and worship experiences, and left with contact information for new relationships they had developed through the weekend. Many are already making plans to attend region/state and national events in the future and begin new ministries in their home churches.
“The C2R4 retreat was very important to my ministry as the national Young Adult Women’s Ministries Coordinator for American Baptist Women’s Ministries, because it was focused on young women having the opportunity to strengthen their Confidence through Christ. The retreat setting allowed the women to have a time of reflection while renewing themselves and relating to their peers. I am truly excited that AB Women’s Ministries took this step of faith which allowed God to show up and bless each young lady that was in attendance,” says LaKeeyna Cooper, who served as co-leader of the planning team.
“The young adult women’s event is a wonderful opportunity for young women to come together to build lifelong relationships; to retreat, relax, and renew their passion for Christ. I encourage any young adult woman to attend future events—they will be so glad that they did,” says Nancy Adkins, co-leader of the planning team and Coordinator of Church & Community Ministries on the national board of American Baptist Women’s Ministries.
ABWM’s executive director Virginia Holmstrom said, “This was our first national event for young adult women, and participants arrived from Alaska, Washington, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, and many of the eastern states and reflected the wonderful multicultural diversity of American Baptists. Retreat participants expressed a real passion for helping AB Women’s Ministries engage with generations of younger women—one of our primary adaptive challenges. I’m delighted to announce that we’re forming two “Transformed by the Spirit” Action Learning Teams comprised primarily of retreat participants!”
Plans are being made for a 3-day young adult women’s event concurrent with the National Women’s Conference and National Gathering for Girls at the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort in Phoenix, Arizona on July 27-August 1, 2013.
For more information, visit www.abwministries.org and click on “Events.”
American Baptist Churches is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with 5,500 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.