Shimmer Retreat 2008
This year's Shimmer Retreat was held at the Stanwell Park Conference Centre. This year's theme was 'Women in the Word'. Once again tickets sold fast. Nineteen out of sixty-four campers were first timers and there was a brave few who actually knew no one.
It opened on a dark, chilly Friday night. As we stumbled in, shackled by the weight of our weeks, we were greeted by the pinky warm Shimmer Team. Bags were dumped, tea was poured as we readied ourselves for the first session. Nat Wade courageously stood up in front of a darkened room and read to us Dr Seuss's "Oh the places you'll go" to get the ball rolling. A memorable beginning to a memorable weekend.
Nat continued the next morning, taking us through entire Bible, book by book, setting it in context. And began our exploration of Malachi. Due to a foot infection, the next speaker, Fiona Wheeler was unable to attend the retreat. Bravely, Sue Kelman stood up and read all that Fiona had prepared. It was really a blessing in disguise as we heard about experiences from both Fiona and Sue's lives.
Finally Gabby Brown brought her passion and knowledge through the end of Malachi. We were all especially challenged with the confession session. We broke up into our small groups and were given the opportunity to confess a sin to each other in no great detail. We then prayed for each other. It was a powerful, vulnerable morning which showed great trust in each other.
Throughout the weekend, four women from the church gave a brief testimony. These faithbuilders included Jo Rogers, Deb Everist, Karin ...... and Emma Watson. It is always inspirational hearing these kinds of stories. It helps us feel connected, encouraged and it's a place where we get REAL.
Saturday night held either terror or excitement depending on one's personality. Jo Rogers and her cell group ran a crazy trivia night. The prizes were out of this world; huge floral undies and chocolates; both were in high demand.
As the weekend drew to a close, we packed up our belongings, received beautiful notes from our sisters and headed home.
A huge thankyou goes to the amazing and creative Shimmer Team, the speakers and all who participated in making this one of the best retreats yet.
So if you missed out this year, don't forget to get your registrations in next year. It's such a great time to really get to know each other, to dig beneath the surface and have many laughs.
