Women from across New South Wales recently gathered for the second annual Macksville Adventist Church women’s ministries retreat.
Held at Stuart’s Point from August 31 to September 2, more than 20 women attended the retreat, with numbers swelling to 40 on Sabbath. Keynote speakers Joy Butler and Dr Jessica Trevithick spoke on the theme, “What Women Want”, including those facing abuse, poverty and war. Women from Tamworth, Sydney, Lismore and Grafton joined locals for uplifting music, special items, and excellent vegetarian meals.
Highlights of the weekend included “vision board” collages made by participants in response to speakers’ messages, and the impromptu talks given by women about their experiences while working for the gospel, both here and in other countries. The vision boards emphasised the value of a safe and supportive spiritual environment for women to express themselves, strengthen relationships and make new friendships.
Participants also knitted a “never-ending” scarf symbolising women’s interconnectedness and role in ministering to the world, which will be continued at further retreats.
