Laurelville Mennonite Church Center

Women In Conversation

Laurelville: April 11-13, 2008

Wichita, Kansas: April 18-20, 2008 Click here: Wichita Airport Hilton

Click here to see the complete brochure

Click here to see the conference schedule

Click here for cottage rates at Laurelville

Daring to Let Our Spirits Soar

Keynote Speaker: Carolyn Holderread Heggen
Carolyn Heggen has spoken internationally on gender issues, peacemaking, and healing. She is a psychotherapist and has focused on women’s issues in her practice, university teaching, and writing. Carolyn is currently the lead trainer for Eastern Mennonite Seminary’s STAR program (Seminars in Trauma and Resilience) and has worked as a consultant for Mennonite Central Committee around the world. She has a passion for utilizing the gifts of women in our churches and for building supportive, mutual relationships with sisters overseas. Carolyn lives in Corvallis, Ore.; she spent part of her childhood in Puerto Rico, and has lived and worked as an adult in Latin America, Pakistan, and Nepal. She and her husband, Richard, are the parents of three young adult children.

"Women approach and experience the divine in unique ways."

Workshops

Laurelville

April 11-13

Wichita

April 18-20

Finding and Telling Our Stories
--Joy Sawatzky

The simplest stories are often the most profound. This workshop will explore story and its amazing ability to bring healing and hope. Simple techinuques will be demonstrated and practiced for connecting our stories.

Discerning God's Direction
--Grace Brunner

God opens doors of opportunity and challenge for us all thoughout our lifetime. There are times when we choose that door because it pushes our parameters. So how do we know when to say yes and when it's just not the right thing to do? Through story telling and group sharing we will talk about how to discern direction.

Spiritual Friendships: Daring to Focus on the Spiritual Journey with Another
--Donna Mast, Brenda Benner

What is spiritual friendship? How can this kind of relationship help our spirits soar? We will discuss how a spiritual friendship can help us to explore our unique spiritual journeys. Some experiental exercises will be used to increase our understanding of this kind of commitment to another.

Soaring in the Face of Abuse
--Esther Martinez

Personal stories about overcoming abuse and God's healing power.

From Suffering to Soaring
--Elizabeth Soto Albrecht

The Bible and our Christian life can be a guide for understanding our spirituality, sexuality and suffering. We will explore how our theology sets us free, where it might hold us back, and how we respond in our daily lives.

Satin Ribbons, Lace and Pearls
--Pat Miller

We are women of God. We are not all petite and full of energy. Some of us are simple and unadorned. Some of us love the feel of satin ribbons, lace and pearls. Femininity is much more than outward appearance. I wonder how God really sees me?

Beginner's Guide to Country Line Dancing
--Jean Kilheffer Hess,
Donna Mast

Learn basic steps and two dances. Our bodies were made to move! Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

Dare to Have a Little Fun!
--Kendra King

Come join the excitment of group improv games! Loosen up, try something new, and experience creative and comical ways to let your spirit soar. No acting skills needed!

Yes, I Can Say No!
--Lee Schmucker

Ever feel guilty for doing something just for you? Ever feel guilty for saying "no" to what other want you to do? Ever feel pulled in many directions? Take a fresh look at stress, priorities, choices and self-care. Learn to say "yes" or "no" without guilt and add more balance and fun to your life.

Letting our Spirit Soar in Prayer
--Connie Shelly

In this workshop we will practice two types of passive prayer with the intention of letting our spirits soar with the Spirit. We will experience Lectio Divina and the Prayer of Forgiveness.

Click here to see the Mennonite Women USA website.

For more information click here.

Laurelville April 11-13	Wichita April 18-20
Finding and Telling Our Stories --Joy Sawatzky The simplest stories are often the most profound. This workshop will explore story and its amazing ability to bring healing and hope. Simple techinuques will be demonstrated and practiced for connecting our stories.	Discerning God's Direction --Grace Brunner God opens doors of opportunity and challenge for us all thoughout our lifetime. There are times when we choose that door because it pushes our parameters. So how do we know when to say yes and when it's just not the right thing to do? Through story telling and group sharing we will talk about how to discern direction.
Spiritual Friendships: Daring to Focus on the Spiritual Journey with Another --Donna Mast, Brenda Benner What is spiritual friendship? How can this kind of relationship help our spirits soar? We will discuss how a spiritual friendship can help us to explore our unique spiritual journeys. Some experiental exercises will be used to increase our understanding of this kind of commitment to another.	Soaring in the Face of Abuse --Esther Martinez Personal stories about overcoming abuse and God's healing power.
From Suffering to Soaring --Elizabeth Soto Albrecht The Bible and our Christian life can be a guide for understanding our spirituality, sexuality and suffering. We will explore how our theology sets us free, where it might hold us back, and how we respond in our daily lives.	Satin Ribbons, Lace and Pearls --Pat Miller We are women of God. We are not all petite and full of energy. Some of us are simple and unadorned. Some of us love the feel of satin ribbons, lace and pearls. Femininity is much more than outward appearance. I wonder how God really sees me?
Beginner's Guide to Country Line Dancing --Jean Kilheffer Hess, Donna Mast Learn basic steps and two dances. Our bodies were made to move! Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.	Dare to Have a Little Fun! --Kendra King Come join the excitment of group improv games! Loosen up, try something new, and experience creative and comical ways to let your spirit soar. No acting skills needed!
Yes, I Can Say No! --Lee Schmucker Ever feel guilty for doing something just for you? Ever feel guilty for saying "no" to what other want you to do? Ever feel pulled in many directions? Take a fresh look at stress, priorities, choices and self-care. Learn to say "yes" or "no" without guilt and add more balance and fun to your life.	Letting our Spirit Soar in Prayer --Connie Shelly In this workshop we will practice two types of passive prayer with the intention of letting our spirits soar with the Spirit. We will experience Lectio Divina and the Prayer of Forgiveness.