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| Women’s Ministry Our goal in Women’s Ministry is to offer a balance of opportunities that tend to the different aspects of women’s lives and situations. This is why you will see fitness classes offered as well as parenting groups, spiritual book group, circles, and service opportunities like quilting. At the heart of Women’s Ministry is spiritual formation—the desire to help women explore, discover, and grow in faith and in their relationship with the living God through these varied opportunities. Current & Upcoming Opportunities 2010 BWCAW Women’s Retreat Whether you are a seasoned camper and canoe handler or someone who is looking for a new adventure, the annual women’s retreat to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is a wonderful opportunity to connect with God and other women. The normal cost for the trip is < $200. The final cost depends on how much equipment we have to rent and the cost of our food and gas. Costs are kept minimal because we buy and pack our own food and much of our own equipment. A non-refundable $25 deposit is required to hold your spot on the trip. A second payment before the trip to bring prepayment to $100 per camper. The balance of the trip cost is paid at the end of the trip when we know all of the costs. This is a somewhat strenuous trip. Although we try to pick routes with short portages, we have to carry our packs (which can sometimes be heavy) and our canoes over those portages. Campers take turns carrying the packs and canoes. Stamina and strength, as well as a sense of fun and willingness to be flexible are important. Participants also all take turns cooking and putting up tents, etc.There is a great sense of camaraderie and teamwork, so don't worry if you are a beginner. If you are not sure about your strength or stamina, talk with Pastor Jeanne Markquart and we can make arrangements for you to carry a loaded pack. Space on the trip is limited. We gain access to the BWCAW through permits. Each permit has a maximum of 4 water craft and 9 people. There is one permit. To register, contact the Incarnation Office and pay a $25 non-refundable deposit. Space is still available. When: Wednesday, August 11 - Sunday, August 15  Spiritual SpaSometimes our lives can get really hectic. When that happens it is nice to have an opportunity for retreat, renewal, and refreshment. Spiritual spa is designed to provide just those things that we crave, but instead of manicures and pedicures we will be pampering our spirits. Recognizing that many people really struggle to fit meaningful time with God into the rhythm of their days and weeks, each Spiritual Spa will have its own theme that will help us explore our relationship with God and one another and provide some practical tools and resources to carry the “retreat” time into daily life. Held on a Friday night so that there are fewer distractions from the demands of work and family, the evening will begin with a light and delicious dinner and some time for connecting with other women. Please note: Childcare will not be provided on site so that those who participate can truly focus on their spiritual retreat, renewal, and refreshment. Upcoming Dates & Themes All dates are Fridays. Time: 6 – 9:30 p.m. Cost for each event: $25, includes dinner & materials Women’s Spiritual Book Group Are you a woman full of wonder and curiosity about faith and spiritual matters? Do you like to read? Check out the Women’s Spiritual Book Group. All are welcome. No registration necessary. This is an open group that meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. in Adult Room D. The Women's Spiritual Book Group does not meet in December or during the summer and will resume in September. When: Wednesday, May 19; 1 - 3 p.m. What: An Altar in the World by Barbara Brown Taylor; chapters 9-12  Incarnation Quilters Quilting is a great way to get involved if you like to work with your hands and you enjoy the camaraderie of other women. No experience is necessary. There are a variety of tasks and responsibilities to be shared. Quilts are distributed to LifeHaven as a gift to the moms who complete the program. Last year more than 154 quilts were created and given to Global Health Ministries for distribution to ELCA Mission hospitals throughout the world. Other recipients include Bible camps, mission visitors, refugees and needy families. When: The 2nd Thursday of each month in the Fireside Room Morning: 9:00 a.m. – Noon Evening: 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. For more information, contact Lola Ruff by email or by calling the Incarnation office. Esther Circle A women’s fellowship and Bible Study group that is open to all women. Members also make quilts and midwife kits for Global Health Ministry and sponsor a prison ministry. When: 1st Thursday of each month, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Where: Meets in participants’ homes. Contact Pastor Jeanne Markquart for details.  BWCAW Women’s Retreat: Get Your Paddle On! Whether you are a seasoned camper and canoe handler or someone who is looking for a new adventure, the annual women’s retreat to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is a wonderful opportunity to connect with God and other women. While this 5-day getaway is somewhat physically demanding (you need to be able to lift, carry, get in and out of a canoe, and paddle), there are many ways to experience a oneness with God in the  Boundary Waters; for
some it will be through the beauty and peacefulness of our
surroundings, for others it may be the chance to connect with one
another and for some it may be the quiet time for prayer and
reflection, often missing in daily life. When: Wednesday, August 11 - Sunday, August 15 Nursery & Childcare Childcare for children through 8 years old will be available for some Women’s Ministry opportunities for a nominal fee. For specific details, contact the Incarnation Office at 651.484.7213. If you have questions about Women’s Ministry or would like to register for any opportunities, please contact Pastor Jeanne Markquart . |
