September 24, 25, and 26, 2021
While 2020 was a year of changing routines, social distancing, and cancellation of many gatherings. One of the events that was put on hold last year was the CCIW Fall Women’s Retreat which is held annually in September. We are now emerging to gather again, to meet and interact as we consider the insights that have been gained in this year of separation. We are happy to announce that plans are being made as we look forward to again gathering for rest and renewal. The 2021 CCIW FALL WOMEN’S RETREAT will be held at Camp Walter Scott on September 24, 25, and 26.
As has been the tradition this event provides a flexibility of scheduling that allows the participants to decide what works best for them. The leadership team gathers on Friday at 7 PM and begins set up and preparation to receive others. Although there is no regularly scheduled activities and dinner is on your own before arriving, others may arrive that evening to enjoy the beauty and the relaxed atmosphere of the camp. On Saturday, activities of the retreat will begin with a continental breakfast and registration. Throughout the day we will explore our theme INSIDE OUT with our keynote speaker Vicky Woolridge and others leaders as we explore scripture from the book of Esther, make crafts, pray for and with one another and more. The evening will conclude with dinner and a movie and discussion that will allow us to further explore how we connect to our genuine selves in the midst of others expectations and views of who we are, or should be. Some will leave after this and others will stay as we conclude our time together with worship and a meal.
Length of participation is not the only choice available for participants. When you register you will be asked to select your accommodations. You may stay in a cabin, in the retreat house, in a yurt or Hogan or you may choose to commute from your home or a hotel room in Effingham that you have booked on your own.
While much of this sounds familiar to those who have attended, there will be some changes due to concern over health issues related to COVID 19 and the desire to provide a safe environment for all participants. Those who have been vaccinated have the option to choose if they will wear a mask for much of the event. Those who have not been vaccinated are encouraged to wear a mask at all times except when actively eating or drinking. Everyone is asked to bring masks as masks will be worn by all when singing. Overnight accommodations will be arranged by travel groups and you are requested to identify your desired roommates when registering. Social distancing will be encouraged as appropriate. Finally, individuals who feel ill on the day of the event are asked to request a refund and plan to attend in 2022.
We are excited about the opportunity to gather again. And we are very excited that our keynote speaker will be Vicky Woolridge. Vicky Woolridge is a life-long Disciple. She was nurtured in the faith by her family, including her Uncle Neil Sallee, who was the organizing minister of Crestview Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Decatur, and her Aunt Dot who modeled what it means to live a life of faithful witness.
She has been married to Scott for 43 years. They were college sweethearts and continue to delight in their life together. They are blessed by their family of two grown daughters, a son-in-law and one five-year old grandson, Harrison, with another grandchild on the way. Vicky cherishes family time and is grateful to spend regular time with her loved ones.
Vicky has spent her career as a teacher of young children, from infants to elementary age children. She has taught preschool, first and second grades, worked for Early Head Start, and served as an Educational Coach at Head Start. Vicky’s passion is to support families as they develop a faith foundation for their children.
Currently Vicky is doing an internship at Central Christian Church in Decatur, as the culminating work of her studies in the region’s School for Ministry. She is prayerfully discerning how and where God is calling her serve in the next stage of her life.
When Vicky isn’t doing homework she likes to read, spend time with friends (in person or virtually), read books with her grandson, and bake.
Registration information will be mailed to those who attended in 2019 and is available to all on line. Please help us get the word out, register early and plan to join us as we gather to connect to ourselves and others.
Register