The next Time for JOY retreat will be April 25-27, 2008 at Camp Mitchell.

The Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese of Arkansas (ECW) are pleased to offer Time for JOY for a third year to the women in our midst who most often find themselves over-worked, over-committed and spiritually drained. Strengthening the spiritual lives of women and providing them with learning opportunities is a large part of the mission of the ECW. As in the larger church, the ECW continues to seek ways in which to be relevant to younger generations in a chaotic world.

The focus of the Time for JOY retreat is to enable young women to find their path to the Holy and to enrich their lives. Through older woman to younger woman companionship at the retreat and at home in the congregation, sharing the pains and the joys of life reveals the Holy in the ordinary.

Time for JOY is a weekend retreat designed for young women living stress-filled lives, be they single, married, divorced, working in the home or outside the home. The purpose of the retreat is to provide experiences which affirm and encourage young women in their spiritual journey. Through the introduction of simple soul-tending skills the person is reconnected with her spirituality.

For some young women, honoring their body's need for rest is an important component of their spiritual journey. The retreat provides space for that also by allowing the retreatants to choose to participate in active learning sessions or to opt for undisturbed sleep, quiet places to sit, and silent walks.

Time for JOY is designed to be a gift, a wonderful gift, to a young woman from her home parish, church or mission. To be on your way to sending a retreatant, learn about being a church Sponsor. Help the woman continue her JOY-filled experience by being her Mentor.

Each young woman is eligible to attend the weekend retreat only once. Past retreatants, however, are welcome volunteers to help spread JOY to others!

The retreat is sponsored and staffed by the Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese of Arkansas. The staff of volunteers provides the workshops, the music, the speaker, and many spiritual windows to help these young women connect with their own spiritual paths.

For registration information, you can mail the form in the January Arkansas Episcopalian or print the form here. Feel free to contact us with any questions.

Peace everyday in Christ's love.