I was honored and so very flattered when Rev. Debbie asked me to be the speaker at this year's Women's Retreat. When she asked me to think through a topic that would be interesting to our congregation that related to our theme for the year Courage, Community, and Commitment, I immediately thought of friendship.
I think one of my biggest struggles in moving back to the US from South America has been finding close friendships... and beyond that even harder to find spiritual friendships. Those people who will intentionally pray for you when you are struggling or who will ask you the hard questions about how you are doing or your faith. True community and deep friendship is something we all need but I have witnessed and been a part of it being a difficult thing to cultivate. Yet, as my friend Alyson always says, "there's just something different about your church friends." I have found that to be so true and such a blessing to find those friends. I am thrilled to share the experience of leading the Women's Retreat with my close friend and mentor Sandi Miller. She was truly sent by God into my life at a time a deep struggle. I am so grateful for the role she has played and the wisdom she will also share with us. We are made for connection, yet sometimes that is the most difficult thing to form. I hope that you will join us for this great weekend! The dates are January 27 and 28. You can register online here.
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Laura EstevezDirector of Outreach and Missions at the Episcopal Church of the Advent. Archives
June 2017
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