Unusual times require unusual methods and a lot of creativity to organize a weekend retreat for women. From April 30 to May 1, 2021, about 40 women met via Zoom for a special kind of weekend under the theme "Full head - empty heart".
The motto of the Friday night meeting was to give gratitude new space, to discover it anew and to see what will change when the heart is filled with gratitude. In her devotional speech Angelika Pfaller took us on a short journey through the desert to illustrate that our life sometimes resembles a hike through the desert and how important it is to always be on the lookout for a fresh source of water.
On Sabbath morning, everyone gathered for a virtual worship service. After a part concentrating on praise followed the sermon presented by Darja Schneider, who in her fresh, loving and descriptive way introduced the topic "An Eye for Miracles." She made the point that it always depends on the perspective from which we look at things and how important it is to also have an eye for the little things in life and to be thankful for them.
After a lunch break, the participants met for "teatime". After that, the third and last part of the topic followed with the questions "What can prevent me from being grateful?" and "How can gratitude grow in me?" The participants had the opportunity in several breakout groups to discuss the Bible text in 1 Thessalonians 1:5, where Paul exhorts believers to "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.“
In the end, all hearts were filled with joy and gratitude that this weekend of encounter was possible. Even though they could only see each other on the screen, a closeness and the blessing of God was palpable.
As a memento of this weekend, the participants received a "gratitude jar" - a jar that they can fill with gratitude every day.
Women’s Ministries Weekend Retreat in Bavaria
"Full Head - Empty Heart“