On November 4-6th, the 38th Cape Breton Ecumenical Conference for women was held at the beautiful Inverary Inn in Baddeck. The theme chosen for the conference was “ Sisters in the Spirit.” Seventy-three Christian women from Cape Breton representing various denominations gathered for a weekend of personal and spiritual enrichment. The weekend consisted of worship, workshops, presentations and social time as we celebrated God’s presence in our midst.
Workshops offered included: Care and Concern for God’s Creation, The Work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, Relaxing through Singing, Acrylic Painting for Beginners, Restorative Yoga and Aquasize.
I was honored to be the guest speaker with the opportunity to offer a presentation each day. During the first day the session was entitled “Sensing God- Renew your Spirit” and focused on the way we experience the sacred through our senses. On day two we engaged in listening to the messages of God in our dreams and we learned a process of Jungian dream interpretation. On the last day since it was it All Saint’s Day , the session’s focus was on remembering with gratitude all those persons who have inspired us in our beliefs and given us courage to act on what we believe. Through prayer, scripture and a personal ritual involving a guided visualization, a time to acknowledge the bonds we have with the Saints and the ways they have influenced our faith journey.
Following each session there was time for reflections with questions for each group to ponder and discuss.
Thanks to the volunteers who made this weekend happen. It was wonderfully organized and a meaningful and spirit felt weekend for all those involved.
by Dorothy Miller
