The Grand Canyon Synod WELCA Retreat took place at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Tucson on Friday, October 4th, and Saturday, October 5th. Twenty-nine churches from Arizona, Utah, and Nevada were involved, with sixty women in attendance.
To encourage new connections, attendees were seated at tables with people they didn't know. The two-day event included singing, scripture lessons, discussions, personal stories from women pastors, an inspirational talk by Bonnie Willemssen, exercises, a craft event, and delicious snacks and lunch. On Friday, the program ended with a dinner at Bumsted’s restaurant and a lively karaoke session. Saturday started early, with a few latecomers!
Desert Hills WELCA sponsored a raffle with proceeds donated to the Grand Canyon Synod WELCA Scholarship fund. The DHLC Sewing Bee donated seven bags of quilts and blankets to the Navajo Lutheran Mission. In-kind donations were made to Lutheran Social Services and Lutheran Campus Ministry, and a communion service by Pastor Naomi Hartman and Pastor Amy Janssen concluded the event.
The retreat was a wonderful opportunity for faith and friendship. One retreat attendee remarked, “For me, it was an inspirational, faith-growing, and friendship-making experience among like-minded women of faith. What better way to spend the weekend—growing your faith and making new connections!” We look forward to the next one! For more information, visit the Women of the ELCA website.