Each March, women from across the community gather at Tiona for a weekend of connection, spiritual reflection, and joyful fellowship. This year’s retreat, centred on the theme “Hearts that Mirror Compassion,” brought together around 30 women for shared meals, worship, laughter, and meaningful conversation. The weekend offered time to reconnect with long-time friends, welcome new faces, and experience moments of renewal together. The reflections that follow offer a glimpse into the joy, spirit, and community experienced by those who attended.
Do you know how to revert a beautiful, peaceful, calm place into a loud, raucous, laughter-filled place? Simply, invite about 30 women, aged between mid-forties to mid-nineties, and let them loose.
This is what happens at Tiona Women’s retreat every March, and what a time we all have. The theme this year was Hearts that Mirror Compassion. As usual, we commenced with a lovely meal provided by the caring hands of Mel and Jackie. We followed this with KP duties, my gift in life is cleaning up after someone else cooks, but it was also a great time to share with the wonderful women behind the scenes, one of my joyful moments this weekend.
It was a time to reconnect with those we have known for many years and have often shared this space with, and to welcome new faces to this wonderful space and time. Trudy Land, being our guest this weekend from the Frankston congregation, shared a bit about her life and what the congregation in Frankston does to be the Community of Christ, with the emphasis on Community.
The theme of compassion was certainly lived up to with hugs, conversation and laughter amongst all the women attending. But when Trudy introduced us to SAL, well, that was when we really saw the women come to life. We even witnessed Wendy, with bad knees and all, twist away for a few moments. SAL stands for songs and laughter, and we all sang, danced and laughed a lot.
What brings you to Tiona Women’s Retreat? This is where we all should be.
Can’t wait for next March to join again with these caring, compassionate, loving women of our community.
Judith Jackson
What can I say? I went with my glass half full and came home with my cup overflowing. The theme was Hearts that Mirror Compassion, and it touched my heart as I looked back on my life and testified of compassion that I have received over my journey.
The food was healthy, delicious and presented by two beautiful sisters. The fun times were just what I needed, along with the chair Tai Chi. The healing service was very special, and I felt the Spirit in abundance. Sunday morning worship, shared with the larger community who gather each week, was also a meaningful experience. I appreciated Trudy's ministry and the sharing of our friend from Frankston. I love the energy of those who made this weekend happen. God bless you all.
Jill Smith
Thank you everyone for the love and care I received, and a big shout out for a job well done to the organizers of such a wonderful weekend. I loved the Woman at the Well worship so much. It was one of the many highlights for me. Not at all forgetting the catering—the food was amazing! I have to say it was my happiest weekend I have had in a long, long time. Thank you to everyone who came and shared the love.
Dorothy Clarke
