By Rev. Becca Worl
Nestled in the foothills of Rainier against the calming waters of Elbow Lake, Cascades Camp and Conference Center is, in the recent words of Camp Director Rob Mohrweis, an “Oasis of Safety.” This oasis of safety was exactly what 100 women needed this fall, a place to get away from the world for a bit – to say “no” to the chaos, news, social media, the pressing demands and burdens of Covid-life, and find sabbath. Carving out time like this is not an easy thing to do especially in a pandemic, but the Women’s Retreat Planning team attacked the goal with enthusiasm, courage, and boat loads of prayer.
This was not going to be the usual, typical fall women’s retreat with 400+ women, decorations, themes, skits, seminars, and all the usual bells and whistles that add so much creative texture to retreat. Because it could be cancelled at any minute and because Covid safety was top priority, something different was needed and that something became the “Women’s Getaway.” The registrations were limited, the requirements were Covid-safe, the inside activities were restricted, and social distancing was required…yes, definitely not the usual! But, in the same words as Erik Cave said about the Thunder Retreat, we got to witness God make what seemed impossible, not only possible, but better than we could have hoped for.
What was needed was just… space. Room to breathe. To Get Away. Simple and necessary. The Getaway centered around Psalm 61:3 (The Message)
You’ve always given me breathing room,
a place to get away from it all,
A lifetime pass to your safe-house,
an open invitation as your guest.
With this as our anchoring purpose, the planning team prayerfully designed a space where women could find breathing room. The program offerings were lean and simple:
- Rather than four gathering sessions, three were offered, opening up more space on Saturday for sleeping in, naps, walks, long chats over coffee – whatever was needed to “getaway” and breathe.
- Rather than major seminars and presentations, there were “Conversations” around various topics: Telling our Story, Being a Mom in Covid Times, Anti-Racism Discipleship Pathway Book Review*, Healing Walks, Mending the Soul and Exploring Call.
- Under the big white tent all were invited to “Do Drop Inn” throughout the day, to participate in creative projects: something for everyone to come and sit for a while, grab a project and head out to a bench somewhere.
We were beyond thrilled that three of our own PacNWC Clergy Women came to open God’s word with us: Rev. Lindsay Watson, Rev. Carmen Bensink-Lewis, and Rev. Sarah Hammersborg. These women are called and gifted pastors and preachers, and they ministered to us deeply and authentically. Pastors Lindsay, Sarah, and Carmen led our weary and fatigued hearts to the feet of Jesus, reminding us that God meets us in our depletion, is our “tent” and refuge away from it all, and is a grace-filled God whom we can cry out to when we are burnt out.
There were many miracles of provision, but one in particular needs mentioning! Andrea Drake from Emerald City Bible Fellowship was scheduled to be the Getaway worship leader, but was unable to attend due to a sudden medical emergency in her family. Our prayers followed her and we missed her dearly. Who could lead worship and be willing with just 24 hours-notice?! Dre Zabel heard the invite, and in obedience to the Spirit, gave her weekend to us at the drop of a hat. She beautifully led us in worship, using the skills of her guitar and voice to prepare our hearts. What a gift!
David writes, in Psalm 18:19, “He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.” Yes, God invites us to spacious places… God brings us to breathe and rest in him, to recenter our hearts and priorities, to remember how He delights in us. This spacious place is water for our thirsty souls. The retreat planning team worked tirelessly, dedicated months and months of preparation to provide this watering opportunity – and God be praised – it was exactly that: breathing room, a spacious place to get away from it all, come to Jesus with it all, and drink deeply from his Spirit to replenish for it all. The getaway leads us to a “going-to”, as we all headed back into our arenas of life, further strengthened for the tasks at hand.
“Getaway” was truly an “Oasis of Safety” also thanks to the deep efforts of Cascades Staff. We are so grateful for you, Cascades Team!
Praise the Lord.
To him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
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*As a result of this Anti-Racism Conversation at Getaway (where 1/3 of the registrants attended, revealing a deep desire for engagement with issues of race), four new “Courageous Conversations” have formed with a total of 19 women, who are dedicated from now until the next Retreat to monthly conversations around books and documentaries about race and faith in the U.S! When we come to Retreat next fall, we will gather all the Courageous Conversation groups to discuss our final book all together.