PIC CAPTION:

Michele Pettinger and Marnie Hemmings

 

TITLE: A powerful message through the gift of humor at upcoming women's retreat

 

Brandon resident, Michele Pettinger, has been inspired to organize a special women's retreat to be held later this summer at Turtle Mountain Bible Camp.

Five years ago, Pettinger attended a retreat where Ontario inspirational speaker, Joanne Goodwin, shared her story of being a mother of a prodigal daughter, as well as her own personal battle with cancer.  

"When I heard Joanne speak, I was just so inspired," shares Pettinger.  "I've heard a lot of speakers, but I've never heard a speaker like her, and I thought one day I would really love to plan that would include her as our guest speaker."

Co-organizer for the event, Marnie Hemmings, attended a retreat at Manhattan Beach Bible Camp on Pelican Lake, also 5 years ago.  Hemmings says this is where she had a life-changing experience when she heard Joanne Goodwin's story.

"Joanne touched me in a way that no one has ever touched me before.  Not only is she a dynamic and inspirational speaker, but she has, and uses, the incredible God-given gift of humor," explains Hemmings. "She uses that to deliver her powerful message."

Hemmings says the location of this retreat at Turtle Mountain Bible Camp adds to how special the weekend will be, where the sense of tranquility and peace are inspired simply through the surrounding beauty of nature.

She adds this is very timely as many have felt a sense of loss and grief throughout the pandemic, and many are still trying to make sense of the many changes that happened over the last 3 years; some with loss of family members, others with strained relationships, and still other reeling from increased anxiety or depression.

"I think now, more than ever, we need this retreat," shares Hemmings.  "We've come through a horrific pandemic and our spirits have been wounded, and I think we're still in the recovery stages of that, and people have felt disconnected and divided and isolated from each other.  It's really had an impact on our mental health, so I feel that this retreat will give us the opportunity for spiritual healing, as well as a re-awakening and a reminder of the Spirit of Jesus that lives in us.

Pettinger encourages women from across the province to join them at the Fill my Cup women's retreat. "This is open to women of all ages, from 18 to 118," she laughs. "And we really hope you consider coming to this 2-day retreat!"

Fill my Cup Women's Retreat will be held September 29th and 30th at Turtle Mountain Bible Camp, south of Deloraine.

Please RSVP by calling Michele Pettinger at 204-727-5612 or emailing pettingermichele50@gmail.com.

Registration for overnight guest at TM Bible Camp is $100.  Saturday only guest $65.

Registering before July 1st enters you in to win a $100 certificate to a local spa.