Women Minister’s Retreat
Jon & Dawn Barnes – South Africa
We, women ministers, of Southern Africa and the United Kingdom gathered for the first ever United Congregational Church of Southern Africa Women’s Retreat. We took a few days to tend to our own vineyards. We gathered at the “sediba,” the well, or the source of life in Kanye, Botswana.
Jon & Dawn Barnes – South Africa
We, women ministers, of Southern Africa and the United Kingdom gathered for the first ever United Congregational Church of Southern Africa Women’s Retreat. We took a few days to tend to our own vineyards. We gathered at the “sediba,” the well, or the source of life in Kanye, Botswana.
The United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) and the United Reformed Church (URC) of the United Kingdom
Women’s Retreat, October 2005
“I am black and beautiful, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon. Do not gaze at me because I am dark, because the sun gazed on me. My mother’s sons were angry with me; they made me keeper of the vineyards, but my own vineyard I have not kept.” Solomon 1:5-6
We, women ministers, of Southern Africa and the United Kingdom gathered for the first ever United Congregational Church of Southern Africa Women’s Retreat. We took a few days to tend to our own vineyards. We gathered at the “sediba,” the well, or the source of life in Kanye, Botswana.
Our retreat began with a discussion, led by Professor Mogwe, about the significance of literally going to the well, or the water source, in the African context. From there we went to the Bible to talk about the woman at the well, led by Rev. Adora Lee. This led to a small group examination of women in society, as creators of life, as providers and we also took a look at our own bodies as females. And this was just day one! The following days included talks about what our purpose as women ministers is and how does this fit into the UCCSA and the partnership with the URC. We learned about the Botswana culture, tried new foods, heard traditional music, and even went to a wedding. We were pampered with massages as a form of wellness, made our own clay sedibas (wells), and we had special times of prayer together. We were able to divide ourselves on Sunday morning and attend four different churches in the city centre of Gaborone. And what a day of blessing that was as all the churches celebrated harvest day!
This weekend was a once in a lifetime experience. As I looked around the room and saw so many talented, beautiful and equipped women, I got goose bumps on my skin to be a part of such a special event. We women are connected in a special way; no matter where we are from or what ministries we are involved. One thing that we all learned from this time is that we like the verses in Solomon, must make time and take care of our own vineyards. We tend to be so busy as mothers, daughters, wives, aunts, ministers, and so much more that we forget that we have to take care of ourselves. We, too, need a break…a retreat. We need to take time to gather our water from the well, the Sediba, and leave refreshed, revitalized, and cleansed. Where is your well, my sister and my brother? We all need to find our own Sediba and go there with God.
Please pray for women ministers across the globe that they may be empowered, enriched and blessed in all areas of their lives.
Amen
Rev. Dawn Barnes
Jonathan and Dawn Barnes are missionaries with the Kei Regional Council of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa, South Africa. Jonathan serves in pastoral ministries among the churches in the region. Dawn serves in pastoral ministries and social work.