Empower.

Women's retreat features training for understanding negative emotions

Inter-European Division (EUD)

[Germany] Sylvia Renz, guest speaker, presented “Minus or Plus: How to Deal with Negative Emotions” at a women’s ministries retreat in Freuenstadt, Germany. Renz conveyed in her profound, fascinating, and humorous way that the “less appreciated” emotions like shame, fear, distrust, trouble, pain, anger, weakness, and grief have protective functions and positive aspects that we often do not recognize at first. The plus-side advantages are self-reflection, motivation towards protection, gratitude, change, and so forth. For many women and their friends, it was a light-bulb experience to see in a new light these less appreciated emotional companions.

Other highlights that made the weekend of November 16-18, 2018, a special experience included a thoughtfully prepared and decorated prayer room. Some items in the prayer room included a table with chocolates inviting women to “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8); a selection of prayer and devotional books; a prayer corner with tiny, white lights and pillows.

Throughout the weekend the women enjoyed a balloon activity, fun workshops, creative choices, and of course, lots of new friends. The participants are so grateful for these special occasions for prayer and communion with God. They look forward to two retreats planned in 2019; and given the opportunity before departing for home, many women registered for these retreats to be sure they have a reserved place.

Contributed by Jasmin Stanoschefsky, women’s ministries leader, Baden-Württemberg Conference

Photo credits: WM BWV

Published in Mosaic newsletter, 2019 Q1