Impressions on
"Episcopal Women
Gather to Go and Grow"

by Emilie Salio-an

        Emilie Salio-an was one of six women from the MFM Fellowship who attended the conference on "Episcopal Women Gather to Go and Grow," December 1-3, 2001 at the Kanuga Conference Center in Hendersonville, North Carolina. When she was informed of this conference, she decided to attend and did not even "consult my household" because to her "the theme was so inviting and tempting." She is aware of the importance of attending these types of conferences based on the many conferences and conventions of this nature that she has attended and participated in the Diocese of Central Philippines where she was an active member of the Episcopal Churchwomen prior to making New Jersey her permanent residence. She is also encouraging many more women especially the young women to take some time off from their busy schedules to get involved in available spirituality trainings because not only do you learn but you have a lot of fun. Her experience and impressions will be published in its entirety in an upcoming issue of the newsletter where she will walk us through the entire conference. The following is an excerpt on the workshop topic that she attended. (Ed.)

        "Spirituality Through Prayer." . . .Registration started at 1 pm followed by a fellowship (Mix "N" Mingle). Five -thirty was "Happy Time" with wine then dinner came at 6. The conference formally opened with "A Sample of Ministries." This was a chance to know the speakers and also an introduction to the different conference topics. We were grouped in small circles of five allowing us to closely interact and share with one another. At 9:15 pm we had "Night Prayers" followed by another "Happy Time," a social hour for delegates to get to know each other further.

         Saturday was a full day with breakfast at 8 am followed by morning prayers at 8:45 am. Then we proceeded to "Ministries Expanded I" where three of the six speakers shared their particular ministries. It was amazing how the speakers compared, conveyed and transformed their feelings and knowledge of their topics to certain objects to make us better understand their message. Workshops followed after the lectures. Cecilie Longid, Christina Hing and I found ourselves in the "Spirituality Through Prayer" workshop facilitated by Sue Schlanbusch. Sue addressed the group on how to connect with God's power and plan for our daily lives. She used a twig, stone, little fountain and the crucifix to relax our minds and enhance our prayer connection with God. The acronym "ACTS" should help us say our daily prayers in a more organized manner as A stands for "Adoration" (Say how you adore/love God), C stands for "Confession" (confess your sins to God), T stands for "Thanksgiving" (Thank God in all which we are able to overcome) and S stands for "Supplication" (Ask God for your needs). Always set a regular time each day for quiet prayer and study. Let it be as essential to you as your pattern of eating. Spiritual nutrition is as vital as food nutrition. Spend time with God whether you feel like it or not. Though prayers are essential throughout the day and into the evening, it is good to begin each day with devotions. This prepares us for the entire day. We invoke God into our daily pursuits at the outset of the day. This makes all the difference as we work, meet people, relate to our families and also as we encounter temptations.

Invitation to "Come and See. . ."

        The Rev. James T. Kollin has recently been assigned to a new ministry at St. Luke's and All Saints' Episcopal Church in Union, Diocese of New Jersey. This is what he refers to as his "supplemental Sunday work besides my Monday-to-Saturday chaplaincy" at the Seamen's Church Institute in Newark, New Jersey. By virtue of the church's vestry meeting, he has been invited to function as short term priest-in-charge. Current members come from as far as Newark and Philadelphia. There is one Sunday service only and it begins at 9 AM Fr. James is extending an invitation to "come and see," either as a guest or a potential church member. For directions to the church, please call (908) 688-7253 or send e-mail to Fr. James at [email protected].