De-stress with Protestant women

  • Published
  • By Sheila Rupp
  • Nucleus Journalist
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico --  Most women would agree that after a long week of taking care of kids, working, and dealing with TDYs or deployments that a weekend at the spa would be a great way to de-stress and rejuvenate for the upcoming week.

A spa weekend is exactly what the Protestant Women of the Chapel here had in mind when choosing a theme for this year's annual retreat, which will be held May 4, 5 and 6.

The year's retreat is a HeartSpa event with the theme "Where Women are Refreshed in Jesus." This year, the retreat is being held at the Madonna Retreat and Conference Center in northwest Albuquerque.

The weekend's sessions will be led mainly by small-group leaders and there will be lots of time for worship and fellowship with the other women. There will also be spa treatments such as manicures and pedicures and all participants will make an aromatherapy comfort pillow and a sugar scrub to take home.

Check-in begins May 4 between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., though dinner will not be provided Friday evening. Breakfast begins at 8 a.m. Saturday morning with sessions and activities running throughout the day. Festivities run through Sunday morning with breakfast and a farewell gathering to round out the weekend.

Attendees are asked to bring a hand towel, washcloth, tote bag, pen or pencil, and Bible. Each woman is also asked to bring a snack to share with the rest of the group. The dress code is comfortable and casual.

The spa weekend is for women only and because retreats are a time away from real-world responsibilities and cares, the retreat committee recommends that arrangements be made for child care at home, but special circumstances should be addressed to retreat committee members.

The cost is $65 for each person staying overnight and $25 for those participating in daytime activities only and will be commuting. Both costs include all HeartSpa materials and meals. Each room has two twin-sized beds; roommates can be specified on the registration form or a roommate will be chosen by the retreat committee.

All women are welcome, regardless of faith background or spirituality and are encouraged to invite friends, said Clara Austin, president of the PWOC chapter here.

Registration forms and payments are due by April 20. Registration fees can be paid in cash or by check and further instructions will be made at registration.

For more information or to register contact Clara Austin by e-mail at senoraaustin@msn.com or call her at 255-5342 or call Kathy Leisman at 418-0425.