Twenty-two women from the parish gathered over the weekend of March 9-11 at the DuPont Memorial House in Rehoboth, Delaware for the fifth Lenten women’s retreat. Organized by Lisa Kirchenbauer, this year’s program, “Connecting in a Time of Disconnectedness,” was led by the Rev. Susan Thon, retired rector of Church of the Redeemer in Bethesda, MD.

The comfortable retreat house is located three blocks from the ocean and situated in loblolly woods on a small pond. Our time there was spent in fellowship and communion, conversation, laughter, rest, meditation, prayer and walks on the beach. We were grateful for delicious meals provided by DuPont House staff, for good and discerning leadership, and most especially for the rich gifts of being with one another.

This retreat allowed us to gather closer together, to explore our call as followers of the Christ, and to expand the community of St. John’s at this time of transition for our parish.