MPC Presbyterian Women
Presbyterian Women's Retreat
Praying the Psalms
The 2007 and 2009 MPC Presbyterian Women’s Retreats were held at
St. Raphaela’s Retreat Center in
Haverford, PA. In 2007, under the gifted leadership of Rev. Angela Dienhart Hancock,
we delved into psalms of joy and confident faith, as well as psalms of lament, despair,
and anger. We looked at the ways the psalms aid us in exploring and expressing the rich
dynamics of our relationship with God. It was sometimes surprising to discover how well
these ancient texts express the emotional heights and depths of contemporary life.
The women in the picture in which Angela is playing the piano led the singing and
contributed much to our worship experiences. They promised to help us continue to
sing the songs we learned now that we have returned to MPC. After this experience,
many of us proclaimed joyfully that we will never hear a Psalm the same way again.
In 2009, we met again at St. Raphaela’s, this time led by the Reverend Karin McAnlis,
a former associate pastor of Swarthmore Presbyterian Church. Our focus was Moving from
Grace to Gratitude: the discipline, cultivation, and celebration of gratitude in
difficult times and times of joy.
We wish every woman at MPC could have been with us. If you were unable to attend last time, please consider coming to the next one. Information about the next retreat will be posted on this website as soon as the details are finalized.
Whether you are a visitor at MPC, a new member, or someone who is celebrating 60+ years of membership, please know that you are always welcome at our retreats, as well as any other Presbyterian Women events. No special membership or previous participation in Presbyterian Women is required. At our retreats women of many generations deepen our faith and make new friends as we enjoy an extended time for fellowship, rest, and renewal. Please join us.