2025 Women's Retreat - Breathe
2025 Women's Retreat: Breathe
May 2-3, 2025
With keynote speaker Sharon Garlough Brown: author of the bestselling Sensible Shoes series and Shades of Light
Breathe: Finding Rest For Your Soul
Jesus says, "Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." Come away for a night to slow down and practice disciplines that helps us keep in step with the unhurried rhythm of Jesus. Practices include breath prayer, lectio divina, Sabbath, and silence.
The early bird special ends April 4th: $25 Off.
Expect your favorite things and more:
- Sessions Led by Key-Note Speaker Sharon Garlough Brown (Click Here)
- Two Breakout Session Times (Click Here)
- Vibrant Worship
- Inspiring talks
- Healing Prayer Offered with an experienced prayer team. (You do not need to make an appointment)
- Marketplace: new vendors are signing up! (Click Here)
- Friday night social
- Time to just be
- Check Out the Schedule! (Click Here)
- Accommodations & Pricing (Click Here)
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This year's ministry focus (Click Here)
Click here to visit Sharon's website
Breakout Sessions and Speaker Bios:
Day 2, "Who Am I In God's Eyes", is Full!
About Dcn. Sandy Tatem:
Dcn. Sandy’s a dedicated and experienced lay and ordained leader within the Episcopal Church who has served at her home parish St. Andrew’s in Albany, NY, in a variety of ways: Warden, Altar Guild, LEM/LEV, & More. A passionate advocate for spiritual growth, she is the founder of the Daughters of the King chapter at St. Andrew’s and has been deeply involved in diocesan lay leadership, including four terms as Trustee, as well as contributions to the Audit Committee and Capital Campaign Committee for Christ the King Center.
As a Vocational Deacon ordained on June 10, 2006, she was assigned to St. John’s, Troy, NY, where she established a Healing Prayer Ministry and co-founded the Holy Spirit Chapter of The Daughters of the King. She has led numerous Quiet Days and weekend retreats for various chapters and parishes, including Trinity in Watervliet. She has also served on Discernment Teams for Deacon aspirants and as a Chaplain for The Daughters of the King.
In addition to her diocesan work, Dcn. Sandy served two terms on the Great Chapter of the Cathedral and was a co-presenter at two Diocesan Conventions on the role of Church Wardens and Vestry. She is currently a member of the Bishop’s Advisory Committee. Professionally, she dedicated 39 years to Stuyvesant Plaza, Inc. as Administrator and CFO, where she brought strong administrative and financial expertise to her work.
Her life and ministry reflect a deep commitment to the church and a heart for service, guiding others in their spiritual journey and fostering community within the Body of Christ.
About Shannon Beckwith
Shannon is a certified Holy Yoga instructor. She teaches Holy Yoga classes at the Church of the Messiah in Glens Falls and Christ the King Center. Shannon works at Christ the King Center as an Education and Program Coordinator and is part of the Albany Blooms Thriving Parish Initiative coaching team. Shannon attends the Church of the Messiah in Glens Falls and participates in several ministries there. She loves to hike, garden, and spend as much time outside as possible. She lives in Wilton, NY, with her husband and three daughters.
About Deacon Sandy McGowan
Before coming to the Cathedral of All Saints in Albany, Deacon Sandy McGowan served at the St. Francis Mission with families from Burma and Thailand refugee camps. While St. Francis was without a priest, she led Sunday worship, preached sermons, and participated in administrative duties of the parish.
At the Cathedral, Deacon Sandy leads Sunday school and is a part of the pastoral care team.
Deacon Sandy is retired from a thirty-two year career in public education, with specialties in special education and counseling. She lives with her husband, George, in East Greenbush. The McGowans have two sons, and she especially enjoys spending time with her two grandchildren.
About Hillary Wendell
Hillary grew up in the Episcopal Church. She currently attends Trinity Church Watervliet. She serves on the music ministry, outreach committee, altar guild, teller, Eucharistic minister and has served as a warden and vestry member many times. In her day job, Hillary is a branch manager of Key Bank in Wilton, New York helping business clients. After work, Hillary owns a side business Happy Willow Designs, making greeting cards and handmade gifts. This is her passion and she’s excited to share a piece of that in this session! She and her husband, Sean live in Clifton Park, New York with their two cats, Eleanor and Rigby.
Every year the Women's Retreat picks a local ministry to support. This year we have partnered with Capital City Rescue Mission. We are specifically supporting their efforts with their Women's Emergency Shelter. It is an 12-bed shelter, available on-site for single women who need safe shelter, a warm bed, and a refreshing shower. The overnight shelter is open all year round. To do this we are encouraging participants to bring one, or more, of the items in the graphic below or to purchase something from their Amazon wish list. You can find that wish list here: Amazon Gift List
The website will be updated periodically with breaking news and updates. Check back often.
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