-Women’s Fellowship Retreat-
Dr. Cynthia Fantasia Addresses "Unrealistic Expectations"
by Alice Bruton

Saturday, September 20^th,  was an awesome day!  The Women’s Fellowship of the Church on the Cape held the first of what we hope will be an annual Women’s Retreat.  The weather was spectacular; the location was perfect; the atmosphere full of anticipation; the retreat leader, Dr. Cynthia Fantasia, was fantastic; the number of people attending was wonderful; and the food was delicious. Thank you to the committee of Beryl Samia, Ellen Doubleday and Carol Olson for all the preparation and implementation. Thank you to Karissa Sharkey and Wendy Emmons for the meaningful music.  The retreat was held at the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust Building and grounds from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with forty women in attendance.

Our retreat leader was Dr. Cynthia Fantasia from Lexington, MA. A summary of her experience reads as follows: “Cynthia Fantasia currently serves as Pastor of Women at Grace Chapel, Lexington MA. Her ministry focuses on the transforming love of Jesus and the growth and development of women. With an honest and realistic approach to the truths of Scripture, Cynthia gives women an opportunity to believe in themselves and the love God has for them. Humor is woven into her teaching, encouragement is the foundation of her messages and His joy and hope are offered to all.” (quoted from www.cynthiafantasia.org)   The topic chosen for the Women’s Fellowship Retreat was “Unrealistic Expectations”.

Cynthia spoke about our journey to joy and how joy is a process – a journey, a mystery, an opportunity to grow, and a letting go of “stuff”.  Expectations are things that get in the way of joy.  Expectations can also be the best part of a journey.  Unrealistic expectations may end in failure.  Realistic expectations help move you into God’s plan for you.  Cynthia spoke during a morning and an afternoon session, with a video being shown during each session.  There was a morning sharing time in small groups outdoors in the sunshine.   There was a circle of women of every age doing stretching and relaxation exercises just before going into the small group discussions.  A box lunch was served at mid-day with sharing conversation continuing throughout the lunch hour.

Those in attendance came away feeling fulfilled:

"It was a wonderful and refreshing experience - Each and everyone of us felt a very strong bond with each other while sharing our thoughts." "Before, when I came to church, I saw 'people'. Now today when I came, I saw 'friends'." "Fabulous! Thought-provoking, exciting, fun and an opportunity to make intergenerational friends." "The retreat was relaxing, enriching and spiritually enlightening. Cynthia was dynamic, funny and all inclusive in her presentation. Her supportive direction and information led to a willingness to share in the small groups. Thanks to all those who made the day possible. It was seamless in design. The setting was comfortable and the luncheon was delicious. Having a video/sound person on the premises was very helpful." From an out-of-state visitor: "I'd really like to fly out here for next year's retreat." "This day was a wonderful spiritual journey shared by all who attended. We were one family sharing insights into each others' lives. We left spiritually fulfilled, happy and well fed! Congratulations to Beryl, Carol and Ellen. Can't wait for the next one!" "In friendship and worship, the day was perfect from beginning to end. So glad I didn't miss it. Thank you to all who made the day possible, and let's make it an annual fall happening."

We all left with a great deal of information to think about – unrealistic expectations and realistic expectations -  God’s plan for each one of us and listening in prayer for God’s expectations to be revealed and how to live the way God wants us to.  I think this first annual retreat was a great success.   It was well planned and executed and every woman there was excited to be a part of the day.   The Holy Spirit was indeed present.

This day was a wonderful spiritual journey shared by all who attended. We were one family sharing insights into each others' lives. We left spiritually fulfilled, happy and well fed! Congratulations to Beryl Samia, Carol Olson and Ellen Doubleday. Can't wait for the next one!

Read about our 2008 Christmas Party