B.C. Mission Boat Society holds women’s retreat

QUADRA ISLAND, B.C. – From February 19-21, women from various communities where the B.C. Mission Boat Society (BCMBS) serves, travelled to Camp Homewood on Quadra Island for a retreat focused on God’s hope amid our grief journeys.  

Jennifer Jade Kerr served as main speaker for the event, sharing her gifts of therapy and song. She led participants through a discussion of what grief is, what God has to say about it, tools to help navigate the way, and a reminder that we are not journeying alone. Participants shared tears, laughter, sadness, and joy. During the event, Kerr shared a quote from the psychotherapist Francis Weller: “Grief and love are sisters, woven together from the beginning. Their kinship reminds us that there is no love that does not contain loss and no loss that is not a reminder of the love we carry for what we once held close.” 

Kerr reminded participants that grief work is hard work. “Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief.” (Psalm 31:9) 

“It was my honour and pleasure to speak on the topic of grief at the B.C. Mission Boat’s women’s retreat on Quadra Island,” Kerr said. “My interest in grief work has developed in several ways over the years, including five years working at a funeral home; my training and development as a mental and relational health counsellor; and through my father’s death in 2022. Grief is a huge part of our experience as human beings and learning how to be present and authentic in our grief can be an incredible challenge for many people.” 

She continued: “I had a number of goals speaking at this retreat: to normalize the grief experience; to present some psychoeducation as to what grief is, how it works, and how we can do our own grief work; and most of all, to share how God meets us in our grief with love, hope, and His abiding presence.” 

The retreat also heard from Cindy and Rev. Wayne Lunderby, who is director of spiritual care for the BCMBS. Cindy has been leading a growing grief share group in Chilliwack for the last two years. 

During the retreat, participants also shared wonderful meals together; played games; crafted handmade journal; painted; built puzzles; and enjoyed many other fellowship activities. The conference also featured a Hawaiian themed dinner, and a spa-afternoon with foot soaks, hand and foot massages, and nail painting.

The event was well-received. “I’m from a remote boat-access-only community,” Mindy writes, “and it’s rare I get out to treat myself. It was lovely to be pampered with delicious meals and spa activities. Even more meaningful were the sharing times and the opportunity to connect with other women from up and down the coast.” 

“Though the theme of grief can be a heavy one, the speaker was approachable, humorous, and vulnerable, and many of the women present did some hard work processing the grief and loss they’ve endured,” Mindy continued. “I really appreciate all the women who worked hard to put the retreat together.” 

Organizers thank God for His care and for all those who supported the retreat with donations and volunteering their time and talents. Plans are already underway for next year’s retreat.

Sonja Bland and Julie Klassen

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