CWU Retreat Set For October 5
CWU Retreat Set For October 5
The Newtown/Bethel Church Women United (CWU) invites the public to a four-hour retreat on October 5 from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm at Christ the King Lutheran Church, Mount Pleasant Road, Newtown.
Linda Taylor will lead the Bible study, âSound the Shofar: Jubilee!â in preparation for the November 2 World Community Day Celebration at the United Methodist Church in Danbury, sponsored by the Greater Danbury CWU unit.
âForgive All Debts, Set People Freeâ is the subtitle of the Shofar theme, taken from Leviticus 25. CWU will advocate for the cancellation of debt for countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Shofar is a ramâs horn trumpet used by the ancient Hebrews in battle and high religious observances. The horn was used to announce the beginning of a year of jubilee (every 50 years).
The term jubilee stemmed from the verb jubilare, meaning feast and joy of forgiveness. Thus it is that CWU chose the fall of 2001 to sound the Shofar and call for the Jubilee.
Ms Taylor describes the structure the program as âa time to set aside grievances, to slow down, reflect and focus on our global community, and our responsibilities to it. In the Scriptures, the custom was to forgive debts and restore property to its original owners, thus liberating and setting captive people free, and proclaiming the acceptable year of the Lord.
âThe retreat will be a time to learn from Scripture and each other, to pray, and discuss responsibilities for the world at large.â
Those attending are asked to bring a sandwich and Bible. Dessert and beverages will be furnished. For more information, call Betty Williams at 270-9931.
Church Women United is a national ecumenical movement that was founded following World War II. The Newtown Unit was established in 1958. The Bethel Unit joined Newtown two years ago. Churches serving the CWU Newtown/Bethel Unit are Newtown United Methodist, St Rose of Lima Roman Catholic, Christ the King Lutheran, Trinity Episcopal, St Johnâs Episcopal, Newtown Congregational, and Walnut Hill Community Church in Bethel.