The United Women in Faith (Mazeppa United Methodist Church) hosted an inspirational fall retreat November 19th at the Mazeppa Community Center. The afternoon began with Bluegrass Gospel music played by The Becky Schlegel Band. Becky has performed in Nashville and on The Prairie Home Companion. She and her husband, Heath Loy, operate the popular Loy Show Barn at Oronoco. (Becky and her band are slated to play a Christmas concert at The State Theater in Zumbrota on December 17th.) Other members of Saturday's band included Eric Christopher and Clint Birtzer. These two Twin Cities musicians, also of "The High 48s," wowed the crowd with skillful playing of fiddle, violin, and mandolin.
After this exceptional musical introduction, the crowd was blessed by keynote speaker, Cheryl Taylor. Cheryl, a retired teacher and pastor's wife, addressed the question "Where is God When I Feel Alone?" She told about planning a once-in-lifetime trip to Hawaii which was then interrupted by the 2020 pandemic. Cheryl graciously shared excerpts from the journal she kept during this lonely, isolating time.
Following the keynote, participants heard stories from teens about their summer 2022 mission trips. Maria Hegland and McKenna Malecha of Northfield told about helping farmers in Puerto Rico. Sami Tierney of St. Paul shared her experiences leading teens in serving those in need here in Minnesota. During the last hour of the afternoon, Tracy Nelson of Mazeppa and Ann Neil of Pine Island led the group in exploring pertinent Bible verses and making homemade sugar scrubs.
It was an afternoon that refilled the soul! The Mazeppa ladies aim to grow this successful afternoon into an annual event.
