WASKISEU (Skwn) — The annual diocesan prayer conferences are an opportunity to receive food for your soul while enjoying the company of like-minded people and great music.
But you also get food for your body. The Hawood Inn in Waskiseu has a reputation for excellent meals. The first meal is at 6 p.m. on Friday, where you are treated to a delicious meal of prime rib beef, Yorkshire pudding, vegetables, roasted potatoes and two salads, plus pie and cheesecakes for dessert.
After a restful sleep in a luxurious room, a breakfast of eggs, bacon, fruit, yogurt, juice and danishes is ready for your consumption. Lunch consists of soup, cheese, a variety of meats, salads and breads, along with fruit.
Where can you get all of this for $100 (single) or $150 (double room)? Of course, this is subsidized by the diocese, so that attending these events is affordable. It is like a mini retreat and is a welcome break from the rigours of winter.
This year, the topic for discussion was the Lord’s Prayer. It was a smaller group than usual due to illnesses and previous commitments. There were still familiar faces and friendships to rekindle. Archdeacon Brody Albers led the conference and was the first speaker, who introduced the topic on Friday night. The newly ordained Rev. Matthew Hoskin spoke in the morning, and Bishop Rick Reed gave the final address.
The Our Father was divided into three sections, with sessions about each section. The bishop suggested that each leader submit an essay on their presentation. The first session by Albers can be seen in this paper. The Rev. Hoskin and Bishop Reed will have their talks in the June paper. Be sure to read their dissertations, which will give you an idea of the calibre of work presented at these conferences.
In between sessions, participants played Kahoots, which is an interactive computer-based multiple-choice game. People in the audience logged into the program using their digital devices and used different icons and names. They then proceeded to see who could answer biblical questions the fastest and correctly.
It was fun and very competitive!
