For several years, the Board of Directors of Martha and Mary's Way discussed the need to expand our name and image to meet the interfaith inclusiveness of our mission. Sr. Irene McGrath and Rev. Judy Long O'Neal, past directors, encouraged the board to consider a name change before they concluded their service to the group. As mentioned in the spring's newsletter, the name change is needed to include women of all faith traditions and women seeking spiritual nurture on their journeys. Our mission has been to serve women on their spiritual journey and expand their experiences of themselves and others.
Last fall, 2005, the board had a retreat to decide what work was required to move forward into the future. Changing the name and visual image was on the top of the list. We struggled for several meetings to determine what the process should be.
In early 2006, we began working with Carey Treanor of Tallgrass Studios. She hleped us determine the process to create a new name and image. She shared with us her leadership talents and helped us work through our many ideas until the ideal name and image came to us! It was not an easy process and took much time, creativity, though and prayer.
During the process, we decided that Womanspirit Connection summed up our group's mission: bringing women together on their spiritual journeys!
Carey also helped us to consider a visual image. After searching our hearts and minds, we discovered that "the hummingbird's mission was to spread joy, bring energy, and open hearts so that we may love and live life to its fullest." This symbolic meaning and the visual grace of the hummingbird confirmed that it was the image to express our mission.
Finally the full board unanimously approved the name and visual image you have in front of you. We want to especially thank Carey Treanor for leading us through this process.
Please visit Carey Treanor, Tallgrass Studios, at www.tallgrassstudios.com to learn more about this talented group.
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