Happy Sabbath, everyone,
On September 18–19, some of the women of our church will gather for a special Women’s Ministry Retreat. This will be more than simply a weekend away from home—it will be a sacred appointment with God and a time of spiritual revitalization, personal reflection, prayer, healing, and Christian fellowship.
Jesus understood the importance of stepping away from life’s demands to commune with His Father. He also recognized this need in His disciples and said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while” (Mark 6:31, NKJV). This retreat offers our women an opportunity to accept that same invitation—to step away from their daily responsibilities and spend meaningful time in God’s presence.
Women carry many responsibilities and fulfill countless roles. They serve faithfully in their homes, churches, workplaces, and communities, nurturing their families, caring for others, supporting ministry, and quietly bearing burdens that are not always seen or understood. Yet even the strongest and most devoted woman needs moments to step away from life’s demands, lay her burdens at the feet of Jesus, and allow God to restore her soul and renew her strength.
The retreat will provide a sacred space where women can pause, breathe, and reconnect with God. Through heartfelt worship, earnest prayer, biblical reflection, inspiring messages, meaningful conversation, and joyful fellowship, they will be invited to reflect on their spiritual lives, listen for God’s gentle voice, surrender their worries, and receive fresh grace and strength for the journey ahead.
The retreat will also create opportunities to strengthen relationships and deepen a sense of sisterhood. When women gather in a loving, supportive, and Christ-centered environment, they are reminded that they do not have to face life’s struggles, questions, and changing seasons alone. As they share testimonies, pray for one another, laugh together, and offer words of encouragement, new friendships will be formed, existing relationships will grow deeper, and hearts will be drawn closer to Christ and to one another.
Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 reminds us, “Two are better than one… For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.” God did not design us to travel the Christian journey alone. We need to pray and encourage one another, celebrate our victories, and remain faithful during difficult seasons.
The blessings of women’s retreat reach far beyond those who attend. When a woman returns home spiritually refreshed, she carries that renewal into her family, church, workplace, and community. A woman strengthened through prayer can lift someone who is discouraged. A woman who has experienced God’s healing can bring hope to a wounded heart. A woman who has rediscovered her God-given identity and purpose can serve the Lord with renewed passion, confidence, and joy.
Let us pray for every woman who will attend, for each person who will lead, and for the Holy Spirit to move powerfully throughout the weekend. May God prepare every heart, remove every obstacle, and create an atmosphere where women can freely worship, reflect, heal, and grow.
To every woman attending: come with an open and expectant heart, believing that God has something especially for you. May September 18–19 be more than another event on our church calendar. May it become a sacred encounter with God and a spiritual turning point—a time when heavy burdens are surrendered, wounded hearts begin to heal, weary spirits are revived, faith is deepened, and relationships are strengthened. May our women arise from this retreat renewed in mind, restored in spirit, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live courageously for Christ.
Let us pray that every woman will leave the retreat more deeply rooted in God’s Word, strengthened in faith, anchored securely in Christ, and prepared to make a lasting difference in her home, her church, her community, and the kingdom of God.
Happy Sabbath!
Dr. Pastor Evadne Henry