Captive Thoughts - Women’s Retreat

October 18th 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

This full-day retreat includes breakfast, worship with beautiful music, keynote address, three breakout sessions, fellowship, and lunch. We hope you can join us for an enriching day, growing in God’s Word together.

Keynote: Take Every Thought Captive – Dr. Rhoda Wolle

Have you ever read 2 Corinthians 10:5—“Take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ”—and thought, How is that even possible? I know I have. It can feel overwhelming, especially when we recognize our own struggles and sin. But here’s the good news: God has made it possible. In this session, we’ll explore how Scripture calls us to renew our minds, and how modern science is beginning to catch up with what God has already revealed. Together, we’ll look at the powerful connection between biblical truth and the way our brains are wired—designed by God Himself.

Retreat Schedule:

8:30a | Registration and Refreshments
9:15a | Opening Devotion
9:45a | Keynote Speaker – Dr. Rhoda Wolle
10:45a | Break
11:00a | Breakout Session #1
12:00p | Lunch
1:15p | Breakout Session #2
2:15p | Break
2:30p | Breakout Session #3
3:30p | Break
3:40p | Closing

Breakout Sessions:
Each person will attend 3 sessions based on preference and availability.  You will select your preference in order of 1 through 5 (with 1 being your highest preference.)

“Designed on Purpose for a Purpose” – Dr. Rhoda Wolle
Are you in a season of life where you find yourself asking, "Am I really doing what I'm meant to be doing?” You're not alone—and the good news is, God’s Word offers clarity, comfort, and direction for times like these. During this session, we’ll dive into Scripture to discover how God has uniquely designed you on purpose for a purpose. Together, we'll explore how to step into your calling with confidence and begin living each day with intentionality, faith, and renewed purpose.

“Finding the Cross - Comfort and Compassion in the Darkest Times” – D’Ann Schaefer
What does comfort look like in your darkest moments? How have you experienced compassion from others?  And what does it mean to be a vessel of comfort for someone else?  Let’s explore how faith, empathy and community can sustain us through life’s most difficult seasons.  “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.” (2 Cor. 1:3-4) 

“Rise and Shine - Building Up Yourself, Your Friends and Your Community in God’s Love” – Laura Cherney
By sharing the trials and joys of her journey, Laura hopes to equip women to "encourage one another and build each other up" through authentic conversations, laughter, and God's loving Word.  Her presentation will include tips, strategies, ideas and Bible passages and will explore some tough topics such as abortion and infant loss.

“Stressed Out and Standing Strong” – Sarah Reik
This presentation clarifies the issue of stress by looking at the definition of stress, good vs. bad stress, the signs of stress, and the causes of stress. We will discuss solutions for stress by identifying coping skills and stress prevention techniques, as well as considering God’s promises to help during stressful times.

“From Surviving to Thriving: God’s Design for Your Family” – Karrie Balza
So many families are stuck in survival mode—just trying to get through the day and wondering if this is what family life is supposed to feel like. But the truth is, God didn’t create us to live exhausted and disconnected. He created us to thrive. In this uplifting and practical session, we’ll explore what thriving can look like for you and your family and how you can implement small, intentional shifts that can lead to more peace, connection, joy, and purpose within you and your home.

Registration opens August 21st, registration deadline – September 22, 2025

*Please note that $40 registration fee is not refundable.

For questions, you can email us at womens.ministry@stpaulshowardsgrove.org