Discover & Discern with Women of the Gospels
Jesus tells us over and over in His words and actions that He loved women. He saw them, recognized them, spoke with them, prayed with them, trusted them, and lifted them up at a moment in human history when women were largely invisible.
Most importantly, He welcomed them and relied on them as His partners in salvation. He made them part of His ministry and paid attention to their worth in a way that dared others to continue ignoring women’s presence. Jesus’ love for women was a great manifestation of God’s love for us! His loves proves that:
Women are worthy of every gift of the Spirit!
Women are called to do important work!
Women are needed to be the presence of God on earth in this moment!
These Gospel-based retreats are designed to help women connect deeply with the Jesus who loved women, and to gain strength and direction from that love. Together we will:
-
Spend time with these great holy women in their own stories.
-
Explore their challenges and their gifts.
-
Give voice to our narratives and experience a sense of belonging and sisterhood that bridges the generations.
-
Create the space for God to show us how much we are loved and needed today, and always.
Each Retreat Includes:
-
3-hour program segments of lecture, spiritual practice, and discussion.
-
Opening and closing worship, as well as prayer during each meeting session.
-
Guided instruction in the Dialectical Written Prayer Method© in each session.
-
Lectures / presentations with theological and historical reflection.
-
Large and small group reflection work.
-
Facilitated discussions and harvesting of spiritual gifts.
-
Handouts for additional reading and reflection.
Choose from one of seven powerful New Testament passages:
The Woman with the Hemorrhage (Matt 9:21):
“If only I touch His cloak, I will be healed.”
Retreat Theme: God yearns for women’s voices.
The Cannanite Woman (Mark 7:28)
“Even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”
Retreat Theme: God affirms women’s wisdom.
Elizabeth Welcomes Mary (Luke 1:44)
“As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.”
Retreat Theme: God chooses women to announce the Sacred.
Mary at Cana (John 2:5)
“Do whatever he tells you.”
Retreat Theme: God claims women as partners in Salvation.
Martha and Mary of Bethany (Luke 10:40)
“Don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
Retreat Theme: God elevates women beyond barriers.
The Samaritan Woman at the Well (John 4:25)
“I know the Messiah is coming.”
Retreat Theme: God trusts women with great responsibility.
Mary Magdalene Sees the Risen Christ (John 20:18)
“I have seen the Lord!”
Retreat Theme: God anoints women.
Best Time of Year?
-
Women of the Gospels retreats can be scheduled at any time during the year.
-
Consider creating a series of retreats and spend time with several of these holy women over the course of a year!
-
A great way to celebrate Thanksgiving, New Year’s, Easter, or Mother’s Day.
-
Plan a retreat with Mary Magdalene to coincide with her feast day or choose to spend time with Mary, Mother of Jesus to coincide with any of her holy days.
Who Should Attend?
-
These retreats are designed for women and are especially relevant to women’s faith and spirituality.
Scheduling:
-
3-day retreats: 5 3-hour sessions (Fri evening through Sun morning)