Abide in Love: Tend the Garden of Your Soul – Women’s Retreat 2025
Anyone who has gardened or farmed in central Texas knows that many factors must be addressed; weather, soil, water, and type of plant must all be considered. Deacon Kelly led us through an exploration of growing faith with the parable of the sower (Matthew 13). Jesus offered this parable to illustrate that God’s Word (the seed) is spread everywhere for all people. Then He exhorts “If you have ears, hear!” Over the course of 4 sessions, through reading, discussion and journaling, we identified our current existence. Were we in an area of hard-packed soil, hindered by large rocks, surrounded by thorns or nurtured by nutrient rich soil with access to sun and water? Considering the ways God’s Word has been spread through us, we grew in understanding how we could spread the Word to others.
At the retreat center we were surrounded by nature and quiet. Our study sessions were intermixed with creative craft opportunities, social times shared with new and old friends, game times (bringing much laughter)
and the most amazing, fine dining meals, prepared by our very own “Chef” Mark.
One participant said the meals made her feel like she was at a European spa resort!
Throughout our time together, Dar led us in a variety of songs. Our Saturday night worship in the chapel was especially rich, with Dar and Glenda leading us in the Holden Prayer Service and Jean facilitating communion.
A total of 28 women participated in the retreat and returned refreshed and blessed by this special time.
The dates for the 2026 retreat will be published in the Spring with registration beginning in August.