On Sept. 16-18, more than 170 women attended the Iowa-Missouri Conference’s 2022 Women’s Retreat in Des Moines, Iowa.
This was the first year that young ladies, as young as 14 years-of-age, could attend. There were 23 young ladies who attended the retreat and participated in the separate programs. Many women expressed their thankfulness for including the younger women in the retreat.
“[The thing I liked best about the event] was that you included a teen event! Such a blessing,” one evaluation form read.
Young lady attendees voiced positive feedback about their programing.
“The teen program was great, I loved the discussion and setting,” a teen wrote on her evaluation form.
This was also the first time women’s retreat provided infant care, for children under the age of two. Three infants were cared for in the infant care throughout the weekend.
Friday afternoon attendees registered and could participate in literature outreach or choir practice. The KS-NE Adventist Book Center was set up next to the main meeting hall and was open for shoppers.
Friday evening was filled with songs and stories as guest presenter Gale Jones Murphy took the stage.
Sabbath morning women watched a video for Sabbath School. The morning program again featured guest presenter Murphy and included the choir which practiced the day before.
Following lunch, women could attend four sessions which took place back-to-back. The first session featured Tui Silafau, SALT outreach coordinator. The second session was presented by Amy Jo Wrobel, a member of the Iowa Prayer Breakfast Committee. Cheryl Erickson, the author of “Missionary Pumpkins,” spoke during the third session. The final session was given by Nancy Buxton, the women’s ministries director for the Mid-America Union.
After dinner, women rejoined in the meeting room for a talent show, a Women’s Retreat first. A variety of acts performed, drawing voices of praise and laughter from the audience. Many women expressed a desire to hold another talent show in the future.
“I would like the talent show moving forward at every retreat,” an evaluation form read.
Sunday morning concluded the event with one final presentation by Murphy. During the meeting, there were also opportunities for attendees to win giveaways.
The Women’s Retreat Committee is now reviewing evaluation forms as they begin planning for next year’s event.
The main sessions were livestreamed on both YouTube and Facebook. The videos are still available to all those interested in watching them.
