2025 MICHIGAN WOMEN'S MINISTRY

 Friday, August 15 - Sunday, August 17

Crystal Conference Center

Keynote Speaker

Rev. Nora Schumake

Registration Deadline:   August 1, 2025

Scholarships 

A limited number of scholarships are available.  If you need assistance in order to attend the retreat, please contact Marybeth McCormick, (947) 281-0551 or Rev. Brenda Etheridge, (313) 784-5665.

Check-in:   Friday August 15th.  Check-in begins at 3:00 pm.

For those who would like to arrive prior to check-in, early options such as: Biking, Hiking and Nature Walking are available.

Workshops:  You will choose one in the registration form.

• Count Your Blessings with Ashley Balogh
   Reflect on life’s gifts in this session that encourages gratitude as you create a Blessing Box to take home and use as you cultivate the life-long spiritual discipline of gratitude. You can use your blessing box as you join Disciples Women who have mindfully attend  to the daily blessings in the tangible act of depositing coins in their Blessings Boxes to support the ministries of Disciples Women and the church at large.
• Chair Yoga with Jane Schwab
   Experience the benefits of yoga in a gentle, accessible format designed for all bodies and abilities. This session uses seated and standing postures with a chair for support to enhance flexibility, balance, and relaxation in a welcoming environment.
• Writing to Understand with Vicki Kirby
   Discover the power of writing as a tool for insight, healing, and self-discovery. Through guided prompts and reflective exercises, participants will explore personal narratives and emotions to deepen understanding of themselves and their experiences.
• Play as Resistance with Rev. Dr. Beth Rupe
   Explore the radical power of joy and play as forms of spiritual resistance and renewal. This workshop invites participants to rediscover playfulness as a way to reclaim hope, challenge despair, and engage the world with creativity and courage.
• Sing a Joyful Song with Ann Taft
   Join your voice with others in this uplifting choir experience focused on community, harmony, and joyful expression. No prior experience needed—just a love of singing. The choir will perform during Sunday worship as a celebration of shared spirit.
• Sowing Seeds of Grace with Diana Payton and Kay Brannan
   Engage in meaningful conversation and hands-on activities as you connect with creation and consider the spiritual benefits of gardening. This interactive workshop offers the opportunity to nurture both personal growth and community connection.

What to Bring:   Bible, journal, pen, twin size bedding, pillow, towel, wash cloth, personal items, walking shoes, light jacket, swimsuit, flashlight, non-aerosol insect repellent.

Sunday Offering 

Donations - checks made out to CCMR WM/IDWM Endowment

Extra/Special Request

Please bring children, adolescent, and adult books and /or jigsaw puzzles for swapping.

Individuals and Congregations may donate a Unique Basket for the raffle with the funds going for the Scholarship Fund. There will be an opportunity to purchase raffle tickets to win a gift basket.  

Tote Bags – each individual is ask to bring a tote bag (small cotton with or without a design). What to include in the bag 

• Card or paper with your name, address including city and zip, birthday 
• Bottle of water or a reuseable bottle for water 
• Travel tissues 
• Some candy 
• Other items such as travel hand cream, sanitizer, bookmark, etc. 
• Each person will receive an event booklet, pen, notebook and prayer card as part of registration. 

The tote bags will be exchanged on Friday night with a person randomly selected as your prayer partner and can be used to carry needed items during the event.

Marketplace:  Do you have a side business or hobby and would like the opportunity to sell you wares?  The cost for a table is $10.00, payment to be made at the event. 

You will find an attachment in your confirmation email with the schedule and other information