Event Info April 18, 2026 8:30 AM (CDT)
Immanuel Lutheran Church 214 W 5th St Washington, MO 63090 Get Directions
Our theme this year is “Life Together.” Our main speaker is Katie Schuermann, author of Pew Sisters, the Anthems of Zion fiction series, The Saints of Whistle Grove, He Remembers the Barren, etc. The retreat will also include breakout sessions, service project opportunities, and fun and fellowship with sisters in Christ.
Breakout Sessions Offered:
1. Keeping the Attention of Our Children Led by Katie Schuermann
Are you a teacher, mother. grandmother, godmother, or beloved auntie? Storytelling has always played an integral role in how we pass down our cultural treasures from one generation to the next. But in this present age of smartphones and screens, too many storytellers are vying for the attention of the children in our lives. Join author Katie Schuermann in a discussion of how to tell good, beautiful, and true stories to win back the hearts (and eyes and ears!) of our children.
2. We May Be Different but We’re All One Family Led by Pam Steffens
We are a diverse world, created by God in this way for His purpose. In this session we will discuss what diversity is, and how this concept has become controversial. We also will discuss how God’s plan for diversity is meant to bring us together as a family with God as our Father.
3. Being the Village: Life Together in the Body of Christ Led by Molly Beers
God never designed His people to walk alone. From ancient villages to the early church, life was lived together. Scripture tells us this is not accidental, but God’s gracious design. In this session, we’ll explore what “it takes a village” has meant historically, how the early church lived as one body in Christ (1 Corinthians 12), and what it looks like for women of all ages to truly do life together in the church today.
4. Death Together Led by Marilyn and Cheryl Parsons
Death is often seen as an end. As Lutherans, we believe differently. This class explores what theology and the Bible state about dying and the heaven waiting for us, where we’ll be with God as has been promised.
5. Strengthening Connections in the Body of Christ Led by Deaconess Kelly Hardt
(offered morning only)
What a blessing that God has placed us together as His body! Because we are sinners, we know that our relationships within this body aren’t perfect. In this session, we will discuss how we respond out of gratitude for God’s love for us by encouraging, loving, supporting, and forgiving our fellow members in the body of Christ.