From September 25 to 27, 2026, the annual women’s retreat, “Salon of Imperishable Beauty,” took place, organized for the eighteenth consecutive year by the women of First Slavic Church of Sacramento. This year, the retreat brought together 135 women representing 24 churches from the Pacific Coast Slavic Baptist Association (PCSBA) and other Christian congregations. Participants came from abroad and from South Carolina, Montana, Colorado, Utah, and Washington. Most came from cities across California, including San Diego, Fresno, Monterey, and Sacramento.

Three days on the scenic shores of Lake Tahoe offered the women opportunities for spiritual renewal, prayer, warm fellowship, and new friendships. Surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation, they could step away from daily responsibilities, reflect on God’s Word, and find encouragement in their faith.

Each morning began by the lake with worship, a brief devotional, and prayer together. Morning exercises helped the participants prepare for a full day of activities.

Reflections on Inner Beauty

The retreat’s special guest was Margarita Kolomiytseva, a Christian poet and speaker. Together with her assistant, Nadya Sinyaya, she led sessions addressing important aspects of women’s spiritual lives.

The sessions focused on three topics:

• “Life Without Mirrors: Who Am I?” — a biblical perspective on a woman’s identity, self-image, self-esteem, and search for purpose.
• “The Empathy of Christ” — learning to see people through Christ’s eyes, withholding hasty judgment, and seeking to understand, listen to, and help others.
• “A Woman and Her Unfulfilled Expectations” — finding hope, healing, and joy in God’s plan and growing in faith amid life’s trials.

These topics encouraged participants to reflect on true beauty, which begins in the heart, is expressed in relationships with others, and is revealed through trust in God.

An Evening of Poetry and Testimonies of God’s Faithfulness

A special highlight was an evening featuring Margarita Kolomiytseva’s poetry. She presented her work in three collections: “Personal,” “War,” and “Lyric Poetry.” Poems were recited with grand piano accompaniment, and songs set to her poetry were also performed. Participants had an opportunity to speak with the author and purchase signed copies of her poetry books.

Following refreshments prepared by the organizers, the women continued enjoying fellowship and sharing testimonies of God’s work in their lives.

The participants were especially moved by the testimony of Zhanna from Ukraine, who spoke about God’s care for His children during the war. They also heard accounts of miraculous healing from cancer, ministry in other countries, and assistance to widows and orphans in Ukraine. These testimonies reminded the women of God’s faithfulness, the power of prayer, and the importance of Christian service.

Creativity, Fellowship, and Prayer

The retreat offered a variety of activities. The women could try wood burning, decorate bags with appliqués and Scripture passages, and participate in engaging Bible challenges, identifying biblical stories from objects associated with the events.

A prayer corner held a special place in the program. Throughout the retreat, participants could place written prayer requests in designated baskets. These requests became a focus of shared prayer, helping the women support one another.

Once again, “Salon of Imperishable Beauty” women’s retreat became a place where faith was strengthened through God’s Word, prayer, testimonies, and sincere fellowship. These days gave the participants new friendships, memorable experiences, and spiritual encouragement for everyday life.

Praise God for this blessed time of fellowship, prayer, and spiritual renewal!

Nina Panasenko