Our women’s retreat was designed to bring women together for spiritual growth, personal reflection, and fellowship. We provided a safe and supportive environment where women could step away from their daily routines, deepen their relationship with God and one another, and focus of specific areas of their spiritual journey.
Speaker: Dr. Kateryna Kuzubova
We were honored to have Dr. Kateryna Kuzubova as our speaker for this retreat. Dr. Kuzubova is a full-time in-seat professor at the Lakewood campus and a licensed professional counselor in the state of Ohio. With over nine years of experience in mental health, she has worked across various areas including addiction counseling and providing therapy for children, adolescents, couples, families, and adults. Her diverse background and insights into mental and emotional wellness enriched our sessions, as she guided us in understanding the practical, redemptive steps we can take to build healthy, God-centered relationships. Her expertise added tremendous value to our discussions, helping us see how God’s design can bring healing and strength to each area of our lives.
Exploring Relationships: Four Key Areas
We had four sessions throughout the weekend.
- Relationship with the Lord
Our opening session explored what it means to seek God wholeheartedly and rely on Him as the foundation of all our relationships. Dr. Kuzubova encouraged us to Be still and know (Psalm 46:10, Be Still and Know that I am God.) In the midst of turmoil and busyness of our lives, Katya encouraged us to pause and trust in God. - Relationship with Yourself
The second session invited us to be aware of our emotions. The Bible acknowledges the human feelings – joy, anger, sadness, fear, love and many more. We spent time in groups looking at different emotions in the Bible and the outcomes. Emotions themselves aren’t sinful but if unchecked they can lead us to actions outside of Gods will. Jesus himself expressed emotions – He wept, showed compassion and even displayed anger – demonstrating that emotions can be a powerful force for good when aligned with Gods purpose. Emotions are meant to draw us closer to God, deepen our empathy for others, and guide us in fulfilling our purpose with a heart that mirrors Christ’s compassion and self-control. - Relationship with Others In this session, Dr. Kuzubova shared biblical insights into communication. The Bible teaches us to “be quick to listen, slow to speak” (James 1:19), emphasizing that listening well is essential for building relationships and demonstrating Christ-like care. Listening goes beyond just hearing words—it involves actively trying to understand the person’s heart and circumstances. Jesus exemplified this by asking meaningful questions, such as, “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:51), showing genuine interest in others' needs and desires. Instead of only asking “How are you?” we can follow His example by asking questions that encourage others to share more deeply, such as “What has been on your heart lately?” or “What brings you peace or challenges right now?” This kind of intentional listening helps us become aware of others’ feelings and struggles, allowing us to support, encourage, and pray for them more effectively. By genuinely listening, we show others that they are valued and loved, creating opportunities for deeper connection and reflecting God’s love in tangible ways.
- Relationship with Your Self: For the final session, Dr. Kuzubova encouraged us to reflect on our role as current or future parents, mentors, or guardians. We discussed how God’s parenting of us serves as a model for nurturing, guiding, and loving children. This conversation inspired us to be a source of faith and encouragement for future generations.
Activities: Connection, Creativity, and Adventure
In addition to these impactful sessions, we enjoyed a range of engaging activities that brought us closer together and enhanced our retreat experience:
- Horseback Riding Through the Forest: This peaceful ride through scenic trails gave us a chance to marvel at God’s creation and experience nature in a beautiful and calming way.
- Archery: A fun and challenging activity, archery helped us focus on patience, precision, and enjoying the journey, qualities that relate to many of our relationships.
- Painting Master Class: In this creative session, we painted a picture guided by an instructor who encouraged each woman to add her own touch to the painting. This was a beautiful reminder of God’s unique design in each of us.
- Candle Making: Each participant crafted her own candle, symbolizing the light we hope to bring into our relationships. This hands-on activity was a relaxing and inspiring experience that left us with a special keepsake from the retreat.
- Quest Scavenger Hunt: This adventure had us teaming up in groups to solve clues, explore the retreat grounds, and enjoy some friendly competition. The scavenger hunt encouraged teamwork, laughter, and a sense of connection as we journeyed together.
Worship and Fellowship
A truly special part of the retreat was the time of worship, led by our youth. The young people of our community shared their gifts, leading us in praise and creating a beautiful atmosphere of worship that filled our hearts with joy and connection to the Lord.
Each evening, we gathered for fellowship, where women shared their testimonies and opened up about their journeys. The time of sharing was deeply moving, as women courageously spoke about their struggles, victories, and the ways God had worked in their lives. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of community and the healing that comes when we support one another through vulnerability and prayer.
Reflections and Moving Forward
The retreat was filled with moments of prayer, reflection, and fellowship, and every woman left with renewed insights and actionable steps to strengthen her relationships. We committed to taking at least one new practice back to our daily lives—whether it’s dedicating more time to our relationship with God, practicing self-kindness, or fostering deeper connections with loved ones.
As we return to our everyday lives, we hold onto the memories and lessons from this special weekend. The 2024 Women’s Retreat has reminded us of God’s beautiful design for relationships and His desire for us to live in love, compassion, and grace.
Karina Gorash
