Georgia Disciples Women’s Retreat 2025
The story continues . . . .
Although Hurricane Helene changed the Disciples Women’s fall retreat plans, the Regional Disciples Women’s Leadership Team has been able to reschedule the event on February 21-23, 2025 at Little Ocmulgee State Park and Lodge. Disciples women will gather for fellowship, worship, learning, and service, guided by the theme “Crazy Love: Sharing Stories of Jesus.” Keynoter Rev. Daniel Claire Brower will lead us through a creative exploration of the focus scriptures, Isaiah 43:2, John 16:33, and 1 Thessalonians 5:11. Rev. Nancy Oliver will lead us in music.
Check In & Check Out
Retreat check in begins in the Little Ocmulgee Lodge Lobby Friday, February 21, at 4 pm, with dinner served at 6 pm. Checkout is Sunday, February 23, by ll am, with worship beginning at 10:30 am and lunch available from 12-1 pm.
Registration & Fees
Please read the following carefully to guide your registration process. These instructions are also included in this letter from Rev. Lainie Jenkins, Regional Director of Women’s Ministries. Please register early! Deadline for registration is February 5, 2025.
Unlike Epworth, meals are separate from the rooms, so everyone attending will pay this portion in advance through the Event Registration & Meals link below – $106.27 for all six meals includes taxes and gratuities. We must have your payment before the retreat so that we can cover the expense.
Like Epworth, you will make your lodging reservations separately. Unlike Epworth, you will need to call the Lodge at (229) 868-7474, from 6 am-midnight, 7 days/week, and provide our group code to get our special rate; (see letter for group code). But do check out their website to see the delightful accommodations and features of Little Ocmulgee State Park & Lodge. Please note, your emailed room confirmation will not reflect our group rate ($155/night). Their system confirms it at the regular rate, our Group Sales Director adjusts it and notifies you before check-in; you pay the adjusted rate at check-in. No deposit is taken at the time of your reservation but you will be responsible for paying for a room not canceled 72 hours in advance.
The lodge rooms have 2 queen beds, and our rate is $155/night whether you have 1 to 4 people in a room. So, for 2 to a room, for 2 nights, it would be $155 per person plus taxes and a daily $10 lodge fee per room, which includes a park pass.
If you were registered for the 2024 Fall Retreat, you still will have to register through the Event Registration & Meals link, but you will not pay a registration fee. You will only need to pay for meals when you get to the payment page. On the payment page, choose the second payment box (not $186.27) and enter $106.27 in the amount box. We have the full list of Epworth registrants, so we will verify your previous $80 registration through that list.
If you were not registered for the Fall Retreat, you will register, pay the $80 registration fee and the $106.27 meals fee all at the same time.
If you were registered for the Fall Retreat but can’t come to Little Ocmulgee, we would be grateful if you choose to use your previous registration fee as a donation, or let Lainie Jenkins know if you would like us to reimburse you.
Please note: The registration fee to the Christian Church in Georgia is non-refundable. It is transferable to another woman attending the retreat, or you may choose to use your registration fee as a donation.
Flier
Post this flier in your church or include it in your church newsletter, Facebook, or Instagram page.
Rev. Daniel Claire Brower — Keynoter
Rev. Brower is a long-time Southerner and a short-time Disciple of Christ but loves both with all her heart. She is currently serving at the First Christian Church of Decatur in beautiful Decatur, Georgia. She has previously served at First Christian Church of Lawrenceville, Bethel United Methodist Church, and Long Cane United Methodist Church. She holds a Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dramatic Writing from Savannah College of Art and Design. She delights in weaving together storytelling, theology, and spirituality not only from the pulpit but in every aspect of life. She is married to TW Brower and together they have three rabbits, one cat, one daughter, and enough love to power the world. Rev. Brower also serves in the Georgia Army National Guard as Chaplain to the 878th EN BN in Augusta, Georgia.
Rev. Nancy Oliver — Musician
Rev. Oliver has served Peachtree Christian Church in Atlanta for 25 years as Minister of Children and Youth and recently served as our 2022 Fall Retreat Keynoter. She brings her experience as a professional entertainer, actress, and director, performing along with her husband Steve, in theatre, television, radio commercials, and many other venues. Blending her music ministry with her theatrical magic has brightened the lives and dreams of countless young people and reignited joy in women of all ages! She will be accompanied by Candace Stoffel on piano, who has enjoyed a 36-year career of teaching music.
Service Project
Telfair County was hit hard by Hurricane Helene, and we would like to support the families around Little Ocmulgee State Park who are still struggling. Your donations will be given to First Baptist Church, McRae, which serves as the area’s donation center.
Non-perishable food items
Diapers and pull-ups – all sizes
Toilet paper, paper towels, Lysol and surface wipes
Gas cards, grocery cards, Visa cards, Walmart gift cards
Sunday Offering
An offering will be received as part of Sunday morning worship to support Georgia Disciples Women’s Ministries and Week of Compassion. Week of Compassion’s Annual Campaign is the weekend of our Retreat. If you would like to send an offering contribution even if you cannot be there, make your donation here on this website, and be sure to select Georgia Disciples Women on the memo line.
Blessing Boxes
Blessing boxes are funds you personally collect for the blessings you receive throughout the year. Blessing boxes are a long tradition with women in CWF and DW, and it is still a great way to support Disciples Women International as well as Georgia Disciples Women. You can bring your change, cash, or checks to the Retreat or make a donation online; either way is great!
Silent Auction
Back by popular demand is our Silent Auction, with proceeds benefiting Georgia Disciples Women’s Ministry. Make a basket or box that would include items around a theme that you would like. Examples from the past include a basket with items to pamper yourself, a candy basket, spa basket, book basket, hiker’s basket, wine basket.
Size of basket: Along with just a few larger baskets with more costly contents (wine, concert, theatre or symphony tickets) we suggest small to medium baskets so that every woman can join in the bidding fun.
To present the basket, include a card that: 1) Identifies the giver's name or group name and church, 2) Lists all the items included, 3) Lists fair market value, and 4) Suggests a minimum bid. Be sure to secure items in place, or wrap in clear wrapping paper so that items are visible. In Remembrance
Please submit names of women in your families or churches who have passed away since the September 22-24, 2023 retreat. Names should be submitted to Rev. Lainie Jenkins by February 5 to be included in the retreat booklet.
Scholarships
You are invited to help support other women who need a transformative weekend away — and who might not otherwise be able to attend the retreat. If you need scholarship assistance, contact Rev. Lainie Jenkins. All scholarships and inquiries are confidential.
More Information
Download and post this flier in your church or church’s newsletter or social media. Share this flier about ways to support the retreat among the women in your church.
f you have questions or need assistance with registration, please reach out to Rev. Lainie Jenkins, Director of Women’s Ministries for the Christian Church in Georgia.