Disciples Women's Retreat 2026
"Arise, shine, for your light has come" Isaiah 60:1
April 10 - 12, 2026
Disciples Women's Retreat
Join us April 10 - 12, 2026
Join women from across the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Southwest for a meaningful weekend of spiritual renewal, personal growth, and joyful fellowship. The 2026 Women’s Retreat will take place at Connection Christian Church in Odessa, Texas, and offers space to reflect, connect, and grow together in faith.
We are thrilled to welcome Lori Tapia as our keynote speaker. Lori is a pastor, author, speaker, life coach, consultant, wife, mother, and self-proclaimed ice cream enthusiast. Her message centers on living authentically, believing in yourself and others, and embracing a full and faithful life—physically, spiritually, relationally, and emotionally.
Throughout the weekend, Lori will inspire and motivate participants to S.H.I.N.E. in a world that sometimes tries to dim our light, grounding the retreat in the theme:
“Arise, shine, for your light has come.” — Isaiah 60:1 n.
The Women's Retreat Planning Team: Johnnie Lou Boyd, Della Burrow, Debbie Bynum, Kay Castle, Macie Garrison, Joni Hires, Vanessa Redman-Bynum, Rosyln Ross, Tracy Scribner, and Leisa Young.
We are thrilled to welcome Lori Tapia as our keynote speaker. Lori is a pastor, author, speaker, life coach, consultant, wife, mother, and self-proclaimed ice cream enthusiast. Her message centers on living authentically, believing in yourself and others, and embracing a full and faithful life—physically, spiritually, relationally, and emotionally.
Throughout the weekend, Lori will inspire and motivate participants to S.H.I.N.E. in a world that sometimes tries to dim our light, grounding the retreat in the theme:
“Arise, shine, for your light has come.” — Isaiah 60:1 n.
The Women's Retreat Planning Team: Johnnie Lou Boyd, Della Burrow, Debbie Bynum, Kay Castle, Macie Garrison, Joni Hires, Vanessa Redman-Bynum, Rosyln Ross, Tracy Scribner, and Leisa Young.
Location
Connection Christian Church in
Odessa, Texas
Odessa, Texas
Date & Time
April 10, 2026, 4:00 PM - April 12, 2026 - 10:30 AM
The Countdown!
Registration Options & Pricing
Full Weekend Registration
Includes five (5) meals and access to all retreat programming.
Early Bird (ends March 13, 2026): $90
Regular (March 14–27, 2026): $95
Late (March 28–April 3, 2026): $100
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Saturday-Only Registration
Includes three (3) meals and all Saturday programming.
Early Bird (ends March 7, 2026): $85
Regular (March 8–15, 2026): $90
Late (March 16–20, 2026): $95
Includes five (5) meals and access to all retreat programming.
Early Bird (ends March 13, 2026): $90
Regular (March 14–27, 2026): $95
Late (March 28–April 3, 2026): $100
---
Saturday-Only Registration
Includes three (3) meals and all Saturday programming.
Early Bird (ends March 7, 2026): $85
Regular (March 8–15, 2026): $90
Late (March 16–20, 2026): $95
Hotels and Accommodations
A block of rooms has been reserved at:
Hilton Garden Inn
5221 John Ben Shepperd Parkway, Odessa, TX
📞 432-366-5800
Ask for the Women’s Retreat rate of $89 per night. Availability is limited, so please book early.
Hilton Garden Inn
5221 John Ben Shepperd Parkway, Odessa, TX
📞 432-366-5800
Ask for the Women’s Retreat rate of $89 per night. Availability is limited, so please book early.
Workshop Sessions
We want your retreat experience to be what you need it to be. The 2026 Women’s Retreat offers a variety of engaging and meaningful workshops designed to support spiritual growth, creativity, wellness, learning, and connection.
There will be three workshop sessions throughout the weekend. Not all workshops will be offered during every session. During registration, you will be asked to rank your workshop preferences. Workshops will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, and your personalized workshop schedule will be provided at check-in.
There will be three workshop sessions throughout the weekend. Not all workshops will be offered during every session. During registration, you will be asked to rank your workshop preferences. Workshops will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, and your personalized workshop schedule will be provided at check-in.
Leaders: Harriet Hicks & Michelle Fulton
Crafts: Stretch Bracelet Making
Join us for a creative and relaxing workshop where we’ll make stretch bracelets together. You’ll learn the basics of working with stretch cord, design techniques, and proper fastening. All materials are provided, including beads, charms, and stretch cord. You’ll leave with a finished bracelet—and the skills to create more for yourself, friends, and family.
Leader: Debbie Bynum
Mirrors and Rubber Bands
This workshop explores the tension that comes with growth and the importance of self-awareness. Participants will gain actionable insights into stretching beyond current limits, reflecting on personal strengths, and embracing new possibilities in order to lead with greater confidence and impact.
Leaders: Belinda Duke & Marla Morgette
Chair Yoga and Stretching
In the midst of busy lives, it’s essential to find ways to calm both body and mind. This session offers instruction in chair yoga and gentle stretching focused on increasing balance, mobility, and strength. Participants will learn stretches that support connective tissue, ligaments, bones, and joints, making this workshop accessible to all experience levels.
Leader: To Be Announced
Service Project
One of the most powerful ways to build community is by working side-by-side for a greater good. This hands-on service project will support the local community while providing space for connection, conversation, and shared purpose. Together, we’ll turn the energy of the retreat into a tangible gift for others.
Leader: Joni Hires
Essential Oils and the Bible
This workshop explores the historical and biblical significance of aromatic oils, including how plants mentioned in scripture were used for healing, spiritual practices, and symbolic meaning. Participants will also enjoy hands-on experience with modern essential oil blends inspired by biblical passages, highlighting the therapeutic and spiritual connections of these ancient practices.
Leader: Rev. Dr. Dawn Weaks
Bible Study: Women Who Shine
Sometimes scripture is misused to limit women’s voices or roles. This empowering Bible study examines commonly misused passages alongside stories of women in scripture who boldly shined against all odds. Together, we’ll reclaim these stories and reflect on how God continues to call women to lead, teach, and shine today.
Leader: Tracey Scown
Cooking Class: Baking Bread with Confidence
Does baking bread feel intimidating? In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn practical techniques for baking bread that is flavorful, tender, and satisfying. From activating yeast properly to creating the right environment for rising, we’ll prepare a basic dough that can be shaped into rolls, loaves, cinnamon rolls, or other delicious creations.
Leader: Lori Tapia
Q&A with the Keynote Speaker
Spend time with our keynote speaker in an engaging question-and-answer session. Ask Lori about leadership, faith, authenticity—or even her favorite ice cream flavor! This relaxed setting offers a chance to connect more deeply with Lori and benefit from her wisdom and experience.