Use seasonal decor and ideas for a women's retreat.
Retreats can be a much-needed source of encouragement and refreshment for many women. Choosing a theme and activities can be an overwhelming task. Whether you choose prepackaged retreat materials or create your own, using seasonal themes, decor and food will help you plan a memorable retreat.
Spring
A garden party is the perfect theme for a spring women's retreat. Decorate with flowers of all kinds, seeds and gardening tools. Talk about seeds of kindness, blooming where you are planted or growing in God. Center your spring retreat around a spring brunch. Have all the women participate in a service project by planting flowers around the church or putting together flower arrangements for the sanctuary or classrooms. Take a break from serious study to have a spring fashion show with outfits donated from a local shop.
Summer
Group Publishing makes it easy for ladies to create a beach-themed retreat. "Sea Side Escape" uses seven commonly found beach items to help women remember what they learn while studying the story of Sara and Hagar in the book of Genesis. This retreat package comes with everything your women's ministry needs to make your retreat a success. Other summer retreat ideas include a study of the fruit of the spirit, "Lei Your Burdens Down" (luau theme) and "Cruise into Living" (a study on serving others).
Winter
Winter is the perfect time for cozying up with friends, a book and hot chocolate. Plan your winter retreat around these themes by having drink mixes readily available with hot water for brewing. Each woman can choose her own mug to use throughout the retreat and take it home to serve as a reminder of what she learned. Serve soup or chili if a meal is needed. Study themes can focus on "Enduring the Winter" (trials), "A Whole New You" (New Year's) and "Winter Haven" (resting in the Lord).
Fall
Fall retreats can focus on Thanksgiving, blessings and gratitude. They can also be based on life changes (changing leaves), and falling in love with Jesus (falling leaves). "Apples of Gold" can be used as a theme based on Psalm 25:11, "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver." Decorations can center around yellow apples and silver decor. Serve apple cider, donuts and apple recipes. Send each lady home with a small basket of apples, or apple bread and an apple recipe. Take some time in October to plan a retreat centered around freedom from fears.
Tags: retreat around, women retreat