Women of all ages enjoyed a restorative day of worship at Upper Columbia Conference Women's and Young Women's Spring Retreat 2025 held on May 3. This year’s theme, "Crafted by Grace," emphasized God’s abundant grace-filled plan for our lives.
The assembly room was jam-packed with more than 160 women in attendance, representing more than 40 different churches and including several non-Adventist community members. Those who attended the event appreciated beautiful music, stirring speakers, fresh food, handmade artwork and a warm and welcoming community of women.
Keynote speaker Jean Boonstra, Voice of Prophecy associate speaker and Discovery Mountain radio show creator, shared powerful personal stories highlighting grace, as well as how empathy acts as an antidote to shame. Additional guest speakers included Shauna Cruttenden, Bonners Ferry Community Thrift Center manager and treasurer; Heidi Jones, hospice chaplain; and Cindy Williams, UCC health ministries coordinator.
“We invited Boonstra to come speak in 2021, but, due to the pandemic, that ended up being online instead, which was still such a blessing,” said Patty Marsh, UCC director of women’s ministries. “It was a delight to have Boonstra with us in person this year and with one of her daughters as well!”
Special music for the weekend was provided by several talented musicians, including Olga Grigoryan, cellist, accompanied by Tatiana Sirotinskaya, pianist, as well as Sarah Droze, vocalist, accompanied by Ellen Tupper. Worship throughout the day also included musical praise led by Tracy Ganson, Jenni Won and Michelle Carlile.
“We prayed for a good attendance and should not have been surprised by how quickly people signed up,” said Wendy Urbin, UCC women’s ministries administrative assistant, “and for a good number of attendees, this was their first year attending.”
With record-high enrollment for this one-day retreat, registration closed two weeks early due to limitations on space. The women’s ministries team worked hard to find ways to squeeze more people in and was able to invite every person on the wait list to still attend.
One community guest who has attended for the last two years said, “I loved every portion of this special day! I am so glad that I came and I'm looking forward to next year’s. Thank you so much!” Gratitude was echoed by many other attendees. “I felt seen,” said another woman, “and that was exactly what I needed right now.”
More information regarding upcoming UCC women’s retreats and other initiatives can be found at uccsda.org/womensministries.
The one-day retreat featured well-crafted decorations and showcased Adventist artists.
Credit: Patty Marsh
More than 160 women attend the retreat.
Jean Boonstra, keynote speaker, shares powerful personal stories highlighting God's grace.
Jean Boonstra, keynote speaker, shares powerful personal stories highlighting God's grace.
Credit: Patty Marsh
