Women’s Retreat

Your Retreat. Your Weekend.

Every year, the Women’s Retreat at Mt. Gilead is prayerfully planned with you in mind — and that is not just a phrase. It is the heartbeat of everything we do. Each session, seminar, and shared meal is chosen to offer you teaching that is encouraging, relevant, and solidly Biblical.

This weekend is a gift. A gift of time, of rest, of genuine community, and of space to hear from God without the noise of ordinary life pressing in. Whether you have been coming for decades or this is your first year, you will find a place here.

Bring your Bible, bring a friend, and come ready to receive all that the Lord has for you.

2026 Video Highlights

2026 Women’s Retreat Featured Speakers

Sharon Sands & Dawn Gould

Our 2026 Women’s Retreat was led by speaker Sharon Sands, Women’s Discipleship Director at Crossroads Community Church, whose warmth and love for women’s hearts made for a weekend full of laughter, truth, and encouragement. Pre-Conference Luncheon speaker Dawn Gould opened the retreat with a timely message from Psalm 139. Worship was beautifully led by Mickie Cazet, Sandi King, and Gabi Novak — three gifted women who together created moments of genuine, heartfelt praise.

Sharon Sands

Dawn Gould

2026 Worship Team

What You Can Expect at Mt. Gilead’s Women’s Retreat

The Women’s Retreat weekend is full — in the best possible way. From Friday evening through Sunday morning, you will move between worship and teaching, laughter and quiet, meaningful conversation and classic camp fun.

Here is a taste of what the weekend holds:

  • Inspiring and practical Bible teaching from a gifted guest speaker
  • Heartfelt worship led by talented musicians from the local church community
  • Saturday seminars — small-group breakout sessions on topics relevant to women in every season of life
  • A Friday evening Pre-Conference Luncheon — a warm and personal gathering to start the weekend
  • Connection with women from across the Nor Cal region who love Jesus
  • Restful accommodations in the beautiful Northern California redwoods
  • Incredible meals in the Mt. Gilead Dining Hall
  • Craft activities & outdoor recreation including:
    • Zipline
    • Goliath Swing
    • Human Foosball
    • Archery
    • Pickleball and more

Event & Registration Info

2027 Retreat Schedule

Friday Schedule

  • 11:30 AM Check-in opens
  • 12:00 PM Pre-Conference Luncheon
  • 1:00 PMWorship
  • 1:30 -2:30 PM Luncheon Session
  • 3:00 PM Retreat Registration
  • 6:00 PM Dinner
  • 7:00 PM General Session I — Welcome, Worship & Opening Message
  • 9:00 PM Snack

Saturday Schedule

  • 8:00 AM Breakfast in the Dining Hall
  • 9:00 AM Morning Worship & Teaching Session
  • 9:50 AM – 10:50 AM Track One Seminars
  • 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Track Two Seminars
  • 12:05 PM Lunch
  • 1:00 – 4:00 PM Free Time — recreation, rest, walks in the redwoods
    • OR
  • 1:00 – 4:00 PM Enjoy a Planned Activity or two – see info below for details
  • 4:30 PM Afternoon Session — Worship & Message
  • 6:00 PM Dinner
  • 7:00 PM Special Activity
  • 8:00 PM Evening activities / Chick Flick & Snack

Sunday Schedule

  • 8:00 AM Breakfast
  • 9:00 AM Worship
  • 9:15 AM General Session 3
  • 10:00 AM Silence & Solitude
  • 11:00 AM Worship, Time at the Cross, Communion
  • 12:15 PM Lunch
  • 1:00 PM Depart

Saturday Seminars

Two Saturday Morning Seminars: 9:50 – 10:50 am & 11:00 am – 12 noon

Saturday Afternoon Activities

Select 1-2 from the following activities in which to participate. Note the start & stop times as these planned activities conflict & overlap.

Activities subject to change for 2027 Retreat.

Human Foosball

If you like playing foosball you’re going to love this live-action version. Grab a group of buddies and enjoy our newest recreation element!

1:00 – 4:00 PM

Archery

Come learn an ancient and challenging skill. Test your archery skills with your friends!

1:00 – 4:00 PM

Pickleball

This popular sport is fun, low impact and a great way to make new friends.  Join us as we provide two pickleball courts for lots of friendly competitions.

1:00 – 4:00 PM

Coffee Bar

Enjoy this time to relax under the trees with your buddies and enjoy some of Mt. Gilead’s treats, out of this world coffee and other exceptional drinks.

1:30 – 4:00 PM

Journal Craft

Come grab your buddy and craft your own “Not My First Rodeo” personalized faux leather journal.

Space limited to 40 participants
Cost:  $10

1:00 – 2:15 PM

Chili Cooking

Whether you are a heat-loving chili lover or a mild-manner chili lover we have a recipe for you. Learn from our Kitchen Supervisor, Tynisha, tips for creating incredible chili your family will love.

2:30 – 3:30 PM

What To Bring

besides an open heart ready to receive

  • Comfortable, layered clothing for cool forest mornings & evenings
  • Toiletries & personal items
  • Comfortable walking/hiking shoes
  • Bible & Notebook
  • Flashlight