Banner announcing a women's retreat 'Set Sail' with a woman sailing on a wooden boat on blue water, April 23–25, 2027.

Women’s Retreat | April 23-25, 2027

Theme: Set Sail

The ancient maritime phrase, “Set Sail” referred to positioning the sails to catch the wind so the vessel could move forward. Has the Lord been leading you to set sail by positioning your heart and attitude in such a way that you can catch the wind and yield to His Spirit? Is God leading you in one direction while you are yearning to go in another? Are you cooperating with Him or resisting Him? Join us as we lean into the heart and voice of God, set sail, and follow Him wherever He leads.

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21

2026 Video Highlights

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 and seminar is created to provide you encouraging, relevant, and solidly Biblical teaching.

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.

 

Back by Popular Demand

If you enjoyed Line Dancing at our 2026 Women’s Retreat, you’ll want to join us for another evening created just for you! Come kick up your boots for an evening of laughter, friendship, and fun you didn’t know you needed.

Gilead Gals Line Dance Night

Sunday, September 27, 2026 | 5:00 – 8:00 pm

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.

A woman with long, wavy light brown hair smiles outdoors. She is wearing a black jacket, and trees and blurred mountains are visible in the background.

Sharon Sands

A woman with straight, grayish-brown hair and bangs smiles outdoors, wearing a denim jacket. Lush green grass and a tree are visible in the background.

Dawn Gould

Three women pose indoors by a Yamaha keyboard. One woman sits and smiles behind the keyboard while the other two stand beside her, all smiling at the camera.

2026 Worship Team

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

Every year, our 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 each Retreat 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
Two women wearing helmets and harnesses smile and stand side by side outdoors in front of a chain-link fence, ready for an adventure or zip-lining activity.
A group of people, mostly women, stand indoors with some raising their hands, appearing to participate in a communal or worship event.
Two women stand closely together, smiling, in a lush forest setting with tall trees and green foliage. Both are wearing casual jackets and appear happy and relaxed.
A person wearing a red helmet and safety harness smiles while holding onto blue ropes, preparing for an outdoor adventure activity. Green foliage is visible in the background.

Event & Registration Info

A group of people are lined up indoors, following a dance routine. Most are wearing casual clothes and jeans, lifting one leg as they move in unison. The background shows trees and a basketball hoop.

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.

An outdoor fenced court with a small soccer goal, string lights overhead, trees in the background, and a wooden structure on the side.

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

A person with long hair, wearing a black shirt and name tag, aims a pink and black compound bow with a nocked arrow outdoors in bright sunlight.

Archery

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

1:00 – 4:00 PM

Two kids play pickleball on an outdoor court under a white canopy. One is about to hit the ball with a paddle while the other stands ready on the opposite side of the net. Trees and fence are in the background.

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

Six women sit around a wooden table, smiling at the camera. Coffee cups, notebooks, and bags are on the table. Behind them is a window with gray curtains and a Summer Jobs Mt. Gilead sign.
A group of women pose and smile outdoors in a wooded area, standing on steps surrounded by trees and greenery. Many wear casual jackets or sweaters, and some have name badges.
Three smiling older women stand outdoors in a wooded area, wearing casual clothes and name badges. They have gray or white hair and are standing close together, enjoying each others company.

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