Women’s Retreat

Sept 20-22, 2024: Women’s Retreat 

The Women’s Retreat is open to all women ages 18 and up. The weekend will provide rest, relaxation and fellowship, plus Bible study and food. The fall weather should provide opportunities for walking, hiking and meditation in the labyrinth. Costs cover lodging, food and programming.

Here is a little on Paula Zavitz, one of the leaders of the retreat:

My journey started at the Congregational Church in Wheatridge Colorado, where our mother took us to church. I remember sticking my head out of the car window to sing Jesus Loves Me on the way home. I was baptized and joined the church when I was fourteen. My Mother and Father-in-Law invited me to join the Presbyterian Church when my husband Bill and I got married in 1982. The Air Force brought us to Rapid City in 1990, and we joined first, Westminster Presbyterian Church and later, First Presbyterian Church. It was there, a number of years later, that our interim Associate Minister, Jan Christensen, encouraged me to attend the APCE conference where I learned about the Church Educator Certification Program. I am a Certified Christian Educator with the PCUSA, a Commissioned Ruling Elder in the Presbytery of South Dakota, and maybe my favorite thing, and the most useful, a certified Story Teller for Godly Play. Since retiring as the Director of Children’s Ministry at FPC in Rapid City, I have become more involved with the administration of the Presbytery, currently serving as co-moderator of the Congregational and Pastoral Care Ministry Team. I love to tell anyone who wants to know, that God is with us, in every time and place, just as He promised, and that Jesus knows each of His sheep by name, welcoming them to come and enjoy the feast that He has prepared.

Also, meet Rev. Jan Christensen, another leader of the retreat:

Ordained in 2005 in the Presbytery of South Dakota, Jan’s first call to ministry was as Interim Associate pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Rapid City.  She is currently in her 16th year of ministry as pastor of Presbyterian United Church of Christ in Le Mars, Iowa, the Ice Cream Capital of the World.  Prior to sensing a call to vocational ministry, Jan was employed in the public school system in Nebraska, first as a home economics teacher and later as a middle school counselor. One constant through her life journey has been her pets, who right now include a golden retriever, Buddy, and a ragdoll kitten, Leo.  While Jan enjoyed her role as an educator, she loves ministry, and is grateful for the opportunity to grow in faith and practice while serving the church these past years. 

Click here for the Women’s Retreat flyer!

Costs:

  • $115 per person