Ready to Bloom: SNEC Women's Ministries Retreat

Ready to Bloom, Southern New England Conference's (SNEC) 2025 Women’s Ministries retreat, equipped women to blossom in virtually every area of their lives. Held in Boxborough, MA on September 26-26, the retreat was packed with presentations on everything from mental health and heart health to essential oils, planning a will, single parenting and more, but there was still time for the women to connect with each other and God, relax with a hand massage, and take a walk.

On Friday night, the women eased into the weekend by getting to know each other.  They were asked what their expectations were for the weekend and to describe in one word their current season, which allowed the women to open up and share their joys and sorrows. 

Sabbath morning at 6 AM, about a dozen early rising women joined the Rise and Shine Walk, led by Paulette Chandler, MD, who encouraged everyone to walk with someone they didn’t know. This was followed by a Rise and Shine devotional led by Sandy Sergeant.

 The keynote speaker, Lola Moore Johnston, who founded The Bloom Society to mentor purpose-driven leaders, inspired and instructed the women on Friday night and Sabbath.

The women enjoyed music led by Kirosha Huggan’s Kingdom Voice and Music praise team and a creative movement special music by Jasper Praise group from the Pleasant Street church.

Jeannette Behrmann was one of six women who shared how they have created a ministry to meet a specific need.  Behrmann, with Upward Movement Ministry, travels around the world spreading the gospel while teaching women to sew, which empowers them to care for their family, become an entrepreneur, and rise out of a life of poverty or oppression.

However, this retreat was more than just listening to stories about mission. "We want to be community-minded," said Sandra Hinds, SNEC Women's Ministries coordinator and retreat organizer, "so we always take up an offering for a special project." This year they raised over $2000 for Worcester SDA School. The women were also asked to bring personal care items which they packaged to send to three food pantries and shelters.

In a move to support women's endeavors, Hinds also set up tables where women could promote their ministry or business, which were open after Sabbath hours.

By Sunday, after a weekend of connecting with God and each other, women at the early morning devotional lingered for a while, talking, bonding, and praying together.  

“From beginning to end, to God be the glory,” said Hinds.  “We couldn’t have done it without Him. We saw how He blessed.”

If you would like to be part of this vibrant and supportive community of women, please contact Sandra Hinds at shinds@sneconline.org.  For photos, updates, and what’s coming next, follow SNEC Women’s Ministries on Facebook.