Saturday, February 7, 2026
10 AM- 4:30 PM
Melrose Baptist Church
“Journeying to Joy” is a one-day retreat that gives Christian women the opportunity to rediscover joy, rest in God’s presence, nurture their spirit, and be renewed by God’s love and the fellowship of other Christian women.
This retreat will help women explore how joy can be discovered and experienced through care, compassion, connection, and creativity.
REGISTER NOW
Schedule
9:30-10 AM: Gathering Time
10-10:45 AM: Opening worship
10:50-11:50 AM: Breakout session 1
11:55-1:15 PM: Lunch & Bible Study
1:20-2:20 PM: Breakout Session ii
2:25-3:25 PM: Group mission project
3:30-4:15 PM: closing worship
*In order to be respectful of people's time, we are offering a half-day option. Please indicate during registration which section of the day you will be attending.
Breakout Sessions
Gathering Joy Pieces: A Healing Art Workshop
Lead by Rev. Amy Hall, Shalom Creatives
Create a visual collection of your everyday joys in this gentle, guided collage workshop. Write, gather, and arrange images, words, and colors that reflect what lifts your heart and strengthens your spirit. This is a process-focused, low-pressure space for reflection and creativity.
Create a visual collection of your everyday joys in this gentle, guided collage workshop. Write, gather, and arrange images, words, and colors that reflect what lifts your heart and strengthens your spirit. This is a process-focused, low-pressure space for reflection and creativity.
Therapeutic Harp Ministry with Joy
Lead by Dr. Jocelyn Henry-Whitehead
Come and lay your burdens down and experience a time of healing with Dr. Jocelyn Henry-Whitehead who will introduce everyone to the therapeutic qualities of the harp.
Come and lay your burdens down and experience a time of healing with Dr. Jocelyn Henry-Whitehead who will introduce everyone to the therapeutic qualities of the harp.
Praying for the Journey
Lead by Rev. Sara Hubble
This interactive prayer workshop utilizes a multi-sensory experience to introduce you to new ways of prayer and to offer a warm, welcome space to openly pray to God.
This interactive prayer workshop utilizes a multi-sensory experience to introduce you to new ways of prayer and to offer a warm, welcome space to openly pray to God.
Hearing Music as Self Care
Lead by Rev. Dr. Connie Cruze
The most expansive book in the Bible is full of songs. Jesus quoted from the book of Psalms more than any other in his teachings and responses. Come explore ways and times of day to invest in your own peace and even spiritual growth through music. No musical experience required except an open heart.
The most expansive book in the Bible is full of songs. Jesus quoted from the book of Psalms more than any other in his teachings and responses. Come explore ways and times of day to invest in your own peace and even spiritual growth through music. No musical experience required except an open heart.
Healing from Trauma and Domestic Violence
Lead by Stacey Sheppard and Jessica Pruitt
As representative from TAP and who work with domestic violence survivors, Stacey and Jessica will use this time to teach others how to become an ally to those who are recovering from domestic violence and the important of this work within the church.
As representative from TAP and who work with domestic violence survivors, Stacey and Jessica will use this time to teach others how to become an ally to those who are recovering from domestic violence and the important of this work within the church.
Group Mission Project
We have partnered with TAP's (Total Action for Progress) Domestic Violence services to pack 200 bags of items for women who are fleeing domestic violence situations.
Each bag will contain shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, a toothbrush, and toothpaste.
RETREAT LEADERS
Rev. Melissa Scott
Senior Pastor at Radiance Community Church
Dr. Jocelyn Henry-Whitehead
Missionary, Teacher, Researcher, Facilitator, & Musician
Rev. Sara Hubble
Family Pastor in Virginia
Rev. Dr. Connie Cruze
Associate Pastor & Minister of Music at Melrose Baptist Church
Rev. Jocelyn Blount
Senior Pastor at Good Hopewell Baptist Church, Chaplain, & Mental Health Clinician
TAP (Total Action for Progress) Domestic Violence Services
Rev. Amy Hall
Executive Director/Pastor of Shalom Creatives & Moderator, Virginia Baptist Women in Ministry
FAQS
What happens if there is winter weather?
In the event of winter weather and the event coordinators deem it is unsafe to travel, the retreat will be held on the reschedule date of Saturday, February 21 and all tickets will be honored.
What is the refund policy?
Refunds will only be given upon request. If you register and purchase a ticket and are unable to attend, please email communications@melrosebaptist.org.
I wish to attend but cannot stay for the entire day.
We totally understand that the event is an all-day commitment and while we encourage attendees to stay all day, we understand that may not be possible. If you wish to attend for only half of the event, that is fine! Just let us know when registering which part of the day you plan on attending.
Do I need to bring anything with me?
All materials are included in the cost of the retreat but of course we always encourage attendees to bring their personal Bibles to use during worship, Bible study, and breakout sessions. All participants will be given a bag upon arrival.
What time should I get to the church?
We are offering a 30-minute window for arrival from 9:30-10 AM. The first worship session will begin at 10 AM but you are welcome to arrive anytime within that window. We recommend getting here early to take advantage of our hot beverage bar!