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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

CLICK HERE TO JOIN US

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

Healing Art studio with shalom creatives

reflective prayer workshop with pastor sara

joyful healing through music with pastor connie

healing harp ministry with jocelyn

Healing from trauma & domestic violence


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

Founder/Executive Director of Shalom Creatives & Pastor-at-Large in the Central Virginia Region

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!