Women in Ministry take time for rest and renewal

More than 20 women from across the Uniting Church in NSW and ACT gathered for the Women in Ministry Retreat in late May to set aside time for rest, reflection, and connection.

This year’s retreat was facilitated by Naomi Pryde, a Spiritual Director trained in the Benedictine tradition, yoga and meditation teacher, and retreat leader with experience in both cross-cultural ministry and aged care chaplaincy.

“I truly believe all people should have a practice of retreat in some form," said Naomi. When asked the importance of having dedicated spaces for women in ministry to soul care and rest, she said, "The demands of humanity are endless, as are those of ministry. It is important that all of us have a place where we can breathe deeply and say, "I do not have to, nor can I, hold it all". This is a posture of surrender and allows God to tend to our often weary souls.”

She guided participants through a range of spiritual and embodied practices.

Rev. Christine Palmer said the retreat was shaped by four key values: rest, nurture, spirituality, and community.

“Naomi picked up on these values and the idea that it can be a subversive act in today’s busy society to stop and rest - even wild,” Rev. Palmer said.

Christine also spoke to the care Naomi brought to the environment.

“She has an eye for beauty. The space we met in, the small gift bags, and the unique book each woman received all helped create a sense of care. Naomi encouraged everyone to see beauty in what they created and experienced.”

The retreat balanced quiet reflection with opportunities for connection. Time was set aside for individual rest, as well as for conversations and shared meals.

Rev. Greer Hudson found the experience uplifting.

“WIM retreat is such a blessing! It is a dedicated time to refresh in the company of some marvellous women. This year was exceptional — deeply nourishing and uplifting. Creativity, a variety of spiritual practice, space to be, and of course, joyous collegiality. What a joy to be led into the sanctuary of wild rest.”

Rev. Doo Ah described it as a moment of spiritual awakening.

“The retreat was a deep reflection on renaming God — not in a superficial way, but in a truly meaningful, transformative way. I encountered God as the One of renewal, restoration, and revolution. It was a time of deep spiritual practice, joyful fun for my soul, and nourishment for my body with delicious food. The natural beauty of the retreat centre was fantastic. The Black Swans were a big surprise. Fellowship with other female ministers was such an encouraging and grateful experience. I wish more women ministers could join the retreat.”

Now in its tenth year, the Women in Ministry Retreat continues to meet a deep and ongoing need.

“Women in ministry are often juggling family and ministry life. It’s rare to have someone hold that space for them,” Rev Palmer said.

“It’s not a conference, it’s not about theology or content - it’s about tending to the soul. Everything is invitational. There is space for rest, time for laughter, and time to be still and be with God.”

"My hope is that participants return again and again to the language of 'retreat'. That the place of retreat is not necessarily a place, or a weekend but instead a posture that is as close as their next breath,  as close as our own bodies - temples of the Spirit. My hope is that participants will see their bodies as beautiful allies and holy reminders of 'Immanuel; the God who has come to be with us," said Spiritual Director Naomi.

The retreat is open to Ministers, Deacons, Pastors, and those in other specified ministry roles in the NSW and ACT Synod. Stay tuned for details on the next Women in Ministry Retreat via the events page here.