Montego Bay, Jamaica — More than 220 women from across Central Jamaica Conference ,(CJC) participated in the 2024 Women’s Retreat held in Rose Hall, St. James, from October 3 to 6. The event, designed to promote wellness, personal growth, and empowerment, featured a series of workshops, worship sessions, and networking activities that encouraged attendees to reflect, heal, and connect with others.
The retreat kicked off Thursday evening with an interactive “People Hunt” activity. Participants mingled and competed in a matching game, with spot prizes awarded for unique life experiences, such as having the most children or the longest marriage. The lively activity set the tone for an inclusive weekend focused on shared stories and mutual support.
Friday morning saw Dr. Lorraine Vernal leading a “Worship Fitness” session that encouraged women to see physical health as a part of their spiritual commitment.
“It’s about honoring the body God gave us,” Dr. Vernal emphasized. “We need to be spiritually and physically fit to fulfill our purpose.”
Friday evening’s opening ceremony celebrated the diversity of parishes, with attendees parading to upbeat music in a vibrant display of colors. Dr. Grace Kelly delivered the keynote address on “Healing from the Inside Out: Breaking Free from the Chains of Past Hurts.”
Dr Grace Kelly of the Northern Caribbean University shares with the women in attendance at the Women's Retreat held October 3-6, 2024. :: Photo credit: Garry Witter, Field and Studio Production Manager, CJC
Her message encouraged participants to face their past wounds and begin the process of healing. “It’s important to address emotional pain openly and honestly,” she said. “Healing starts from within.”
The retreat also featured various breakout sessions on topics relevant to the lives of Jamaican women. Dr. Vernal’s “Navigating the Balancing Act” session delved into the challenges of juggling multiple roles, while Dr. Kelly led a session titled “Stepping into More: How to Unlock Your Potential,” urging women to embrace and pursue their fullest potential.
The day concluded with a scenic and powerful Vesper Service, where attendees, dressed in black with the women’s ministry purple scarves, joined in worship, music, and prayer.
Pastor Michelle Hill, the retreat’s main presenter, spoke on finding strength through faith.
Pastor Michelle Roseanne Hill of the Seventh-day Adventist Church Bermuda Conference delivers the message of God to the attendees at the Women's Retreat held from October 3-6, 2024. :: Photo credit: Garry Witter, Field and Studio Production Manager, CJC
“Even in life’s darkest moments, we must remember that our strength lies in God,” she reminded them.
On Sabbath morning, participants wore group-specific colors of teal, fuchsia, and purple, creating a vibrant and unified atmosphere.
Pastor Damian Chambers delivered a presentation on “Nurturing Your Devotional Life in Every Season.” “No matter where you are in life, staying connected to God is essential,” he stated.
Pastor Damian Chambers makes his presentation at the Women's Retreat held from October 3-6, 2024. :: Photo credit: Garry Witter, Field and Studio Production Manager, CJC
Dr. Shorna Newsome Myrie followed with her presentation, “Thriving in Relationships,” discussing the importance of intentional love and respect in building strong connections. “Strong relationships don’t happen by accident; they’re cultivated,” Dr. Myrie explained.
Dr Shorna Newsome-Myrie, Regional Director at the HEART NSTA Trust, shares with the women during her presentation at the Women's Retreat held from October 3-6, 2024. :: Photo credit: Garry Witter, Field and Studio Production Manager, CJC
Afternoon sessions continued with a presentation on managing life’s stressors, while Dr. Kelly led a discussion on “Understanding a Woman’s Journey with Depression and Suicidal Ideation.”
She emphasized the importance of addressing mental health with compassion, noting, “Our mental health is vital, and we must address these struggles openly.”
Other discussions included “What Men Wish Women Knew,” led by Pastor Chambers, and “Can I Succeed Without a Partner?” presented by Desrine McFarlane, both of which offered perspectives on relationships and self-reliance.
The evening closed with a candlelight consecration service, led by Women’s Ministries Director, CJC, Mrs. Rox-Anne Chambers. Women sang “Carry Your Candle” as they held lit candles, symbolizing their shared commitment and unity.
Mrs. Chambers described the candlelight consecration service as an especially moving part of the retreat. “This was a powerful moment of reflection and commitment,” she said.
Mrs Rox-Anne McKoy Chambers, director of Education and Women's Ministries, CJC, shares with the attendees at the Women's Retreat held from October 3-6, 2024. :: Photo credit: Garry Witter, Field and Studio Production Manager, CJC
“Each candle represented a personal commitment to live with purpose and intention. Standing together in that circle, you could feel the collective strength and resilience of the women around you. It was a reminder that we are not alone in our journeys—that we have a community of faith, love, and support. Lighting those candles symbolized our readiness to carry our light into our homes, workplaces, and communities, encouraging and uplifting others.”.
The retreat concluded on Sunday with a tranquil prayer walk along the beach. Pastor Hill delivered a final message on healing and forgiveness as participants joined hands in a prayer circle, sharing personal testimonials of gratitude and renewed purpose.
As attendees return to their everyday lives, they carry a renewed sense of purpose and the tools to lead with resilience, compassion, and faith.
In the words of one participant, “We’re leaving with a renewed commitment—not only to our personal growth but to uplifting each other and the communities we serve.”
The 2024 Women’s Retreat has set a new standard for fostering holistic wellness and empowerment within the Central Jamaica Conference community. Organizers hope that the lessons learned and connections formed will inspire positive change and stronger support networks for women at every stage of life.
Looking forward, the Women’s Ministries team aims to build on this momentum by offering ongoing resources and future events to continue supporting women’s physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.