No Ordinary Retreat

In early 2026, two Vermont pastors’ wives and one Vermont women’s ministry leader met in a gas station’s restaurant. Their goal was to determine if planning a retreat for all New England women was going to be possible. After hashing out all the pertinent details, they came to the conclusion that more women were needed on their planning team.

Two months later, five Vermont pastor’s wives and one Vermont women’s ministry leader met virtually to start the “real” planning for what would be known as the 2026 BCNE Ladies Retreat. A few of those on the planning team had helped with retreats in years past, and they were eager to develop a retreat that would meet the deeper needs of all New England women.

This planning team met for months, and each check-in revealed more details that had been handled. The lodging was reserved. The speaker was secured. The mission team that would serve in the kitchen was secured. The theme was chosen. The schedule was set. Registration was open. And ladies from all over New England responded.

In total, 77 ladies attended the 2026 BCNE Ladies Retreat, which was held at the White Mountain Camps in Rumney, New Hampshire, from September 25-27. Most of the ladies came with others from their churches, but a few came alone. The theme, “No Ordinary Book,” drew attention to the heart of the retreat: interaction with God’s word in a way that would be easily transferred as each lady returned to her context.

No Ordinary Book

Angela Sims, a pastor’s wife who currently lives in Maryland with her husband, Bryan, brought a series of teachings that demonstrated the heart of organic Bible study. Three easy-to-remember points were at the core of what she shared. The first, Read and Repeat, challenged the ladies to read an entire book of the Bible from start to finish, and then to repeat the process over and over. The second, Dig and Discover, set a goal of asking questions of the biblical text in order to understand what is being read. The third, Expand and Explore, pushed for a broader understanding of the Bible through the use of cross-references and thematic study. “No Ordinary Book” set the tone for no ordinary retreat!

Sims was also careful to direct the listeners to the truth that Bible reading alone is not enough. She shared, “Your spiritual maturity is in direct proportion to your knowledge of the scripture and your humble obedience to it.” The small group discussion questions she developed allowed retreat attendees to make connections between large group session teachings and personal spiritual growth.

Additionally, Sims met in a breakout session with all ladies who currently lead Bible studies, serve in a teaching role in their churches, or who lead women’s ministries. She encouraged them all in their service and allowed them to share regarding difficulties they have as they endeavor to disciple New England women. For each comment, she shared her wisdom gained from decades of ministry in Connecticut and Maryland.

One retreat attendee remarked that her key takeaway from the weekend was the challenge to “start small and go deeper.” Sims was careful to guide the ladies to understand the value of slowing down when it came to Bible study, and this takeaway was echoed by many of the ladies.

No Ordinary Partnerships

Event planning involves multiple details, and one detail that cannot be overlooked is the food. As the planning team desired to keep the retreat affordable for all, it would be essential to acquire food for 77 ladies at a minimal expense.

Enough Ministries of Barre, Vermont, provided a large amount of food at no cost. Pastor’s wife Cathy Molind worked tirelessly with the planning team and with her kitchen team to inventory and prepare meals for retreat attendees. Websterville Baptist Church (VT) food pantry coordinator Beverly Croteau also acquired food at no cost. The Russell Baptist Association in Alabama sent funds for the remainder of food that would need to be purchased. Altogether, these groups formed a partnership of sorts, providing in ways the planning team could not have imagined.

Furthermore, a mission team of eight ladies from the Russell Baptist Association in Alabama traveled to New Hampshire to serve in the kitchen. This team never stopped serving from the beginning to the end of the retreat. They were up before the sun and served until 10:00 in the evening. Their service was not limited to the kitchen, however. They could often be found engaging the retreat participants in conversation, listening well, and loving them through friendship.

No Ordinary Outcome

The heart of all those involved in the planning of this retreat was that the ladies would gain discipleship principles that would be transferrable to both their churches and their families. It was apparent that this goal was achieved in the hearts of several ladies, with one remarking, “Spending time in the Word will strengthen my own spiritual life and overflow into my family, helping me lead by example and showing my children how to engage with their Bibles and grow.”

What started at the 2026 BCNE Ladies Retreat will impact generations. Who could ask for more than that?

*If your church is interested in a discipleship weekend for women, Angela Sims can be reached at angela.rivers.sims@gmail.com.