Women’s In Town Retreat
February 6–7, 2026
Theme: The Church, The Bride of Christ
Scripture uses many rich metaphors to help us understand what the church is and who we are together. Ephesians 1:23 uses the metaphor of the church as the body reminding us of our need for each other; John 15:1-5 uses the metaphor of the vine and branches reminding us of our dependence on Him; and John 10:1-15 uses the beautiful metaphor of the flock of sheep reminding us we are united under one shepherd. Ephesians 2:19 and 2 Corinthians 6:18 remind us that the church is a family that we have been adopted into by God our Father. We are not just “church friends” but we are actually in covenant relationship with one another forever!
The metaphor we will look at this retreat weekend is that of the Bride of Christ and it is specifically mentioned in Ephesians 5:22-23, 2 Corinthians 11:2 and Revelation 21:2, 9. As we unpack what it means that we, the church, are the Bride of Christ, my prayer is that it will grow us in our love of the Bridegroom and that it will enhance our understanding of the church.
Cost is $45 and includes material, snacks, and lunch on Saturday. Online has an added 4% credit card charge.
Nursery is available on Friday evening with nursery registration. Saturday the Gym will be open for Fathers and children.
Worship Leader, Caroline Royal
Music has been a part of Caroline’s life from her earliest memories. As a toddler she’d come home from church to pick out the notes of that morning’s hymns before she could climb up onto the bench. Music has been an instrument of God’s sustaining grace in her life, and it is a true joy and deep privilege to lead women in worship.
Caroline is currently serving at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, AL. Since leaving her roots in Georgia in 2011 after graduating from the University of Georgia, God has led her on an unexpected journey through roles in New York City, Oklahoma, and with Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) in Kentucky. She has had the privilege of serving homeless women, middle and high school students, community group leaders, and women of all ages.
When she’s not at church, Caroline enjoys spending time in her garden, floral design, and cooking while listening to the music of Melanie Penn or Keith and Kristyn Getty.
Conference Schedule
Friday night, February 6
6:30 – 8:30 pm
Bridal Expo
Location: Fellowship Hall
Fun, Dessert, Giveaways
Introduction Session
Saturday, February 7
8:30 – 9:45 am
The Rehearsal
Location: Worship Center
Fun, Giveaways, & Worship Session
Worship Leader: Caroline Royal
10:00 – 11:00 am
*Breakout Sessions
Various Locations
*Select one of the following Options when you register:
Fit for the Feast: How the Bride of Christ Should Be Adorned
Speaker: Elizabeth Bondurant
In this session we will focus on the adornment of the bride and consider that perhaps it is not what you have always pictured it to be.
Chosen, Pursued, Transformed, The faithful vows of our covenant keeping God.
Speaker: Lisa Looper
Jesus has bound Himself to His Church in an unbreakable covenant, purchasing her with His own blood. This session reflects on the vows of Christ to His Bride and how His steadfast commitment shapes our response of faith, obedience, and love.
Beloved and Betrothed
Speaker: Donna Evans
All weddings begin with an engagement. Throughout the Old Testament, God promised to betroth us to him forever. He has chosen, cherished and committed to us with His covenant.
Always a Bridesmaid… Always a Bride?
Speaker: Melody Weaver
The Church waits in eager anticipation for the great wedding feast where she will be united with her Bridegroom–but she doesn’t wait alone. What is my responsibility to Christ’s Bride as we prepare together for the coming celebration?
11:15 – 12:15 pm
The Ceremony
We Will Feast in the House of Zion
The story of Scripture is an unfolding eternal love story of the triune God and His Bride. Before the foundations of the world, a Bride was chosen to dwell with Christ eternally in unblemished glory. Through heartbreaking unfaithfulness of the Bride and patient pursuit and sacrifice of the Bridegroom, this holy marriage ends up concluding all of Scripture, to the praise of His glorious grace. And just as any festive wedding ends with a feast, the Bible, too, speaks of the blessings bestowed upon those invited to the feast of all feasts: the marriage supper of the Lamb.
What will this be? How can I prepare? What’s on the menu? Who’s invited? Come and hear. Come and drink. Come and eat. Come and feast. Come to the marriage supper of the Lamb.
Location: Worship Center
Worship and Large Session
Speaker: Amanda Leon
12:30 – 1:45 pm
Lunch & Final Challenge
Location: Fellowship Hall
