Grant Helps Support Rest, Restore & Renew Retreat
by Rev. Michelle Meghie
The Rest, Restore & Renew Retreat, supported by a CSMC micro-grant, has created an incredible impact on the lives of several beautiful women seeking self-love and spiritual restoration. I would be remiss if I did not express my sincere gratitude to Clergy Support and the leadership of this church.
Your decision to support the Rest, Restore & Renew Retreat this year was far more than a financial contribution, it was a profound act of solidarity with the sacred work of restoration in our community and ministry. By providing $500 to help anchor this initiative, our church participated in a mission that resonated deeply with our calling as a faith community, to nurture, care for, and uplift those who often carry the heaviest burdens in silence.
The experience of this retreat shows how necessary such spaces are for Black women, who so often carry the weight of the world while pouring endlessly into others. The weekend served as a powerful reminder that rest is not a luxury, it is a spiritual practice. It is a holy act of reclaiming one’s time, body, and soul as belonging first to God. In witnessing the women gather, it shows that ministry is not always found in a sermon; often, it is found in creating the intentional silence where God’s peace can finally be felt in a tangible way.
The retreat was a masterclass in holistic care. From the moment the participants arrived, they were met with a sense of safety and intentionality. Through chef-prepared nourishment, meditative walks by the water, and creative workshops like handcrafting body butters, the women were reminded that their physical bodies deserve honour. The retreat offered tension release through the rhythm of drumming and spirits lifted through the sharing of stories and literature. In a world that constantly demands Black women to be strong and resilient,this retreat provided the divine permission to simply be, to be nurtured, to be heard, and to be celebrated.
Our investment in the Black Women’s Collective was a spiritual investment in the wholeness of our community. Witnessing the transformation, connection, and renewal that took place has inspired me to think deeply about our path forward. I believe our spiritual responsibility is to continue walking alongside initiatives like this. Moving forward, I see opportunities for our ministry to further support these important and sacred spaces, perhaps by exploring long-term partnerships or integrating these practices of intentional rest into our own pastoral support
I am truly honoured for the trust you placed in me to steward this connection. It has been a blessing to see our faith lived out not just in prayer, but in the active restoration of the body, mind, and spirit. Thank you for your continued commitment to a ministry that restores, renews, and empowers the people of God.
Rest, Restore & Renew Retreat 2025
Event Summary Report – The Black Women’s Collective
The Rest, Restore & Renew Retreat 2025 was a deeply meaningful and transformative weekend for the women who attended. Set against a serene backdrop, the retreat offered space for rest, reflection, and reconnection, allowing participants to slow down, breathe, and pour back into themselves.
From the moment the women arrived on Friday evening, they were met with warmth, intention, and care. They were greeted with a beautiful meal prepared by a private chef, followed by time for meditation, quiet reflection, and heartfelt conversation. The evening set the tone for the days ahead, one of nourishment for the mind, body, and spirit.
Saturday began with a peaceful walk to the water, where participants spent time grounding themselves in nature before returning for a catered brunch prepared by the chef. The day unfolded gently with moments of rest and creative exploration, including a hands-on workshop where the women made their own body butter from scratch, choosing their essential oils and creating blends that reflected their personal needs and energy.
In the afternoon, we gathered in the garden for movement and drumming, a powerful and healing experience that allowed the women to release tension, reconnect with their bodies, and explore the theme of self-care through the lens of trauma, healing, and empowerment.
Dinner on Saturday evening was another highlight, a stunning four-course meal prepared by Chef Wayne of Mood for Food, served with care and artistry. After dinner, we were joined by author and documentary filmmaker Ella Wade, who shared readings from her book and sparked a meaningful discussion around self-discovery, wellness, and storytelling.
Sunday morning concluded with a return to the water, where the women spent several hours in reflection and community, sharing insights, laughter, and gratitude for the experience.
The weekend was truly beautiful, filled with connection, restoration, and renewal. None of it would have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors and donors. Your support helped secure the retreat home and made it possible for us to provide a nourishing, empowering space for women to reconnect with themselves and each other.
