Thrive 2026
A retreat for women in ministry to be refreshed by Bible teaching, training, fellowship, and reflection.
Thrive is FIEC's retreat for women in ministry serving in FIEC churches. An opportunity for women in ministry to be refreshed through Bible teaching, training, fellowship, and reflection.
The retreat is for women in recognised ministry roles; either a full or part-time basis, a paid or voluntary capacity, working with women, children, or in an operational role – all welcome.
There are a number of particular pressures on women set aside to serve in churches and we have seen how helpful a retreat like Thrive can be for women in ministry in previous years. To get an idea of what the retreat is like, you can read Fernanda Curtis' report from the 2025 retreat.
We pray that we will be each drawn closer to the Lord Jesus and encouraged to continue faithfully and joyfully in the work he has given us to do.
Programme
This year's speaker at Thrive will be Rachel Sloan, one of FIEC's Directors for Women's Ministry and the Women's Ministry Coordinator at Charlotte Chapel in Edinburgh.
Rachel has experience teaching the Bible to women, an understanding of the joys and pressures on women set aside to serve in church life, and will faithfully teach from 2 Corinthians and apply it to us.
Our Directors for Women's Ministry, Rachel Sloan and Elinor Magowan, will host the retreat to ensure that you can relax and are refreshed through our time together.
There will be time to chat with others in ministry and to also have time on your own to reflect on your own growth in faith.
We will also be well served by 10ofThose providing a bookstall for us with selected titles to help you and build you up in your ministry.
Times and venue
Thrive will start with lunch at 12pm on Monday 18 May and end after lunch at 2pm on Wednesday 20 May.
The retreat will be held at The Hayes Conference Centre in Derbyshire. The Hayes offers us single occupancy rooms with en-suite facilities, good food, and beautiful surroundings. We have a large meeting room and other rooms to meet in, plus it is easy to get to.
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The Hayes
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Communal areas
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Example room
Booking
The cost for the retreat is £260, including food, refreshments, and two nights' accommodation (all en suite bedrooms).
Booking deadline is midnight on Sunday 3 May.
While we have contact with a number of those women in ministry in FIEC churches, we are aware that there are an increasing number of women being set aside in churches for ministry which is wonderful. Please share the retreat details with others.
If you have any questions about Thrive, please get in touch using the form below.