2025 MWA (Moravian Women’s Association) Retreat

For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Joy Johnson from Hall Green United Community Church (HGUCC) in Birmingham, and I attended the Moravian Women’s Association Retreat held at the Hayes Conference Centre in Derbyshire for the first time.

The retreat was mainly led by my current minister at HGUCC, the Rev Melanie Smith, and some of the members from the Moravian Women’s Association. I have met Melanie several times at church, but never really on an informal basis as this. The retreat took place from Friday 5th September to Sunday 7th September 2025.

Norma Maynard was kind enough to pick me up from my home in the south of Birmingham, and she also picked up Melanie to take us to the conference. Norma’s sister, Judith Morton, was also travelling with us.

Right from the moment Melanie got into the car, I realised I was in for a different kind of weekend. She was open, with very strong opinions, which I had never really seen from her before. We had some very passionate debates – ranging from roadworks to shopping in charity shops. It was refreshing to see this side of Melanie.

On arriving at the Hayes Conference Centre in Derbyshire, I had a feeling it was going to be a wonderful weekend. I certainly wasn’t disappointed. From the beautiful grounds with amazing flower beds, to the warm reception and excellent facilities (mostly included in the cost we had already paid), and the wide variety of food to suit everyone’s taste buds – it all made for a fantastic first impression.

On the first day, after registration and our evening meal, we quickly got into the swing of things with the evening get-together and evening devotion, where we were introduced to the theme of the weekend.

Several members of the Moravian Women’s Association gave talks about their different experiences of attending over the years. As a first-time attendee, I was very impressed with the ease and confidence with which these women spoke.

The next morning, Saturday, after an early walk with some of the women around the lake and grounds of the centre, we were treated to a ‘pick what you want’ breakfast, which set me up well for the morning. After this, we moved on to morning devotions and the Bible study/workshop, which was mainly led by Melanie Smith.

Everyone mixed very well. The conversations were very open and flowed quite naturally. The age range at the retreat was varied, but this didn’t seem to matter or be a hindrance at all. We then broke for lunch in the early afternoon, and afterwards we were given free time to explore the area before meeting up again for the evening sessions. I should also mention that we even managed to fit in a coffee-and-biscuits break before lunch – not that it was needed! Well, at least not for me, as I had barely recovered from breakfast.

The Saturday evening get-together and devotion, after the evening meal, did not disappoint. Once again, the women threw themselves into the spirit of things, and you could be as open as you wished during the conversations. We also had a quiz, which everyone took part in. It was educational, fun, argumentative, and full of laughter. It also revealed some of the women’s true personalities – which was good to see and yes you guess right, my team won!

On the final day, after my walk and breakfast, I thought I was ready for morning devotions. That was just a thought! I was not prepared to be pushed out of my comfort zone by the facilitator, Melanie Smith. We were asked to stop and think as though we were refugees – displaced, running from our homeland, and facing unimaginable challenges. Sometimes, loved ones would be dying around us, and we would be forced to make awful decisions we would never normally consider. It was a very heavy session, but also very necessary. It opened my eyes and reminded me that my own family’s history was not so far removed from today’s refugee experiences, though perhaps not as extreme. This session truly woke me up to think before I pass judgment in the future about refugees. It made me ask myself: what would I do if I were faced with the same challenges?

I was very glad for the coffee break afterwards – in fact, on this occasion, I could have done with something a bit stronger to calm my nerves and mind!

We then went on to the final workshop/Bible study before lunch and departure. Melanie once again had us put our thinking caps on. We had a really good discussion about the future, imagining what the Moravian Church could look like in seven years’ time, and what model of operation it might adopt. One thing is for sure – I definitely want to be around in 2032 to see it! With God’s help, I hope I will be.

I also hope to be around for next year’s Moravian Women’s Association Retreat in Ireland, and that I will be fit and healthy enough to attend.

One thing I am taking away from this retreat weekend is that Moravians love to eat and drink, and they certainly know how to make an outsider feel welcome. In fact, if I don’t get an invite for next year, I will be gate-crashing – because I had such a good time this year.

Although there were no TV in the room, which at first, I was a bit disappointed. However, I had a lot of time to read, listen to music and quiet time and reflection.

Long may the Moravians Women Association Retreat continue!

Blessings to you all!

Sr Joy Johnson

Hall Green