ReFresh ReNew ReClaim 2026
A Day for Women Connecting
The Women's Ministry of Bethesda welcomes you to attend our 11th Annual Retreat!
Saturday, February 21, 2026 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
“Put on the Armor of God”
Ephesians 6:13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
The day includes a continental breakfast, lunch, music, worship and amazing fellowship.
Cost is $35 checks to Women Of Bethesda or Venmo to Jennifer Tiedman @jennifer-tiedman (last four numbers of phone 2924 if needed)
Childcare provided $5 per child, children will receive a snack & lunch (staffed by MiFamilia Child Care Center)
Walk ins accepted but for food & material planning we would like to know as many as possible by Tuesday, Feb 17
Guest Speaker: Cathy Nordheim
Cathy is a reader, writer, collage-maker, and friend to women who also struggle. Her greatest gifts are her family – a cool husband, smart and savvy adult children, and three energetic granddaughters, who remind her to joyfully savor life! With professional experience as an educator and spiritual director for women of all ages, Cathy Nordheim brings music, humor and perspective to the joys and challenges of womanhood in these stressful times.
Schedule
8:30-9:00 Registration and Continental breakfast
9:00-9:45 Opening
9:50-10:40 Small group sessions
10:50-11:40 Small group sessions
11:45-1:00 Closing/Lunch
Small Group Sessions (pick two)
Session A. Standing Strong: Living Anchored in Christ Julieta Piox Sanctuary
In this practical and encouraging session, women will be reminded that God equips them not just to endure life, but to stand firm in it. Rooted in Ephesians 6:13, this workshop invites participants to refresh their spirits, renew their daily walk with God, and reclaim spiritual steadiness through a simple, daily practice based on the Armor of God. Women will leave with a tangible tool they can use immediately to remain grounded in truth, peace, and confidence in Christ.
Julieta Piox is a leadership coach, speaker, and pastor with over 22 years of ministry experience at Centro Cristiano Vida Nueva church. She is passionate about helping women grow in confidence, purpose, and self-leadership rooted in faith and truth.
With more than 20 years of experience in leadership development, communications, and personal growth, Julieta brings a practical and heartfelt approach to teaching. She creates spaces where faith meets real life, helping women discover who they are in God and how to lead their lives with intention, courage, and clarity.
Julieta believes true transformation begins from within and that when we align our hearts with God’s purpose, we are better equipped to serve our families, communities, and calling. She is honored to walk alongside women as they grow spiritually and step confidently into the lives God is inviting them to build.
Session B. “Reclaim your power, strength, identity and victory in Christ” Cheryl Hilber, Bethesda member
I believe that when we have on God’s armor the enemies (the evil ones) can’t tell us apart. We are in God’s armor. God has already won the battle because we showed up. When we put on God’s armor, we are no longer standing in our own strength — we are covered in His. The enemy does not see our fear, our past, or our doubts; he sees Christ. We are clothed in God’s truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and His Word.
Discover how God’s armor equips you to stand strong and face life’s challenges with confidence. This session will encourage you to intentionally put on each piece of the Armor of God and walk in the victory He has already won.
Cheryl Hilber has a fun, genuine, no nonsense personality and IS a child of God. Each morning she “Puts on the Full Armor of God” because she knows only God can protect her. Cheryl's love for Christ is evident especially when she prays, “Lord, Here I am Cheryl, your little bundle of joy” That might sound like someone who has never questioned God but Cheryl has had years of conversations asking God some tough things, sometimes He clearly answers and sometimes he says, “BE STILL”, very loudly.
Session C. “TOO MUCH STUFF” Making Room for What’s Important Cathy Nordheim
“Reclaim your power, strength, identity and victory in Christ”
I believe that when we have on God’s armor the enemies (the evil ones) can’t tell us apart. We are in God’s armor. God has already won the battle because we showed up. When we put on God’s armor, we are no longer standing in our own strength — we are covered in His. The enemy does not see our fear, our past, or our doubts; he sees Christ. We are clothed in God’s truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and His Word.
We are surrounded with media and messages where “more” seems to be better; more activities, more money, more things, and on and on. We’re often tired of maintaining, storing, and feeling stuck with our “stuff”.
This session will offer simple and motivating ways to begin the process of clutter-clearing; giving you energy and space for what you really want to focus on. In addition to physical clutter in our homes, we’ll look at other kinds of clutter: being too busy, too many “shoulds”, too much social media, unhealthy relationships, etc.
Enjoy reflecting together on how letting go of clutter can open new pathways to healthier living and freedom, with the help of God – who offers peace in the midst of it all!
Clutter is not just the stuff on your floor. It’s anything that stands between you and the life you want to be living. –Peter Walsh
Session D "Pray Ways" Pastor Maggie Novak
Pastor Maggie Novak has a passion and gift for leading and guiding mediation. She is a trained Spiritual director as well as an ordained Lutheran Pastor but her most valuable training was her Grandmother who taught her that praying always meant communicating with God in all ways..
