This year’s theme is LAVISHED based on 1 John 3:1: “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” And we are beyond excited to introduce our amazing lineup of speakers who will inspire and empower you throughout this transformational weekend!
Melissa Willis ~ God’s L.A.V.I.S.H.E.D. Love
Our opening session launches you into exploration, searching out the scriptures about God’s lavished love. We’ll examine how God’s love is extravagant, unbreakable, and transformational – especially, the way knowing His love shapes our identity as His children.ove. We’ll examine how God’s love is extravagant, unbreakable, and transformational – especially, the way knowing His love shapes our identity as His children.
Melissa shares both God’s word and personal stories, demonstrating how God’s love calls us to believe, receive, and extend His extravagant love to others. Enter in and draw near to Him as we come to know His limitless and unfailing love. As 1 John 3:1 says, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!”
Tracey Dirden ~ Trusting God in the “Even When…”
God is good all the time! Even when… (fill in the blank).
In this session, Tracey will lead us into the “heart of the matter” as she helps us make sense of those seasons when our hearts are broken or wounded by life’s unimaginable experiences. She’ll share how the heart is central to every issue in life, especially when our hearts are broken or wounded – our whole perspective can become skewed by the pain.
Tracey knows some things about a broken heart. She suffered the tragic loss of her two daughters and grandson within 7 weeks of each other in 2018. In this season of grieving her own “Even Ifs…” God led her to the answers to life’s difficult questions: “Is God good all the time? Can I trust Him when everything is stripped away?” She’ll share God’s heart about these questions and more as she walks us through scripture and into the Father’s heart of healing and peace.
Michelle Bentham ~ Can I Get a Witness?
Michelle’s session focuses on the importance and practicality of sharing your testimony with others. Michelle’s coaching style teaching and questions will help you move your faith to action, offering opportunities to activate what you learn by the end of the session.
Aimee Flournoy ~ Resting in Him
Aimee’s session speaks to the overachievers, the “fixers, ”control freaks,” and those who struggle with restlessness – even chronic anxiety. This session will explore the counter-cultural concept of rest and how Jesus calls us to embrace His rest as a true pathway to joy. We’ll discover how resting in Him isn’t just an option – it’s a command! A command with a key to lasting peace.
Leslie Talamantez ~ No Jesus No Peace. Know Jesus Know Peace
Do you know Jesus yet still struggle with peace? What’s hindering your joy? True faith grows through seeking, learning, and trusting—even in challenges. Uncertainties aren’t roadblocks but opportunities to deepen reliance on God. Discover hope in chaos, peace in the storm, and joy as true peace. Let’s grow in the love and peace God has lavished on us!
Stacey Marcikese ~ Abundant Grace
God’s grace is not just sufficient – It’s Abundant! In this powerful session, Stacey shares her personal experiences with Jesus as He lavished His grace on her during life’s seasons, from childhood to today. She walks us through scripture, illustrating the depth of God’s faithfulness & love as she encourages, equips, and inspires us to recognize & walk in God’s abundant grace.
Janee Chandler ~ Finding God’s Hope in Chronic Illness
Janee’s session will focus on embracing hope while living with chronic illness. She’ll lead a discussion on how living with a chronic illness can be seen as part of an intentional and purposeful plan for our good. Join her in group discussion during this powerful session about recognizing God’s plan in the midst of struggle, and what it means to live by faith, finding strength and purpose in the painful seasons.
Lesley Arterburn ~ Even After
Lesley’s session reveals how God’s forgiveness reaches deeper than our sins ever could. Finding faith later in life, she questioned her worthiness of God’s forgiveness and His love. She knew what she had done and believed He couldn’t accept her. But God… Even after all she’d done, He not only accepted her but lavishes her in His love, demonstrating in countless ways proving she’s always been worth it!
Traci Bishop ~ God’s Unfailing Love (Saturday); Receiving God’s Love (Sunday)
Meet Traci at the Amphitheater on Saturday and Sunday morning for a special time to start your day with scripture and quiet moments of reflection. Our devotion topics this year are all about God’s Love. On Saturday, we’ll look at the unfailing nature of His love, and follow up on Sunday focusing on what it means to receive His love.
Shenice Copenhaver ~ Hostess with the Mostest
You’re going to love Shenice (pronounced she-Niece’, but we call her “She Nice!”) and her fun personality, her memorable costumes, and the very clever way she weaves comic relief into the opening, closing and everything in between at Women Of Verve retreats. Shenice will host all of our large group gatherings at the Great Lodge and you won’t want to miss ICE BREAKERS in the Courtyard on Friday Night!
