Close to 50 women from across Illinois gathered at Menno Haven on May 5-7 for the 2nd annual Women’s Retreat, sponsored by Illinois Mennonite conference and Illinois Mennonite Women.

Surrounded by the springtime beauty of God’s creation, Asia Frye from Hillsboro, Kansas, spoke on the topic  “Made in the Image of God”. Three sessions, entitled Explore, Embrace, and Encourage, focused on the attributes of God, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ. Asia encouraged the group to look for similarities between the Trinity and humanity in general, and then to women, specifically.

Small groups discussed their ideas together, and Asia offered further clarification and reflection. Janice Yoder, with others from First Mennonite Church in Morton, led the worship team, along with Kim Litwiller, from East Peoria Mennonite Church.

Women were offered a variety of activities in which to participate between sessions, such as knotting a comforter, taking a prayer walk, relaxing, and coloring. Asia finished her input on Saturday afternoon, but women were able to remain through Sunday morning to enjoy some additional time for relaxation and fellowship.