Creative Word Fellowship and Here She Stands Podcast are pleased to bring you a Women’s Retreat on prayer. ‘She Prays’ is an intergeneration event for all women aged 16 and older. Join us overnight or just for the Saturday as we learn about prayer from the Scriptures and our Lutheran Confessions, and learn to pray Psalms and hymns.
Victoria: 17th-19th October at Araluen Lutheran Camp, Anglesea.
–> Registrations closed
South Australia: 24th-26th October at Nunyara Conference Centre, Belair
–> Registrations closed
Queensland: 14-16th November at Lutheran Heights Youth Camp, Coolum
Independently hosted by LM-A Toowoomba. Content includes video recordings from SA retreat. Request for registration to Heather Neumann [email protected] or Katy Kucks 0428 974 157
RSVP Saturday 1st November
We are aware that some people have not received the information email about the Vic or SA retreats. If this is you, a copy of the email can be found within the links below:
More information:
- Duration:
- 5pm Friday evening – 2pm Sunday afternoon (look out for the program coming soon)
- Costs:
- We’ve made every effort to keep costs as low as possible and welcome donations to help make this retreat even better – see note below.
- Full weekend registration – $252
- Saturday day only (including dinner) – $100
- Single night (Friday dinner to Sat dinner OR Sat morning tea to Sun lunch) – $170
- Full-time students – 50% discount
- Who can attend?
- All women aged 16-99+
- Young women aged 16 and 17 years need to be accompanied by a parent or a responsible guardian nominated by their parent.
- We won’t be offering a crèche or childminding during the retreat. We kindly ask that you make alternative arrangements for your children’s care during this time, with the exception of nursing infants who are, of course, welcome to attend with you.
Accommodation details:
(click the images to be taken to the venue websites)
VIC: Surrounded by gum trees and bushland, Araluen is 1.5hrs from Melbourne airport and only a 15-20 minute walk to the ocean beach.
SA: Nunyara is a camp, conference and retreat centre situated on spacious grounds in the Adelaide Hills – just 20 minutes from the Adelaide CBD.
- Both sites feature dormitory-style accommodation with either full ensuite (Araluen) or ensuite bathroom with shared ablutions (Nunyara).
- We can arrange transport from and to the airport – let us know on the registration page.
- The retreat is fully catered (look out for out ‘what to bring’ information coming soon)
What to expect:
- Friday evening: relaxed introductory session after dinner, followed by hymns and evening prayer.
- Saturday: teaching sessions interspersed with time for prayer, group discussions, structured free time, a panel discussion, hymns and warm fellowship.
- Sunday: pastor-led Service of the Word, final teaching session, finishing after lunch by 2pm.
A little about our speakers:
Deaconess Sandra Rhein is called by the LCMS Office of International Mission to serve as a Sacred Music Educator in Asia. In this work she coordinates hymnal projects for church bodies requesting assistance from the LCMS, and fosters the appreciation for church music, worship, and hymnody.
Sandra is also developing and implementing deaconess training to fit the needs of Lutheran churches in Asia.
Kimberley Pfeiffer is a Lutheran writer who has not stopped reading, asking questions and thinking about what it means to live like a Lutheran ever since she joined the Lutheran church over twenty years ago. In recent years, she was given the opportunity to undertake formal theological study, majoring in Systematic Theology from Concordia Seminary St Louis. Now back in Australia, she, with her four children have followed her Pastor-husband’s call to serve in the Western districts of Victoria.
Why a retreat on prayer?
Back in 2023, a few of us started floating the idea of a retreat for Lutheran women in Australia. After a few false starts and lots of work behind the scenes, we’re happy to say that the dream has finally become reality.
In many confessional Lutheran settings, prayer is deeply valued but often quietly assumed. Shaped by liturgy, catechism, and the rhythms of church life, prayer tends to be seen as something Christians naturally absorb over time—rather than something that needs to be actively taught or explored. Out of a healthy desire to avoid emotionalism or works-righteousness, we can sometimes overlook the fact that many of us still struggle with how, when, or even why to pray. This retreat creates space to slow down, reflect, and grow in prayer—not as a personal performance, but as a faithful response to God’s promises in His Word. Guided by Scripture and the wisdom of Deaconess Sandra Rhein and Kim Pfeiffer, we’ll explore both the beauty and the simplicity of a life rooted in prayer. Whether prayer is something you’ve practiced daily or have quietly avoided, you are warmly invited to join us—to rest, listen, and be encouraged.
Who are the organising team?
Here She Stands is a an online platform where Lutheran women across Australia can come together as a community, sharing their stories and talking about that which is true noble, excellent, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). Founded by Sonja van Rossen and Lexi Bourne in 2023, the platform continues to grow. Be sure to check out their podcast, blog, shop, and excellent list of resources on their website.
Creative Word Fellowship is an independent Lutheran teaching mission that exists to equip people with the life-giving Word of Jesus Christ. Founded in 2015, CWF has hosted annual teaching conferences, young adults bible study retreats, supported the training of pastors and church workers from new and developing churches overseas, and provides subsidised confessional lutheran books and resources via their bookshop.
Sonja, Lexi, Kim and Meryl from Here She Stands are joined by CWF members Mel & Krista, along with Danielle Brown to form the core working group. We’d love to hear from you and look forward to seeing you at the retreat!!!
How to support this ministry
- Financially: donate to Acc# 10950226 BSB# 065005 ref ‘ShePrays’ or provide in-kind support such as donations of goodies for our gift bags
- Prayerfully: Commit to pray regularly for the speakers, leaders, and participants
- Practically: join the working group or volunteer at one of the venues (e.g., welcoming, running a craft station, help with transport)
- Promotion and encouragement: share this retreat and invite someone you know to attend
- Relationally: support other women in their prayer and faith lives
Resources for your church and community:
A5 single-sided flyer (portrait orientation)
PPT slide (landscape orientation)
Need more information or help with registration? Contact one of our team:
Email: [email protected]
Sonja van Rossen – 0423 209 201
Mel Wittwer – 0407 795 725