We are One Christian Women’s Retreat Theme
In the We are One retreat theme, you’ll find thoughts, ideas, recommended scriptures, activities, songs, and more.
Feel free to use the ideas you need and leave the rest…or use them all.
As always, if you have ideas to add, please comment in the comment section below the post or send an email to julie (at) lovingchristministries (dot) com.
WE ARE ONE NARRATIVE:
We have each been given the gift of life. This gift is meant to share with others, not to always spend it all alone.
When we join together through the events that life brings, we are stronger.
We also can gain strength from the scriptures… such as the ones that share that God created us to be a whole body, that a triple-braided cord is not easily broken, and that love binds us all together in perfect unity.
This retreat provides a message that when we feel all alone through certain circumstances in our life, that it’s important to have the courage to reach out to our support system and to find strength in knowing that ‘we are one’ in Christ.
WE ARE ONE SCRIPTURES:
1 Corinthians 12:12 The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
1 Colossians 3:13-14 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
John 14:20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.
Job 33:4 The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
WE ARE ONE ICEBREAKERS/ACTIVITIES:
Icebreaker Question:
Go around the group of ladies and have them share their name and something personal about themselves such as where they live. In addition, ask them to share one thing they enjoy about being alone and one thing they enjoy about knowing they are not alone.
Blanket Name Game:
This icebreaker game from the Group Games website is a fun way to help you remember the names of your new friends at this retreat.
WE ARE ONE RETREAT GAMES/ACTIVITIES:
Human Knot
This activity emphasizes the strength of a knot… trying to get out of this situation definitely takes some special maneuvering.
Pass the Present:
The ladies participating in this activity will definitely end up feeling closer to each other and having lots of laughs together through this experience.
WE ARE ONE SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Are you naturally inclined to try and take care of challenges by yourself or to ask for help?
2. If you prefer to take care of things on your own, what do you think makes you hesitate to ask others for assistance?
3. Focusing on the scriptures that we are stronger together and that we make up one body in Christ, what can you do to strive to follow His guidance?
WE ARE ONE CRAFTS:
Decorating for the “We are One” theme can be a blend of symbolic and aesthetic elements that create a warm, inclusive atmosphere. Here are a few ideas:
- Unity Wreath:
Participants can create a wreath symbolizing unity and diversity. Each person selects a few different colored ribbons to represent their unique traits and intertwines them into a communal wreath frame. As each ribbon is added, it’s an opportunity to share how individual qualities contribute to the strength and beauty of the whole group. The completed wreath can be displayed in a communal area as a visual representation of being one in Christ. - Community Mosaic Art:
Retreat attendees can work together to create a mosaic art piece. Each lady would be given a tile to decorate with paint, fabric, or other materials to express her individuality. After personalizing their tiles, they come together to fit each piece into a larger display, forming a vibrant and unified mosaic that highlights the beauty of each individual part coming together to complete a masterpiece. - Friendship Bracelets with a Twist:
Traditionally, friendship bracelets are made by one person and given to another, but for this retreat, the bracelets would be made in pairs. Each lady starts a bracelet and then exchanges it with someone else to finish, incorporating beads or threads that hold special meaning to their experience of unity and connection at the retreat. The bracelets serve as a keepsake of their time together and the shared bond in their faith journey. - Macrame Craft Ideas:
There are many easy macrame craft ideas in this YouTube video. You can choose one for the whole group to make or allow them to choose their own. - Canning Jar Lantern:
Provide canning jars (the smallest size would work nicely), tea candles, and items to decorate the jars such as stickers, ribbon, and markers. You can also put a layer of sand in the bottom of the jar as an extra way to beautify your lantern. This finished project will light up your day!
WE ARE ONE DECORATING IDEAS:
- Unity Centerpiece:
For each table, create a centerpiece with a collection of different flowers, each type representing the various members of the body of Christ. Flowers can be easily bought from any local store. Arrange them in a large vase to symbolize unity in diversity. To enhance the theme, tie a ribbon around the vase with the phrase “We are One” printed or written on it. - Candle Cluster:
Purchase candles of various heights and colors. On each table, cluster an assortment of these candles together on a mirrored base to reflect the light they give off, symbolizing how individual lights come together to shine brighter. You can intersperse the candles with small stones or glass pebbles to add texture and depth to the display. - Scripture Stones:
Buy smooth, flat stones from a craft or garden store and write different scripture references related to unity and community on them with paint markers. Scatter these around the table for guests to read and even take home as a reminder of the retreat’s message. - Braided Table Runners:
Use fabric or paper to create braided table runners that represent the “triple-braided cord” mentioned in Ecclesiastes 4:12. Choose colors that match the retreat’s palette and braid them together, laying them down the center of the tables for a visual representation of strength in unity. - Photo Wall of Fellowship:
Set up a wall or bulletin board covered in cork or fabric where attendees can pin up photos of their church groups, mission trips, or community events. Provide instant cameras or encourage guests to bring photos from home to pin up, creating a collective tapestry of shared experiences and fellowship.
WE ARE ONE SONG SUGGESTIONS:
All the People Said Amen–by Matt Maher (listen to it on YouTube here)
Do Something–by Matthew West (listen to it on YouTube here)
Unstoppable God–by Elevation Worship (listen to it on YouTube here)
WE ARE ONE DOOR PRIZE IDEAS:
He Whispers Your Name – 365 Devotions
1 Corinthians 12:12 Coffee Mug
Sweet and Savory Gift Basket with Chocolate
WE ARE ONE CLOSING PRAYER:
Dear Lord, what a gift we have been given as you have spoken to us throughout this retreat. We came here looking for renewed strength and you have shared that by showing us ‘we are one’ in you.
As we go through what life brings to each of us, we know that we don’t have to handle it alone. We can ask for help when we need it and, when we feel strong, we can be the ones to extend our hand to help others. Thank you for all you do for us in our journey to serve you better each day. Amen.
If you liked this post, you might like these others about Christian women’s retreat themes:
101 Retreat Theme Ideas for Christian Women
Free – Joy in Jesus Retreat Theme
Free – Fall in Love with Jesus Retreat Theme
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