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2026: January 17

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Winter 2026 Retreat

The Unitarian Universalist Women’s Connection will host its 2026 Winter Retreat from February 27 to March 1 at the Toddhall Retreat Center near Columbia, Illinois, just south of St. Louis. This beloved annual gathering invites women from across the MidAmerica Region to come together for a rejuvenating weekend of community, reflection, and restoration in a peaceful natural setting.

The 2026 retreat theme emphasizes rest, connection, and self-care. Described as a “spa weekend with spirit,” the event includes homemade meals prepared by the Toddhall kitchen, creative workshops, small group discussions, and evening programs that foster mindfulness and shared joy. The Blackburn Lodge at Toddhall—featuring cozy rooms, a fireside meeting area, and tranquil woodland surroundings—serves as the heart of the retreat experience.

Kathy, a Connection Council leader, will coordinate this year's retreat, continuing the group’s tradition of offering four seasonal gatherings annually for Unitarian Universalist women. Registration opens December 5, 2025, with limited capacity of 27 participants, ensuring an intimate and nurturing environment. The weekend wraps up with a closing circle and reflective service on Sunday morning, sending each participant home refreshed in body, mind, and spirit.

Summer 2025 Retreat Wrap-Up

Our Summer Retreat was relaxing and fun as usual. We welcomed several new attendees who lived in the local area. It was such a joy to meet Sandy, Connie, Dianne, and Vicki. I think everyone had a good time. We had some hiccups as one of our dear UUWC friends had a car accident on the way, but everyone pitched in to make sure that she was well cared for.
 
We celebrated the Gaelic festival of Lughnasadh which marks the beginning of the harvest season. We made corn husk dolls and gathered natural objects from the surrounding woodland to place on our altar. We also learned how to make tote bags from old t-shirts and some self defense techniques. 
 
One of my favorite parts of our Summer Retreat is cooking and sharing our homemade meals together. That is a very important part of our harvest celebration. I also really enjoyed spending time walking around the grounds and going on a pedal boat ride on the lake. It was a great way to get to know some of the other attendees while enjoying nature. 

Spring 2025 Retreat Wrap-Up

by Sage Hagy

Every year as spring begins I look forward to going to Pilgrim Park in Princeton, Illinois for the Women’s Connection Spring Conference. I love seeing old friends and meeting new ones. In 2025, this started on the drive to Princeton, where I met Sydney VandenBusch for the first time and an old friend, Karen Kortsch, drove the car. Sydney had played a game of Buses, Trains, Planes, and Automobiles, substituting walking for the airplane component to be with us.

Thursday evening was a relaxing time of saying hello to old and new friends. I set up the sale of items for the benefit of our scholarship fund. Deb Czarnopys-White was working on downsizing, and she donated some lovely things to Women’s Connection for us to sell. I myself turned in early getting a good night’s sleep.

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