During the Women's Weekend Retreat in Ellwangen, participants discovered how closely the natural rhythms of our bodies, a mindful lifestyle, and God's vision for creation are connected – and how saying goodbye and embracing new beginnings are also part of the rhythm of life.
Our lives are shaped by many rhythms: day and night, activity and rest, tension and relaxation. Yet how often do we fall out of rhythm because everyday life demands more of us than is good for us? And what does our body actually need to stay healthy and balanced?
The participants explored these questions during the Women's Weekend held in October 2026 at the Schöneberg Conference Center in Ellwangen. Under the theme "In the Rhythm of Life," Dr. Daniela Hudi, a physician specializing in hormone therapy at a clinic in Bad Aibling, took the women on a fascinating journey through the natural rhythms of the human body.
It became clear just how closely physical health, emotional well-being, and lifestyle are interconnected. Particular attention was given to the sleep-wake cycle. Our internal clock regulates numerous hormonal and physical processes. Sleep, therefore, is much more than simply a necessary break. It is essential for recovery, health, and the ability to perform at our best. As we grow older, we often become more aware of the effects of ignoring our body's needs over an extended period of time.
Daniela Hudi skillfully explained medical concepts in an accessible way and connected them with the biblical understanding of creation. Rhythms are woven into the creation story itself: day and night, seasons of growth and rest. The Sabbath, too, reminds us that our lives are not meant to be governed solely by productivity and activity. Rest is not a luxury; it has been part of God's good design for humanity from the very beginning.
Another important theme ran throughout the weekend: our bodies and our lives are gifts that we are called to care for responsibly and lovingly. This means recognizing our own limits, reexamining our habits, and giving ourselves the same care and attention that we so readily offer to others.
The different seasons and rhythms of life also became very personal during the weekend. After many years of dedicated service, Lydia Lukic said farewell as she retired from her role as Women's Ministries Department Director in Bavaria. At the same time, Yvonne Hummel was warmly welcomed as her successor, having taken over the position on October 1, 2026. A farewell and a new beginning – two different stages of life, each bringing its own opportunities and challenges.
The weekend thus became more than an opportunity to learn about our bodies. It was also an invitation to become more aware of our own rhythms of life. The point, then, is not to keep going at the same pace all the time. Rather, it is about finding our own rhythm, embracing change, and trusting that every season of life has its own time and value. Not every season of life calls for the same pace. Sometimes the art lies in rediscovering our own rhythm and trusting that God walks alongside us, even through times of change.