This year’s Women’s Conference was once again held in spring, from May 8 to 10, continuing the tradition of previous years. We gathered in the beautiful surroundings of the Moravian Tuscany at DCM Hotel Strážovice and enjoyed a weekend full of inspiration, fellowship, and encouragement.
The theme of the weekend was “When Boundaries Bring Freedom,” inspired by Galatians 5:1: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” The weekend opened on Friday evening with worship, an introduction by Jakub Chládek, and the interview with the main speaker, PhLic. Kateřina Lachmanová, ThD., a theologian and psychologist, allowed us to get to know her better.
The Sabbath program started with worship and a morning session led by Hewe Kašlíková, Women’s Ministries Director in the Czecho-Slovak Union Conference, who spoke about “The Contours of Womanhood Through God’s Eyes.” Together, we reflected on the biblical story of Deborah and the role of women from God’s perspective. We were reminded that every woman can influence the people around her, that a mature woman is able to support a man, and that her strength lies in God’s Word. We discussed the practical impact of Deborah’s example on our own lives in small groups. The main speaker of the weekend, Kateřina Lachmanová, enriched her talks with practical and often humorous examples from her experience, making the topics both relatable and encouraging.
After a delicious lunch, dessert, and ice cream, there was free time for rest and fellowship. We were able to enjoy walks, a meditation trail, or simply relax together in the pleasant spring weather. Before dinner, we attended another talk by Kateřina, followed by a time for questions and discussion. On Saturday evening, we enjoyed a beautiful concert by Jakub Kopřiva and his friends, combined with a charity collection for the ADRA Brno Volunteer Center.
Sunday’s program started with morning worship and focused on our gifts, reminding us that even small things can be meaningful when we place them in God’s hands. The practical workshops engaged different aspects of personality — spiritual, emotional, intellectual, creative, and physical — where some of us even got to challenge our physical fitness. Because Sunday was also Mother’s Day, every woman received a small ceramic flower as a farewell gift, which would easily survive the journey home and even occasional lack of gardening skills.
We are grateful to God for His presence, blessing, and the warm atmosphere throughout the whole weekend. Special thanks also belong to the staff of DCM Hotel Strážovice for their hospitality, care, wellness facilities, and excellent food. We are already looking forward to meeting again next year!