Courageous women, moving stories, and meaningful connections: a weekend filled with inspiration, fellowship, and encouragement to discover our own abilities and use them boldly.
What would the Exodus from Egypt have been without women like Shiphrah and Puah, Jochebed and Miriam? Their stories were the focus of the women’s weekend held October 9–11, 2026, at Bergheim Mühlenrahmede. Under the theme “Women of the Exodus,” 43 women and two day guests gathered to explore the Bible together, share experiences, and find renewed strength.
Guest speaker Dagmar Dorn, director of the Women’s Ministries Department of the Inter-European Division (EUD), drew attention to women whose actions were essential to the story of the Exodus. They made use of the opportunities available to them, acted courageously and thoughtfully, and found ways to make a difference. It became clear how God can provide the right words at crucial moments.
These women did not know the entire path that lay ahead of them. Nevertheless, they did what they could. This offered encouragement for us today: to recognize the opportunities available to us, make the most of them, and leave in God’s hands what lies beyond our control. His plans do not always match our expectations. Sometimes they lead us along paths we would not have chosen ourselves. One question accompanied us throughout the weekend: How can we be women like these today—attentive, courageous, and willing to act where we are?
Alongside the spiritual reflections, there was plenty of time for fellowship and personal conversations. The program also included creative activities. This year, participants made seashell light garlands. During the Sabbath evening Bible quiz, they explored familiar and lesser-known stories about women in the Bible, as well as the occupations they held.
Sunday morning was devoted to a heartfelt and grateful farewell to two women who have shaped women’s ministries in North Rhine-Westphalia for many years. Rita Pütz said goodbye after more than 40 years of service in women’s ministries. Olga Scharf, who took over leadership of the Women’s Ministries Department in North Rhine-Westphalia in 2015, will now devote herself to other responsibilities within the conference.
Gennadi Giesbrecht, president of the North Rhine-Westphalia Conference, Stefan Adam, vice president, and Dany Canedo, director of Women’s Ministries in Germany, honored the longstanding contributions of both women. With deep gratitude, they reflected on all that Rita and Olga had initiated, developed, and positively changed. Their hearts will undoubtedly continue to be devoted to women’s ministries, even as they remain involved in different ways in the future. Xenia Bachmann was introduced as the new Women’s Ministries coordinator for North Rhine-Westphalia.
A women’s weekend offers an opportunity to step away from everyday life for a while: to take a deep breath, make time for yourself, enjoy fellowship, and take a break from having to prepare meals and manage the many little daily tasks. Taking this time away can help us return to everyday life with renewed energy. We don’t have to know the entire way to take the next step with courage.