Women@CLP: Fall Retreat!

On Saturday, October 25, 71 women gathered for “All I Want for Christmas Is Lots of Presence,” a creative and joy-filled event hosted by Women@CLP. As the holiday season approaches—a time that can easily become rushed and overwhelming—the afternoon provided space to slow down, reconnect, and refocus hearts on what matters most: being present with God and with others.

The theme centered on the idea of spreading “SONshine” through small, intentional acts of kindness. Throughout the afternoon, women rotated through five creative stations, making thoughtful handmade gifts designed not to keep, but to give away—tokens of encouragement, gratitude, and love to share with others in the coming weeks.

Each woman left with a bag filled with handmade items and a list of simple ideas to carry the message forward throughout November—and even throughout the year. Suggestions ranged from leaving a note of encouragement on a neighbor’s doorstep, to delivering cocoa kits to a teacher, to offering a prayer or word of hope to someone in need.

The beautiful charcuterie table, themed “The Table of Abundance,” offered a time of fellowship midway through the event, followed by the Hallmark-inspired movie Random Acts of Christmas. The film mirrored the day’s message: that love grows stronger and becomes contagious when we choose generosity, kindness, and presence.

Through laughter, creativity, and heartfelt conversation, the Women@CLP community was reminded that Christmas isn’t about what we give or get—it’s about how we show up with love, grace, and light in a busy world.