Spice Retreat – Connect with God
The 2025 LCNZ Pastors’ Wives Retreat was held at the beautiful St Francis Retreat Centre in Auckland. This year the retreat took place over a beautiful weekend from 28–30 March. The LCNZ COS generously funded the retreat, acknowledging the important role that wives of pastors have in supporting their husbands in their ministry.
You may ask: “Why a retreat?”
Well, this live-in retreat offered an opportunity for the Pastors’ Wives around NZ to pause, take a breath and simply bask in God’s love. It was a time to be refreshed, and to experience the gentle invitation of God to rest in Him.
This year, Julie Kitchen (Auckland) and Patsy Chen (Auckland) partnered to host the retreat. The retreat was attended by five other women: Diane Davison (Hawkes Bay), Janine Marr (Upper Moutere), Leanne Whitfield (Christchurch ), Ruth Paltridge (Marton), and Veronica Schwedes (New South Wales). 
Over the weekend, the ladies were given space to recharge, reflect, and renew their spirits in the peaceful surroundings of the retreat centre. It wasn’t just about quiet time (although there was plenty of that too!); it was about connecting—with God, with one another, and with their unique vocational call as spouses of pastors.
The retreat was shaped around the theme: Connect with God. This theme resonated deeply with everyone in a very personal way. Together, we explored Scripture passages that pointed us back to Jesus, reminding us that our strength comes from Him, especially in hard times. We delved into meaningful questions:
- Why and how do we pray to God?
- What is our heart attitude in prayer?
- How do we recognize God’s voice?
- What keeps us from hearing Him clearly?
As we journeyed through these questions, we weren’t just growing closer to God—we were also growing closer to each other. Laughter
, tears, heartfelt sharing, worship, and quiet moments formed a tapestry of grace that drew us together as sisters in Christ.
By the end of the retreat, we felt spiritually uplifted and relationally strengthened. A beautiful sense of unity had blossomed within the Lutheran community here in New Zealand. We left with full hearts and renewed joy, ready to continue our walk with Him.
Patsy Chen
Spice Retreat leader
April 2025
