Taste and See
a women's retreat
October 2–3, 2026
Barrhead Alliance Church
“Taste and see that the Lord is good.” Two days to rest in His presence, receive from His Word, and respond to His leading — together.
Who you'll hear from
Speakers & Worship
Vanessa Brobbel
Keynote speaker
Vanessa Brobbel, a veteran homeschool mom and artist, works developing events and special projects alongside her husband Floyd (CEO) for a ministry called The Voice of the Martyrs. For the past 23 years she has spoken at conferences and women’s retreats across Canada in this capacity. This ministry purposes to create an awareness of the persecution leveled against Christians around the world, while actively providing tools to mentor the Body of Christ both domestically and internationally to grow through adversity.
Serving with Voice of the Martyrs Canada
Emily T. Wierenga
Guest speaker
Emily T. Wierenga is an award-winning writer, commissioned artist and author of nine books including the memoir God Who Became Bread. Her new devotional, Commune with Me, released June 30th. Emily is the founder of The Lulu Tree, a nonprofit serving vulnerable families around the world. She lives with her husband and three children in Alberta, Canada.
Founder of The Lulu Tree
Tiffany Archer-Tosh & Natalie Wray
Worship team
Tiffany and Natalie share a deep passion for Jesus and a desire to see God’s people encounter His love, freedom, and transforming power. For nearly two decades, they have had the privilege of leading others in worship, a calling that remains one of their greatest joys. Together, they serve at retreats, worship gatherings, and within their local church communities, encouraging and equipping people to experience the presence of God more deeply and walk in all He has created them to be — all for His glory.
Also serving with Voice of the Martyrs Canada
Missions spotlight
Ministries we'll hear from and support this weekend.
Voice of the Martyrs Canada
Voice of the Martyrs Canada serves persecuted Christians around the world — coming alongside believers who face pressure, loss and danger for following Jesus, and inviting the Canadian church to pray, give and stand with them. During our missions spotlight we’ll hear their stories and be reminded of the courage and faith of our brothers and sisters worldwide.
vomcanada.comThe Lulu Tree
The Lulu Tree, founded by Emily T. Wierenga, comes alongside vulnerable mothers and their children — preventing tomorrow’s orphans by equipping mamas in the slums through discipleship, education and practical care. We’ll hear how God is meeting families through this work, and how we can pray and partner with them.
thelulutree.com
Pregnancy Care Centre
The Pregnancy Care Centre offers compassionate care through pregnancy, parenting and post-abortion support, as well as education that equips young people to build healthy relationships. Through practical resources, a listening ear and ongoing encouragement, they remind each person who walks through their doors: with us, you’re never alone. We’ll hear how they are meeting people in vulnerable moments, and how we can pray and partner with them.
pregnancycarecentre.caWhat the weekend looks like
Schedule
Friday Evening
Open Hands to Let Go
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
- 6:30 PM
- Registration & ministry book tables
- 7:30 PM
- Welcome
- 7:45 PM
- Worship
- 8:15 PM
- Session 1
- 9:00 PM
- Response space — prayer, worship, journaling, snacks & fellowship
- 9:30 PM
- Closing remarks
Stay for response space or head home to rest — whatever your evening needs.
Saturday Morning
Open Hands to Receive
“Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:10
- 9:00 AM
- Light breakfast
- 9:45 AM
- Welcome back
- 10:00 AM
- Worship
- 10:30 AM
- Session 2
- 11:30 AM
- Break
- 11:50 AM
- Session 3
- 12:30 PM
- Lunch
Saturday Afternoon
Open Hands to Respond
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10
- 1:30 PM
- Welcome back
- 1:45 PM
- Worship
- 2:15 PM
- Session 4
- 3:15 PM
- Sister-to-sister sharing
- 3:45 PM
- Break
- 4:00 PM
- Missions spotlight
- 4:30 PM
- Response time — ministry booths, prayer, worship, journaling
- 5:00 PM
- Final comments & commissioning
Times are approximate and may shift slightly as we finalize the weekend.
Reserve your seat
Registration
*Includes reserved seating
Registration closes September 28, 2026
How payment works
Registration is reserved when you submit this form. Payment is by e-transfer to info@openhandsministries.ca. Once your e-transfer is received, we mark your order as paid and send your confirmation.
If cost is a barrier, request a sponsored seat instead — there is a place at the table for you.
What's included
- Encouragement and biblical teaching from experienced guest speakers with Voice of the Martyrs Canada and the Lulu Tree Foundation
- A beautiful time of worship and meaningful connection
- Opportunities for prayer and personal response
- Ministry displays and opportunities to learn, connect and respond
- A light breakfast on Saturday morning
- Coffee, tea, and water throughout the retreat
- A goodie bag for every guest
What to bring
- Your Bible
- A journal or notebook and pen
- A reusable water bottle
- Comfortable clothing — and an extra layer, as room temperatures can vary
- A small amount of cash for purchases or donations at the ministry tables
- Anything else that will help you feel comfortable and present for the weekend
- A packed lunch or money to purchase lunch on Saturday
Please note: Saturday lunch is not included
A full lunch break will be provided on Saturday. You are welcome to:
- Bring a packed lunch and eat in the designated dining area
- Purchase lunch from the food truck on-site
- Visit one of Barrhead's local restaurants during the break
We want you to plan ahead and choose whichever option works best for you!
Ready to join us?
Registration happens on its own page so we can gather what we need for every guest. If you're registering for more than yourself, you can add each person's name, dietary needs and emergency contact — and any parent or guardian consent for guests ages 14–17.
- One registration and one e-transfer covers everyone you sign up
- Groups of 10+ automatically receive $64.99 per person and reserved seating
- You'll read and sign the retreat participation waiver as part of registering
Registration closes September 28, 2026
More than an event
The Body of Christ, together
This retreat is being made possible by a group of women who are simply volunteering their time and using the gifts and talents God has given them. It's a beautiful picture of the Body of Christ coming together to serve one another.
Women from different churches are coming with open hands and willing hearts to create a space where we all can rest, receive, and respond to what God is doing. Whether we're serving behind the scenes or attending the retreat, we're all coming with open hands — to rest in God's presence, receive from His Word, and respond to His leading.
This retreat is also a fundraiser. All proceeds will be donated — no one is profiting from this event. The heart behind it is generosity, service, and stewarding the gifts God has entrusted to us for His glory.
Everyone Has a Place at the Table
This retreat is made possible through the generosity of women who are offering their time, talents, and resources. If you feel called to serve, pray, or help sponsor another woman's attendance, we would love for you to be part of creating this space. And if cost is a barrier, please reach out — we would love to help make a place for you at the table.
Ways you can be part of it
Volunteer
Many hands make this possible — welcoming, hosting, worship, décor, kitchen, prayer, or behind the scenes. Bring the gifts God has given you.
Sign up to volunteer →Pray
Cover the retreat, the women coming, and the team serving. Prayer is not a small part of this — it's the foundation.
Join the prayer team →Give
Help sponsor a woman's registration so cost is never the reason someone stays home. All proceeds are donated — no one profits from this event.
Give toward sponsorship →Request sponsorship
If cost is a barrier, please reach out. There is a seat at the table for you, and your request is held in confidence.
Request a sponsored seat →FAQ