2026 Gateway Women's Retreat
March 6-8, 2026
Register Now Book Your Lodging

Come get away and relax!

Please join us for a special weekend of rest, fellowship, and spiritual renewal at our upcoming Women’s Retreat, held March 6–8, 2026, in beautiful Hermann, Missouri.

We will gather at the Venue at Hermann for a meaningful time together, featuring encouragement, connection, and shared meals. 

Hermann offers a variety of picturesque bed-and-breakfasts and charming inns for lodging, all conveniently located near the retreat venue. There are many accommodations to choose from to best suit your needs. Please note that the registration fee does not include lodging.

Registration:

  • Early Registration (January): $65

  • Late Registration (February): $75

More details will be shared as the retreat approaches. Please join us for this uplifting weekend set aside for rest, reflection, and community.

Meet our Speakers
Jodi Hayward and Ariana Paige
We are honored to welcome the mother-daughter duo of Jodi Hayward and Ariana Paige to the stage. This pair brings a unique "full-circle" perspective on faith, career, and family life.

Jodi Hayward brings a wealth of expertise in both spiritual leadership and professional development. With 20 years in full-time ministry and 21 years as an Educational Consultant, she is a master at connecting the heart and the mind through Social-Emotional training. A disciple of 45 years, she has spent the last 34 years pouring into the KC Church.

Following in her mother's footsteps of service, Ariana Paige complements this deep experience with her own 14-year journey as a disciple. As a Human Resources Representative for the State of Kansas, Ariana understands the nuances of navigating the modern workplace with integrity. Married for nearly three years to her husband Matt, and a dedicated member of the Free State Family in Lawrence for the past 11 years, she brings a relatable, fresh perspective on building a life centered on Christ and family (fur babies included!).
The Schedule

Friday, March 6th

6pm: Event Check-in Opens

7pm - 9pm: Evening Fun and Entertainment. Lights snacks and beverages will be served.

 

Saturday, March 7th

8:30 am - 9 am: Event Check-in Opens 

9 am: Morning Worship

9:30 am - 10:30 am: Lesson

10:30 am - 11:30 am: Group Activity/Discussion

11:30 am - 1 pm: Lunch Served

1 pm - 2:30 pm: Afternoon Activity

 

Sunday, March 8th

9 am - 10 am: Continental Breakfast Served

10 am - 12 pm: Worship Service

Heart for Service:
Hope Lodge St. Louis
This year, we are also gathering for a special mission. We will be creating encouragement cards for the patients and caregivers at the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge – St. Louis.
The Hope Lodge provides a free "home away from home" for cancer patients and their caregivers when they must travel far for treatment. By offering free lodging and a supportive community, they help families overcome the financial and emotional challenges of a cancer journey. Your handwritten notes and cards will provide a much-needed spark of hope for those currently staying at the Lodge.
Activites, Tours, and Food Options
Activites, Tours, and Food Options

Where to Eat

Morning Eats & Coffee
  • Ainsley’s Place: A cozy spot for a hearty breakfast or brunch. (Sat: 7am–3pm; Sun: 9:30am–2:30pm)
  • Stomp’n Grounds Espresso Bar: Full-service coffee bar with breakfast options to fuel your morning. (Sat: 7am–3pm; Sun: 8am–2pm)
  • Sugar and Spice Laura's Delights II: The earliest birds in town—perfect for breakfast classics and sweet treats. (Sat/Sun: 5:30am–1pm)
  • Bloom Botanical Coffee Bar: A beautiful aesthetic space for coffee and light pastries. (Sat: 8am–6pm; Sun: 8am–1pm)
  • Espresso Laine: Handcrafted coffee drinks and quick-bite pastries right on Schiller Street. (Sat: 7am–5pm; Sun: 8am–4pm)
Lunch & Dinner Options
  • Zydeco: Authentic Cajun and Creole flavors; don't miss their special Sunday Brunch from 11am–2pm. (Fri/Sat: 11am–8pm; Sun: 11am–3pm)
  • Hermann Wurst Haus: An iconic deli-style restaurant famous for its award-winning German sausages and sides. (Sat: 8am–5pm; Sun: 8am–2pm)
  • Vintage 1847 Restaurant (Stone Hill Winery): Fine dining in a historic setting, featuring German-American cuisine and world-class wines. (Fri/Sat: 11am–8pm; Sun: 11am–4pm)
  • 4th Street Pizza: Local favorite for handmade pies with great gluten-free and vegan options. (Fri/Sat: 11am–8pm; Sun: 11:30am–6pm)
  • Doxie Slush: A fun, modern spot offering high-end bar food and creative frozen slushie cocktails. (Fri/Sat: 11am–10pm; Sun: 11am–4pm)
  • Tin Mill Restaurant: Casual dining in a beautifully restored historic mill building. (Fri/Sat: 11am–9pm; Sun: 11am–5pm)
  • Concert Hall and Barrel Tavern: The oldest tavern in town, featuring a full menu and a late-night menu until 1am on weekends. (Fri/Sat: 11am–1:30am; Sun: 11am–9pm)
  • Downtown Deli & Custard Shoppe: Great for a quick lunch of sandwiches and soup, followed by their famous frozen custard. (Fri/Sat: 11am–8pm; Sun: 11am–6pm)
  • Hermann 1837 Grill: Delicious grill favorites with live music on Friday and Saturday nights. (Fri/Sat: 5pm–10pm)
  • Turbulence Brewery at Wings A-Blazin': Famous for their wings and local brews in a high-energy atmosphere. (Fri: 11am–7pm; Sat: 11am–8pm)
  • Tin Mill Brewery: Relaxed brewery setting; note that the kitchen closes one hour before the bar. (Fri/Sat: 11am–9pm; Sun: 11am–7pm)
  • Dos Primos Mexican Restaurant: Authentic Mexican cuisine located on Village Lane. (Fri/Sat: 11am–10pm; Sun: 11am–8pm)
  • El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant: Traditional Mexican favorites on Market Street. (Fri/Sat: 11am–9pm; Sun: Closed)
  • Sharp Corner Tavern: A local landmark for burgers and pub fare; the kitchen stays open until 10pm. (Fri/Sat: 10:30am–1am; Sun: Closed)
  • Willie’s Philly’s: The go-to spot for authentic Philly cheesesteaks and quick service. (Fri/Sat: 11am–7pm)
  • Subway: Reliable sandwich options for a quick meal on the go. (Fri/Sat: 9am–9pm; Sun: 9am–8pm)
Planning for a Crowd?
If you are heading out with a group of six or more, we recommend targeting the larger dining rooms at Hermann Wurst Haus, Vintage 1847, or Tin Mill Restaurant, as they are best equipped for bigger parties. Since it’s a busy weekend, please call ahead for a reservation or to give the kitchen a heads-up so your group can be seated together!


The Activities
Please note that reservations are needed for most options, so we recommend calling ahead to secure your spot!

Tours
  • Trolley Dark History Tour: Explore the eerie side of Hermann with a guided journey through the town's mysteries. (636-575-6920)
  • Deutschheim State Historic Site: Discover the daily lives and culture of Hermann's early German settlers. (573-486-2200)
  • Hermann Walking Tours: Guided hour-long strolls through the Riverfront, Bayer, or City Park ($5/person). (573-486-2744)
  • Hermann Farm: A 90-minute tram tour of this 160-acre living history farm and Shire horses ($20/person). (573-486-3276)
  • St. Martins Church Museum: View a beautiful collection of religious artifacts and local history. (573-236-4390)
  • Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows: Walk the peaceful grounds of this outdoor shrine and historic stone chapel. (573-236-4390)
  • Ye Olde Fire Company at Antiques: Browse a unique collection of vintage firefighting equipment. (573-486-2148)
  • White House Hotel Tour: Walk through one of Hermann’s oldest landmarks, a preserved 1868 hotel. (573-340-3884)
  • Lionheart Whiskey Tour: Learn the art of distilling and the history of Missouri spirits. (573-860-0300)
  • Cellars at Stone Hill Winery: Explore the massive underground vaulted cellars of this historic winery. (573-486-2221)
Classes
  • Blank Canvas Gallery & Studio: Unleash your inner artist with a guided painting session or creative workshop. (573-291-8539)
  • Hermann Crowned Cat Cafe: Relax with a beverage and friendly felines in a cozy setting. (573-486-2662)
  • Time for Memories Shop: Creative scrapbooking and paper crafting materials for your retreat memories. (636-359-4551)
  • Hermann Wurst Haus: Learn the traditional art of sausage making from a master "Wurstmeister." (573-486-2266)
  • Silver Owl Quilt and Fabric: Inspiration and expert advice for quilters and sewing enthusiasts. (573-239-7358)
  • Yoga on the Bluff: Refresh your spirit with a restorative yoga session overlooking the river. (314-800-3295)
  • The Gallery at the Library: Browse rotating exhibits featuring the work of local Missouri artists. (573-486-2024)

Register Now

All registrants should complete both the event registration and lodging reservation processes. If you have questions about the lodging website, contact Sarah Kruger: sarah@gatewaycitychurch.com