Women’s Retreat 2026

Register here: https://forms.gle/MAVDs6HtEoJ3D7hK

September 26, 2026

9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Ramona UMC / Spirit of Joy Lutheran

$30.00 (an additional $5 will help with speakers’ honorarium but totally optional)

Join us for a time of sacred gathering at Ramona UMC / Spirit of Joy Lutheran, 3394 Chapel Lane, Ramona. This year’s retreat will offer two speakers and opportunities to learn and participate in spiritual practices focused on compassion. The day ends with a Sound Bath, so bring a yoga mat, pillow, or blanket for comfort.

Dr. Zeynep Kuru has been teaching Introduction to World Religions and Introduction to Islam at the University of San Diego for the past 13 years. She earned her Ph.D. in Near and Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Washington. She also holds a Master of Arts in Islamic Studies, with a concentration in Christian-Muslim Relations, from Hartford Seminary, as well as a law degree from Ankara University in Turkey. She is living in Scripps Ranch, San Diego with his two sons and her husband.

Rev. Noriko Kawai is a hospice/hospital chaplain and an ordained Jodo Shinshu Buddhist priest. She earned her Master of Divinity in Interfaith Chaplaincy from Claremont School of Theology and has spent many years accompanying people through illness, grief, and life’s sacred transitions. Her ministry is grounded in compassionate presence, deep listening, and creating a space where people feel seen, heard, and supported. She believes that meaningful connections can be be found across different faith traditions and is honored to join this retreat for a time of sharing, reflection, and learning together.

Contact Pastor Kristie (pastorkristie@ramonaumc.org) for more information or questions.