“Your hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.” — Psalm 119:73
What a sacred joy it was to gather with over 200 Moravian women from around the world for the 14th Moravian Women’s Conference aboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, June 20–28, 2025. This long-awaited gathering was more than a conference. It was a testimony to faithfulness, perseverance, and the unshakable truth that God’s timing is perfect, even when our lives are disrupted.
Traditionally held every four years, the Moravian Women’s Conference invites women to “relax their bodies, refresh their spirits, and renew their commitment to God and to one another.” But the 2023 conference, like so many events worldwide, was postponed due to the global pandemic. Through disappointment and delay, the team regrouped and prayed—restructured and prayed—refocused and prayed—and in God’s grace, the women’s conference was led to something entirely new: the first-ever Moravian Women’s Conference at sea.
Paula White, Provincial Women’s Board President, said this about her experience: “The best part of the conference were the Moravian women that I met. Their laughter, prayers, music and diversity was absolutely wonderful. Our traditions, no matter how they are presented, all carry the same message. God is so good!”
From the moment the women stepped aboard, it was clear that this would be a Spirit-filled journey. Whether this was an attendee’s first conference or their fourteenth, their presence was no accident. God called each woman for a reason. The conference was especially blessed to welcome sisters from eight countries, 26 U.S. states, and 124 churches—a powerful reflection of the global Moravian community and the unity we share in Christ.
“Three attendees were over 90 years of age,” said Cindy Lamb, Fries Memorial Moravian Church, Winston-Salem, N.C. “One attendee had attended all 14 of the Conferences and our youngest Southern Province attendee was 16 years old, from Hickory, N.C.”
“When I decided to attend the Women’s conference cruise, I had to decide on a roommate,” said Pam Prevatte, New Hope Moravian Church, Newton, NC. “I asked my 16-year-old granddaughter, Paige Prevatte, if she would be interested in going with me. She immediately said yes.”
Pam continued, “My granddaughter loved being on the ship. She took more pictures than anyone else in my group; she even took pictures of her meals!. I am so glad to have had the opportunity to share this experience with her. I know it will be always a pleasant memory, and it will always be a special time for me.”
The theme—Fashioned, Focused, Faithful—anchored everything for the conference. Attendees were reminded that everyone is intentionally created by God, called to fix their hearts on God, and are invited to walk faithfully in God’s purpose. With that purpose in mind, the women leaned into every opportunity to worship, learn, celebrate, and serve.
“The conference was great,” said Lisa Jackson of Friedberg Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, N.C. “We learned that we are Fashioned by God’s design and hand for a specific purpose; we are called to be Focused on God and not things of this world; and we are called to be Faithful to His word. It was great to meet and worship with so many ladies from different places.”
Each day began and ended with time together with deeply moving worship services, centering their hearts on the One who fashioned them. The Holy Communion service reminded the participants that no matter where they come from, in Christ they are one body—broken and blessed together. Workshops throughout the week equipped the women to return home with renewed purpose, offering insights into Scripture, service, leadership, spiritual care, creativity, and cross-cultural ministry.
The fellowship overflowed from every space: at devotions during sunrise, over meals filled with laughter, through conversations on the ship’s promenade, and in moments of prayer and praise. Even aboard a cruise ship, with its many distractions, the women of the Moravian Church showed up with purpose. They gathered with full hearts and open hands, and God met each person in every moment.
One of the most unforgettable highlights was the group’s time in Jamaica, where the women’s conference attendees were welcomed with extraordinary warmth and grace by the ladies of New Irwin Moravian Church in St. James Parish and the Moravian Women’s Fellowship of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. The group worshiped together, shared in a sacred “Ultimate Oasis” lovefeast, and enjoyed a meal on the church grounds.
“The Lovefeast was served with ginger beer or lemonade and a very heavy bun with spices and nuts,” said Cindy. “We were encouraged to practice the tradition of sharing our bun with neighbors. A grand time was had by all as we moved around the sanctuary sharing the bun.”
Back on board, the women celebrated the unique gifts of their global community with a vibrant cultural celebration honoring the traditions, voices, and stories of their sisters from around the world. It was a beautiful glimpse of Revelation’s vision of every nation and tribe worshiping together.
Thanks to Judy Albert, Mizpah Moravian Church, for this article and photos.
A message from the Women’s Conference Planning Committee
We are grateful for the tangible support that uplifted our time together at the Women’s Conference. A heartfelt thank-you goes to the Women’s Fellowship of New Hope Moravian Church in Newton, N.C., for their generous donation of a handmade quilt to help support conference and scholarship funds. Their offering, stitched with care and prayer, reminded us that we are covered—not only in fabric but in community and in grace.
Through it all, one truth stood above the rest: God was with us. In every hymn sung, every story shared, every tear shed, and every burst of laughter, we felt the Spirit at work. We left this conference not just with souvenirs or photos, but with renewed hearts, strengthened faith, and a deeper commitment to walk boldly in the path God has laid before us.
This was not just a conference. It was a divine appointment, a sacred gathering and a holy celebration.
And now, as we return to our homes, churches, and communities, may we continue to live as women who are Fashioned by God, Focused on Christ, and Faithful to our call. May what we experienced together carry forward as testimony and transformation until we meet again.
With love, faith, and hope,
The 14th Moravian Women’s
Conference Planning Committee
