WELCOME TO
WARRIORS RETREAT
Celebrate your faith in community with sisters in Christ.
The Helmet of Salvation
In this world, we encounter numerous struggles and battles. The Word of God reminds us that our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces. This weekend is transformative, designed to equip and empower you to stand firm amid life's challenges. Our focus, this year, will be on the Helmet of Salvation. Salvation is our shield against despair and the onslaught of spiritual battles, empowering us to protect our minds and hearts (Ephesians 6:17).
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Together, we will engage in impactful teachings, heartfelt worship, and meaningful conversations that will help deepen our Faith. We will explore the vital role of the Helmet of Salvation—learning to embrace our identity as children of God,and utilizing it to guard against the whispers of the enemy. Whether you seek spiritual renewal, encouragement, or a profound encounter with God, this retreat will empower you to advance in faith, create lasting relationships, and step confidently into the victories that God has already secured for you.
Schedule of Events
Friday
CHECK-IN
6:00pm - 6:30pm
Join us in the main auditorium as we gather to prepare for worship.
RAFFLES
6:30pm - 6:50pm
Enter the raffle to win a special gift at the end of the retreat.
WELCOME & WORSHIP
6:50pm - 7:10pm
Gather for worship in the main auditorium led by the Erika Violet Mertz.
MESSAGE
7:10pm - 7:40pm
Remain in the main auditorium to receive a message led by Julie Snow.
WORSHIP
7:40pm - 8:00pm
Wrap up the powerful message with worship in the main auditorium led by the Crossroad Church worship band.
AFTER PARTY
8:00pm - 9:00pm
Enjoy a celebration with music, dancing, conversation, and a photo booth to capture the fun.
Saturday
BREAKFAST & COFFEE
8:30am - 8:45am
Enjoy a "Geb N' Go" breakfast and coffee in the lobby.
WELCOME & WORSHIP
8:45am - 9:15am
Gather in the main auditorium as we kick off our Warrior's Retreat with a welcome message and worship.
INTRO & COFFEE CHAT
9:15am - 10:15am
Get to know our guest speaker, Julie Snow, as she sits down with our Crossroads Church Women's Ministry Direct, Tasia Katzenbach, for an introductory session over coffee in the main auditorium.
BREAK
10:15am - 10:45am
Enjoy a quick break before we gather together for the next event.
KEYNOTE: SESSION 1
10:45am - 11:45am
Remain in the main auditorium to hear a message from Lina AbuJamra.
PRAYER & REFLECTION
11:45am - 12:15pm
Spend some dedicated time in prayer and worship led by Erika Violet Mertz.
LUNCH
12:15pm - 1:15pm
Gather in the lobby to pick up your lunch. Seating is available in the audiorium and at tables set up around the church.
RAFFLE & DANCE PARTY
1:15pm - 1:45pm
Gather in the main auditorium for the raffle drawing and enjoy a dance party with music and fun.
TESTIMONY
1:45pm - 2:00pm
Remain in the main auditorium to hear women share their testimonies.
KEYNOTE: SESSION 2
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Remain in the main auditorium to hear a message from Julie Snow.
WORSHIP
3:00pm - 3:20pm
Remain in the main auditorium for worship led by Erika Violet Mertz.
CLOSING
3:20pm - 3:30pm
Remain in the main auditorium as we close our retreat with words from our Crossroads Church Women's Ministry Director, Tasia Katzenbach.
Special Guests
Julie Snow
Guest Speaker
Julie Snow is a Jesus follower, coach, and fitness professional dedicated to helping others cultivate a sustainable rhythm of life rooted in both faith and vibrant health. With more than 20 years of experience in personal training and multiple certifications in fitness, Christian life coaching, and brain health, she brings a holistic approach that integrates lifestyle habits, neuroscience, and spiritual growth.
Julie teaches that when we slow down, care for our bodies, and nurture our minds, our relationship with God deepens and our lives become more joyful and purposeful. Through her keynote presentations, she equips audiences with practical habits and faith-centered encouragement to live healthier, more meaningful lives.
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Certifications: NASM: Personal Fitness Trainer (PFT), 2003; Women’s Fitness Specialist (WFS), 2023; AACC: Advanced Diploma in Christian Life Coaching; AACC: Certified Brain Health Coach (CBHC); AACC: Certified Human Flourishing Coach (CHFC)
Tasia Katzenbach
Women's Ministry Director, Crossroads Church
Tasia is the Women’s Ministry Director at Crossroads Church in Aurora, where she enjoys equipping and encouraging women to develop their gifts. She passionately shares God’s Word in an authentic, relatable manner, using humor and personal stories to highlight life’s joys and challenges.
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Her mission is to foster an inclusive faith-driven community that welcomes women while encouraging them to grow in their relationship with the Lord. Tasia has served in various areas of the local church, since the age of 18.
Though she didn’t initially anticipate a role in women’s ministry, she has discovered a deep passion for her sisters in Christ!
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Her motto, “Leave no sister behind,” reflects her commitment to reaching women for Christ. Outside of ministry, Tasia enjoys cooking and hosting friends and family in her home in Oswego. She is also a devoted mother to three children: Jordan (20), Jasmin (15), and Jaxon (10), a role she values as her highest calling.
Erika Violet Mertz
Women's Ministry Director, Crossroads Church
Erica Violet Mertz is a songwriter, artist, and worship leader who desires to bring healing to the broken, through the presence of Jesus that she’s experienced in her own life. Erica desires that her songs would allow you to fully believe that you are known, loved, and accepted. She and her husband, Kaleb, have a heart for the local church, for pouring into relationships, and for adoption.
Erica is the Director of Worship Arts at a multi-site church, Trinity Church in Lisle, IL. While she feels called to minister in the Chicagoland area, she also collaborates with songwriters from across the country. She travels to Nashville throughout the year to craft songs for the global church. She writes and releases music with the Nashville based community, Writing Worship Community.
Resources
Crossroads Church Map
Get to know Crossroads Church so you know where to go.
Colleens Bible Co.
Discover digital and physical resources to use in your time with Jesus.
Event20seven
Learn more about photo booths for your next event.
The Sweetest Adventure
Learn more about our mobile cotton candy cart to add a little sweetness to your event.
Prayer Room
Head over to the "War Room" for quiet reflection.
Lola's Churros
Lola’s Churros is your go-to spot for handcrafted churros and premium espresso drinks.
Warrior's Retreat Playlist
Listen to all of the worship songs you will hear during the retreat.
Jesus Jams
Listen to all of the worship songs the women at Crossroads Church love.
Upcoming Events
Good Friday & Easter Services
Join us as we honor the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross for our salvation.
