Christ Church will host its annual women’s conference on Saturday, April 18, 2026, bringing New York Times bestselling author and Duke Divinity School professor Kate Bowler to speak on faith, suffering and joy before an anticipated audience of more than 300 women.
The conference, titled “Your Awakened Life,” runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Christ Church Greenwich, 254 East Putnam Ave. Organizers say tickets are now on sale and include Bowler’s newest book, Joyful Anyway, along with breakfast, lunch and three workshops selected by participants.
Early Bird tickets are priced at $110 through Feb. 18 and increase to $125 after that date. The event has sold out in each of the past three years, according to organizers.
Bowler, an associate professor of American religious history at Duke Divinity School, first gained national attention for her memoir Everything Happens for a Reason (And Other Lies I’ve Loved), written after her Stage IV cancer diagnosis. The book examined popular Christian narratives about success and suffering through the lens of her own illness.
She now hosts the podcast “Everything Happens,” where she speaks with guests about navigating difficult questions of faith and meaning. Organizers describe her work as exploring “faith, suffering, joy, and the truths of human life with intelligence, honesty, and humor.” Bowler has more than 400,000 followers across her platforms in the faith and spirituality space.
At the April conference, Bowler will speak about Joyful Anyway, her latest book. The day will begin with breakfast followed by her keynote address. The Rt. Rev. Laura Ahrens, Bishop Suffragan of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut, will offer the opening prayer and remarks.
The conference is organized by the Women of Christ Church Greenwich and is structured to allow flexibility. After the keynote, attendees will select three seminar sessions from a slate of offerings covering theology, psychology, finance and contemplative practice.
Workshop topics include “The God Circuit: What the Brain Reveals About Prayer, Presence & Walking on Eggshells: How to Stay Sane When Dealing with Fragile Narcissists,” led by psychologist Dr. Betsy Holmberg. Elizabeth Schrader Polczer, Ph.D., will present “Mary Magdalene in the Gospel of John: A Case of Textual Suppression? & Who was Mary Magdalene?”
Financial independence will be addressed in “Awakening to Your Financial Independence: Taking Control of Your Financial Future,” led by Julie Jason, JD, LLM. Iris Eplan, LMSW, will guide “Resonance: A Sound Bath Journey to Inner Stillness.” Additional sessions include “Unplugged & Present: Reclaiming Your Attention in a Distracted World,” led by Julianne Furniss-Green, LCSW; “Bloom Where You’re Planted: Creating Beauty from What’s Before You,” with Eugenie Pavlic and Pam Reimers; “Awakened Living: Strengthening the Heart & Renewing Our Strength,” led by Melissa Murphy, MA, CMHC, LPC; and “Finding Your Center: Techniques in Meditation and Prayer,” led by Elizabeth Fitts, Ph.D.
Organizers describe the gathering as “an immersive learning experience with women, by women, and for women.” Promotional materials add: “Whether you come seeking renewal, clarity, rest, or inspiration, this day promises meaningful conversations, beautiful spaces, and the freedom to explore faith and life with honesty and hope.”
The event reflects a broader pattern of women’s conferences within mainline Protestant congregations that blend theological reflection with practical concerns about mental health, financial literacy and spiritual formation. By combining academic scholarship, pastoral leadership and applied workshops, the conference aims to address both personal faith and daily life.
Questions about the event may be directed to womensconference@christchurchgreenwich.org
Tickets are available while supplies last. Organizers say they anticipate strong demand again this year.
