“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
MATTHEW 11:28-30 (MSG)
How many times have you read the scripture above and really resonated with wanting to get away with God and recover your life? Perhaps you have even sensed His invitation. But in the midst of your busyness, hurry, and pressured life, have you actually created a regular space in your schedule to respond to his invitation and get away?
We invite you to join us for one retreat or consider creating an ongoing rhythm of solitude retreats. We will prepare the space so you can just come and be with God, the only One who can show you how to live freely and lightly.
During each retreat day, we will gather at the beginning of our time to prepare our hearts for what God might have for us and to explain several guided solitude options. You can decide to follow the guided solitude options or follow your own promptings from God. We will come back together at the end of the day for conversation about your experience. Lunch will be provided. Optional spiritual direction sessions will also be available.
“Emptiness, not fullness, is the soil out of which stillness, openness and transformation develop. This is why authentic spirituality is always much more a matter of subtraction than addition.”
--David Benner
RETREAT SCHEDULE
All retreats begin at 8:30am and end at 4:30pm. Registration will begin at 8am.
RETREAT LOCATION
Retreat will be held at the beautiful campus of University of St. Mary of the Lake. The moment you enter through the arch to the 930 acre campus, the tranquil natural surroundings will allow you to easily let go of the distractions of everyday life. Take a walk through the woods, along the three mile road circling the St. Mary’s Lake, or simply enjoy the quiet serenity of this beautiful setting.
University of St. Mary of the Lake
1000 E. Maple Avenue, Conference Center – Room 106, Mundelein, IL
RETREAT COST
$119 includes lunch and materials. $99 early bird rate available until 2 weeks before the retreat. Register by November 7, 2014 and use discount code EARLYBIRD to save $20.
CONSIDER GETTING INTO A RHYTHM OF SOLITUDE
$500 includes 6 retreats for the price of 5 (an overall savings of $220). Use discount code ONEYEAR each time you register. Must be used within a 12 month period and non-transferable.
WHAT TO BRING
Bible, journal and comfortable clothing and walking shoes to walk the grounds or path around the lake.
AN ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITY
Six individual spiritual direction sessions will be offered (50 minute sessions). These sessions will be available on a first-come first-serve basis for additional fee. Add this on when you register.
OVERNIGHT ROOM ADD-ON
Rooms can be reserved at St. Mary’s for an additional cost of $58 for a single room depending on availability before or after the retreats. Please add a note when you register and bring a check when you arrive. We will reserve the room for you through St. Mary’s.
CANCELLATION POLICY FOR THE SOLITUDE RETREATS
Full refund will be given for cancellations made 2 weeks prior to the event. Cancellations within the two week period will be refunded except for $50 non-refundable charge upon written request. Refunds within this two week window must be requested via email and include your mailing address.