As we approach the season of Lent, we are invited to reflect, refocus, and prepare our hearts and minds for renewal. This period of the liturgical calendar offers us an opportunity to take stock of where we are and to consider what we need in order to move forward with intention. If you spend your time caring for others, whether through ministry, leadership, or service, it can be difficult to make space to care for yourself. That is why we created our Discovering Renewal retreat — to create intentional space for rest, reflection, and renewal.
Scheduled conveniently after Easter, Discovering Renewal offers church professionals and other laypersons the chance to reset and refocus after a demanding season. The retreat is designed for those who are feeling worn down, burned out, or simply in need of a pause. Each morning will include a devotional session led by Victoria Loorz, founder of the Center for Wild Spirituality, as a reflective and centering way start to the day.
This edition of Discovering Renewal will feature a variety of activity tracks to choose from, including contemplation, hiking, fly fishing, yoga, baking, storytelling through games, a mixed track, and a new visual diary track. These offerings are designed to engage both body and mind in restorative ways, helping participants to step away from daily pressures and reconnect with themselves in meaningful ways. For those who prefer a less structured experience, we also offer a Sabbath track option. This allows participants to attend morning and evening gatherings without participating in daytime programmed activities, creating space for rest, solitude, or unstructured reflection.
Our hope is that by engaging in one of these tracks, participants will be able to set aside their worries, restore their energy, and explore practices aimed at combating burnout. Plus, the skills and practices cultivated during the retreat can also serve as tools for continued renewal once participants return home.
Of course, one of the most meaningful aspects of Discovering Renewal is the sense of community it fosters. Participants come from a wide range of backgrounds, including pastors, doctors, retirees, and young professionals, but all share an interest in curiosity, creativity, and connection. During past retreats, participants have shared songs, poems, and personal reflections, often encouraged by fellow attendees to explore new perspectives and creative responses to the challenges they are facing. This spirit of openness and mutual respect allows strong friendships to form and lasting connections to grow.
Through the combination of thoughtful programming, engaging activities, and shared community, Discovering Renewal offers an experience that is both joyful and deeply restorative. As you prepare for the weeks ahead, we invite you to consider setting aside this time for yourself. Learn more or register today at montreat.org/renewal. Registration is currently open, and limited scholarships may be available for those in need of financial assistance.
This article was originally published in the February edition of Montreat Conference Center’s email newsletter Engaging Grace which highlights conference and event opportunities for adults. Sign up to receive Engaging Grace directly in your inbox by clicking here.