A retreat is a chance to step aside from your everyday life, to rest and to ‘be’ in a welcoming and peaceful environment. Retreats are for absolutely anyone, at any point in their lives. You don’t have to be especially religious, or a regular churchgoer! 

Retreats come in different shapes and sizes. But, whatever the location, the context or the theme, they usually offer the opportunity for an individual or a group to find some space, to reflect or to pray, and to undertake a shared experience with others, if desired – such as worship or creative activities. 

Jesus often withdrew from the people around him, during his public ministry, to spend time alone with God, to nurture his relationship with the Father and to return to his work restored and revitalised. 

And Jesus offered all of us this invitation to rest in Matthew 11, translated here by Eugene Peterson in ‘The Message’:

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, The Message

I offer in-person day retreats (with a maximum of 20 people), often at Worcester Park Baptist Church, exploring a range of different themes. I’m passionate about bringing the retreat experience to as many people as possible in order to help them deepen their prayer lives. You don’t always need to venture far to come home to God.

I also run regular Wednesday morning retreats (10am-1pm), exploring aspects of spirituality, via Zoom. 

Would you like me to lead a retreat for your church, or community? Get in touch with me to discuss how I might be able to help you.