It’s been a long while since I’ve had the chance to sit back and enjoy a retreat like this one. Paul and I were ‘bonus adults’ at the youth retreat, which meant that we had to behave, but were not responsible for planning programming or keeping folks in line.

It was glorious.

The slow, relaxed pace of connecting with others, knowing that we didn’t have to agree on and plan each meal, the persistent and gentle reminder to tune my spirit to the melody of God’s grace. There was space for time alone and together, space for seriousness and joy.


Spending a night at the youth retreat reminded me of why church retreats are so important to me as a pastor. On a week-to-week basis I don’t get to connect very deeply with most of the congregation. This is the same for many of you. This matters, because our relationships are the foundation of our call and our power as the body of Christ.


A church retreat is a catalyst for connection: with each other and with the Divine.


Little waves and hellos in between worship or at coffee hour are so much more meaningful after you’ve gone past the expected “Hi how are you- I’m good how are you” and actually know the person you’re talking with. You can wave at someone for years and not feel like you are part of the same community.


As I sat at a dinner table with youth from our church, learning so much more about and from them than I’d been able to while giving high fives in the hall on Sundays, I felt so grateful that after a pandemic hiatus, we are finally able to host an All Church Retreat this April (12-14!) at Camp Magruder.


The All Church Retreat is a way to jumpstart your relationships with folks in our community, take a sabbath breath, and tend to your soul. Luckily, there is still one more day of registration!


The All Church Retreat is a way to jumpstart your relationships with folks in our community, take a sabbath breath, and tend to your soul. Luckily, there is still one more day of registration! Sign up at: fumcpdx.org/renewal.