Retreats
Growing up in the church I’ve gone on my fair share of retreats (perhaps you have too). Summers and winters were spent on long bus rides to cabins in the woods, eating nasty camp food, and getting very little sleep. These retreats were times to play and connect with others. These were also times when I was met by God in special, meaningful ways. However, I began to tire of the exhausting pace of these retreats and around the same time was introduced to a different way of retreating – one that had been practiced in the Church since it was still in its infancy. These retreats were categorized by rest, quiet, and time set-aside with God. As an extrovert I was nervous about all that time without other people. God surprised me on retreat. I found a safe place to pause, take up a different pace of life, and be with God in ways my normal life just couldn’t allow.
Every single retreat experience has been unique. On retreat I have experienced Jesus speaking clearly and other times when he has been quiet. I have spent some retreats laughing and other retreats weeping (or maybe even a little of both). Some retreats have involved fasting, while other times have been celebrated with feasting. It is out of my own retreat experiences that I discovered a love for facilitating retreat times for others. I pray, set the stage, and allow Jesus to move in the hearts of his people.
Current Opportunities
Endings, Beginnings, and Liminal Spaces: Navigating Times of Transition
Transitions are a part of daily life, but often they create a sense of disorientation. Learn how to navigate beginnings, endings, and the liminal spaces that lie in between.
In this two-part online retreat, we’ll explore rituals to help us grieve, celebrate, and release so that we can move forward with freedom and clarity, as well as exercises to integrate gifts from past seasons into our present lives.
Pilgrimage in Place: Summertime
Embark on a pilgrimage in your own backyard. Join Jen for a pilgrimage on the Centennial Trail (between Lake Stevens and Snohomish) and open your senses to the glories of summer. Note: participants will be asked to walk 10 miles during this experience.
The Stories We Tell About Our Bodies
You’re invited to reflect on the narratives you’ve collected about your body & discover a story that makes space for the body you actually have as one who bears the image of God. This retreat will utilize story work, spiritual direction, & embodied practices to create a safe and welcoming place for healing and growth.
Pilgrimage in Place: Autumn
Embark on a pilgrimage in your own backyard. Join Jen for a pilgrimage in Seattle to slow down and notice the changing of season. Note: participants will be asked to walk 5-7 miles during this experience.
Retreat Options
Need help planning your next group or private retreat? Allow me to assist you in crafting a time with God. I am available to create retreat experiences or speak at your upcoming event.
My time in seminary focused on spiritual direction and retreats. For 3.5 years I was the Retreat Coordinator at the Rancho Capistrano Retreat Center at Saddleback Church, where I created retreat content, coordinated, and taught at retreats events and workshops. Today, I offer contemplative and creative retreat experiences in the Seattle region or online.
However, I am also available to create retreat content specific to your group and its needs. Feel free to use the inquiry form below for any questions or inquiries about rates.
I’ve previously provided retreat experiences for staff and faculty at Seattle Pacific University, Bethany Community Church’s Ministry of Racial Justice and Reconciliation (MRJR), and other nonprofit organizations.
Previous Retreats:
- Journaling
- Silence and Solitude
- Beauty
- Rest
- Art and Creativity
- Advent
- Prayer
- Lent
- Feasting
- Female Empowerment