Retreats for Renewal: 5 Models for Intergenerational Weekends

We run through our days--going from appointment to appointment, responsibility to responsibility, activity to activity. Harried and hurried, we disconnect with family, friends, and God.

From the moment of creation, God's intention was that we would stop on a regular basis for rest and renewal.

God also made us to yearn for relationships and community.

Hosting a weekend intergenerational retreat encourages sabbath time and deepens relationships within the whole congregation. It will offer a chance for all people of all ages to praise God, find a shared story, learn about one another, and discover the things that bind us together in Christ.

Retreats for Renewal presents 5 models of retreats and an overview for planning one. Everything is explained to help coordinate a 2- or 3-day event, including

"By carving out a sabbath time, all participants will be able to pause in the midst of their busy lives to rest and to pay attention to their relationships with God and with one another," writes Ferguson. "A sense of being part of a community of God's people will emerge and will continue to affect the lives of all who retreated. The faith of each person and of the community as a whole will be enriched."

Find great ideas to help your congregation connect with one another.

Nancy Ferguson is a Presbyterian minister and educator with more than 30 years of experience leading retreats and camps. In her work as an outdoor ministry consultant and freelance writer, she produces resources for camps and congregations. Ferguson holds degrees from Union Theological Seminary and the Presbyterian School of Christian Education. She has been a pastor and a full-time camp director. Ferguson lives on the eastern shore of Virginia near Chincoteague Island.