Real Rest for Real Life

In Matthew, Jesus names for his disciples their rush and hurry saying, "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."

Maybe we are not all that different from Jesus' twelve. Maybe we, too, are worn out, burned out or just plain tired.

Whether you are a professional with a full plate, an artist who is stuck in a creative slump, a parent staring at an empty nest (or a very full nest), or a card-carrying member of the sandwich generation who just needs three days of being cared for, we invite you to come away. Whoever you are, we think the real rest of Jesus is for you.

You'll be invited into prayer, meaningful conversation, hospitable silence, guided journaling, and breathtaking hikes, keeping company with Jesus so that you will leave re-membered, recovered, and renewed.

Come experience the slow rhythms of grace and join us for a 2-night retreat nestled in the quiet beauty of the Nantahala National Forest in gorgeous Bryson City, NC.

Why Now?

Late September and early October are the perfect time to come away for real rest and soul renewal: school-age kids are in classes, college kids are back at university, and the ramp-up to holiday commitments has not begun. Plus, the mountains of North Carolina are just beginning to shift into autumn. The weather will be gorgeous!

Our retreat rhythms will be simple and meaningful. Guided by spiritual director Amy Knorr and journaling facilitator Allison Byxbe, participants will enjoy breakfast and lunch each day.

• Begin the day with guided prayer
• Participate in guided journaling
• Engage in the deep hospitality of communal silence
• End the day with dinner and debrief

Each aspect of the retreat is designed with quiet, calm, and rest in mind, so that you can attend to your soul, body, and mind. Through these spiritual practices, we can re-member the parts of ourselves so we sit as whole people at the feet of Jesus and are nourished.

As part of the retreat, each guest will receive:

• reflective, guided art-making space
• additional resources curated and provided by Allison and Amy to guide you through the quiet spaces planned throughout the retreat time
• access to the hot tub and sauna house so you may attend to your body in those quiet spaces as well.

*A limited number of complimentary spiritual direction and one-on-one journaling sessions will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.