A Personal Year End Retreat to prepare for Advent and 2026
So many things in our world during this last year have seemed chaotic. Sometime when the world feels tumultuous, we can wonder where God is in the upheaval. But Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous hand.”
You are invited to take a break from the “busy-ness” of December and give yourself the gift of a chance for self-reflection. Join us at Mount Olivet Retreat Center on Saturday, December 6 for a personal year-end retreat to prepare you for Advent and the new year. Be nourished and restored by connecting with the beauty of nature, others, and yourself while listening to God’s voice. You will know that God is always with us.
Retreat Highlights
- Reflect on what God highlighted for you this past year as you Contemplate 2025’s joys, challenges, and surprises.
- Surrender all that has happened this past year, both the good and the difficult as you say goodbye to 2025.
- Explore what new things God might be revealing to you as you intentionally Create some dreams for 2026.
- Commit to receiving to wherever God may be leading you in 2026.
- Be Still to re-energize and lift your spirit so you can joyfully embrace the season of Advent.
Retreat Format
Before December 6
- Reflect on your year in 2025 including your joys, sorrows, significant events, and ways God is moving in your life.
- Ask God to reveal to you what you are invited to say goodbye to and leave in 2025.
- You will receive a journal and some journal prompts to reflect on 2025 before the retreat on December 6.
On December 6
- Saturday, December 6, 9 am – 4 pm at Mount Olivet Retreat Center in Farmington, MN
- Say hello to 2026 by asking what might be God’s dreams and vision for your next year.
- Replenish your spirit before the busy holiday season through connection, time in nature and healthy food.
- Enjoy a variety of activities including group sessions, solo reflection time, guided meditation, and creative expression.
- If desired, choose a word or focus for 2026 and create a reminder of your intention.
Retreat Facilitators
Gwen Pickering
Gwen is a Spiritual Director and an experienced retreat facilitator where she accompanies people who are seeking to deepen their relationships with God. She believes that God is with us in every moment. Taking time to reflect on our life, we not find God, we find our True Self.
Betsy Hedding
Betsy is a certified health coach who loves to accompany people seeking to build healthy lifestyle practices. As part her own ”practices,” Betsy has been doing a personal year-end retreat for the last eight years. She believes in the power of finding some “Stillness in December” with the intention to “listen to God” as she prepares for each new year.
Retreat Cost and Registration
The cost of the Stillness Retreat is $55 and includes retreat materials, a journal and food at the Mount Olivet Retreat Center.
Register no later than November 19, 2025.