Spiritual Retreat: Listening for the Divine Whisper

Advent is a season of anticipation – a time to slow down, pay attention and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. We invite you to set aside 24 hours at Lakeside for quiet reflection, thoughtful engagement and spiritual renewal at our new Spiritual Retreat: Listening for the Divine Whisper, led by Rev. Dr. Brenda Buckwell, Dec. 11-12.

 

An internationally recognized retreat leader, author and founder of the Living Streams Flowing Water Ministry, Buckwell will guide participants through themes from her book, Listening for the Advent of God’s Word: Listening for the Power of the Divine Whisper. Through teaching, conversation and structured silence, participants will explore what it means to listen attentively to the biblical witness, the movement of the Spirit and the deep longings of this season.

 

Gathering at Wesley Lodge and the Lakeside United Methodist Church, the retreat will follow an unhurried liturgical rhythm from 3 p.m. Friday through 3 p.m. Saturday. The experience includes opportunities for reflection, prayer and conversation, along with shared meals and time to exhale in the peaceful surroundings of Lakeside.

 

Whether you’re seeking spiritual renewal, a deeper connection with Scripture, or simply space to be still and listen, this retreat offers an opportunity to step away from the demands of daily life and make room for God’s presence during Advent.

 

Registration options for participants (ages 18+) include:

 

 

 

Overnight accommodations are not included in the retreat registration fee. Participants are welcome to reserve a room at the Fountain Inn at a special rate. Space is limited. RESERVE A ROOM!

 

FRIDAY, DEC. 11  

Arrive, settle in and enjoy the beauty of Lakeside. Take time to walk, rest and center yourself as you prepare to enter the retreat.

 

Gather for dinner, followed by our opening session with Rev. Dr. Buckwell.

 

Close the evening together in prayer before entering Grand Silence for the night. This intentional time without conversation offers space for rest, reflection and listening for God.

 

Begin the day together in prayer.

 

 

Continue exploring the themes of Advent and attentive listening with Rev. Dr. Buckwell.

 

 

Conclude the formal retreat with a service of prayer and anointing for healing (physical, emotional, relational, spiritual, etc.).

 

You’re welcome to extend your time in Lakeside for personal prayer, quiet reflection or a contemplative walk. Enjoy a little more space to be still before returning to the rhythms of everyday life.

 

May this time create space to hear the Divine Whisper and carry the hope of Advent into the Christmas season.

 

Want to explore these themes throughout the Advent season? Join us for a companion four-week Advent Book Study facilitated by Rev. Kimberly Orr.

 

Featuring Buckwell’s The Advent of God’s Word: Listening for the Power of the Divine Whisper, this weekly devotional study offers an opportunity to reflect more deeply on the retreat’s themes.

 

 

Bring your own lunch and join us for this welcoming lunch-and-learn experience. Participants may attend individual sessions or the entire series. LEARN MORE & REGISTER!