Rest: a retreat for those who serve

A contemplative and meditative retreat, exploring and experiencing early Christian ways of prayer and spiritual formation. 

Those who serve are focused on caring for others and can often be pulled in multiple directions at once. Many preach and teach the importance of taking time for rest and refreshment, but they seldom get the opportunity to pause and rest.

This is a time for you to be still, to explore and practice seeking God. It is an intentional moving away from daily routine to draw closer to God in solitude and/or in community. It involves the practice of spiritual disciplines, such as spiritual reading, silence, and prayer as pathways to greater intimacy with God, self, and others.

Our Rest:retreat provides an opportunity for those who serve to connect deeply with God, themselves, and each other. It combines group and individual retreat time. Our days will be a mix of learning and discussion together, guided prayer, shared meals and solo reflection. For those who are able, there will be a light pilgrimage option.

Our Retreat Guide:

The Rev'd Dr. Ken Neilson

DMin, MA, BA, BSL, LCT (CCTNB), CCC (CCPA)

Ken is a semi-retired professional counsellor and educator who supervises LCT-Cs, mentors conversations and teaches. He enjoys walking, running, and studying. He hosts people and works on his woodlot while continuing his journey of prayer and learning. He also enjoys solitude and silence. His current interest is learning about and experiencing pilgrimage here and abroad and helping people do that, too. He and his wife Fay make their home at the beautiful retreat cabins of IntheStillness in West Quaco, NB.

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Our Retreat Host:

Shawn C. Branch

Shawn has served with the Anglican Diocese of Fredericton since 2018, currently as Director of Mission & Ministry. Before this, he was the national director of an evangelistic organization from 2011-2017. Shawn was commissioned and licensed as an evangelist within the Anglican Church in 2004 and is also a Leadership Coach under the name - Out on a Limb Coaching.He lives in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

Our Retreat Location:

The Villa Madonna Retreat House

The retreat house is nestled in 102 acres of lush woodland on the shores of the Kennebecasis River in Rothesay, NB and is operated by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saint John.