25 Days of GilChrist
For 25 years, GilChrist Retreat Center has served an extended community of humans and other living beings with space for rest, regeneration, and healing. As we prepare to observe the 25th anniversary of the dedication of GilChrist on October 15, our nation is deeply divided politically, a novel virus has dramatically reshaped daily life around the world, the struggle for racial justice continues with urgency, and our wounded planet is crying out.
A Reflection on Deep Rest
After four months, GilChrist Retreat Center is open once again.
In March, as we closed the door behind us with uncertainty and sadness, we didn’t know when we would return. We wiped the calendar—full of group bookings and personal retreat reservations—clean. The cabins, usually filled back-to-back with guests, would sit empty. But we committed ourselves to hold this situation with open hands and hearts, ready to learn and listen and wait and wonder.
Retreat in Place
This note, from Kirstin Vander Giessen-Reitsma, head caretaker at GilChrist (our public retreat center) and her staff, provides both an update about the closure of the center as a result of the pandemic and a reminder of the “unexpected gifts” it offers.
Freedom of Spirit: Celebrating John Fetzer
Our founder, John E. Fetzer, spent a lifetime following a deep spiritual yearning as documented in Brian C. Wilson’s book John E. Fetzer and the Quest for the New Age. The book was recently awarded the Historical Society of Michigan's highest honor, the State History Award. Today, we celebrate the birth of Mr.
CANCELLED: The Lord Your Shepherd Silent Directed Retreats
One-night and two-night options available
"The Lord is your Shepherd... You shall not want... He makes you lie down in green pastures. He leads you beside the still waters. He restores your soul." Psalm 23:1-2
Re-Creating a Life: Telling Our Most Life-Giving Story
In the middle of the journey of our life I came to myself within a dark wood where the straight way was lost.
--Dante, Divine Comedy
Dante penned this in the 12th Century and it remains part of the human condition today.
Revolution of the Heart: The Dorothy Day Story, Film Screening and Discussion
An Evening with Acclaimed Documentarian Martin Doblmeier
How to describe Dorothy Day? Grandmother, anarchist, prophet, journalist, pacifist, saint? The FBI once considered her a threat to national security. Now the Catholic Church is considering her for sainthood.
CANCELLED: Resilience Retreat: Lessons from the Stoics
When we think of "resilient" people, we generally think of individuals who adapt well in the face of adversity, trauma, stress and/or tragedy. Resilience is less a trait that someone possesses; it is more a capacity that each of us can build within ourselves through our thoughts, behaviors, habits, and actions.
Christ in Crisis with Rev. Jim Wallis, founder of Sojourners Magazine
In perilous and polarizing times, where is our true north – our fixed point in a spinning world?
Rev. Jim Wallis, in his new book Christ in Crisis: Why We Need to Reclaim Jesus suggests that a focus on eight questions asked by, or of, Jesus provide a solid compass for people of faith.
Hibernate with Yoga and Community
This wintertime retreat will offer quiet and togetherness through yoga practices, hiking, a creative project, and community dinners. Reflection is encouraged in solitude, as well as with one another. Sometimes winter inspires one to seek refuge in solitude and quiet, which can be rejuvenating, and other times togetherness is a balm for the cold. This retreat provides space for hibernating in togetherness. The intent is to create a warm atmosphere of choice between solitude or an activity together and reflect on the energies each experience inspires.