Parish Retreat 2021

October 1-3, 2021

Friday Evening – Noon on Sunday

View COVID Precautions at bottom of this page.

What is the Parish Retreat? The Parish Retreat is hands-down the best way to deep-dive into community life at Immanuel. Come away with your Immanuel family to rest, eat together, play games, converse on the porch, receive practical teachings about the Christian life, and simply get away from the clutter and hurry of the city for a weekend.

Whether you’re an urban diva or nature-starved outdoorsman, this retreat is for you. Whether you have been at Immanuel for three years or just began visiting last Sunday, this retreat is for you! If you have any fun-loving bone in your body, this retreat is for you! If you have any need for rest and refreshment, that’s right, this retreat is for you!

If you need more reason than that, ask around – or read some testimonials below!

My relationship with Immanuel really shifted at my first parish retreat. I had been toying with the idea of committing to the church, but the retreat felt like getting over a hump, as I experienced genuine welcome from church leaders who knew my name, spent free time in conversation and activities with others, and got to know people I hadn’t ever talked to before.

Justin B.

I was nervous about going to my first Parish Retreat because I felt like I didn’t know anybody. It turns out the retreat was the perfect way to fix that problem! Interacting with my church family in a low key setting while kicking around a soccer ball or playing cards was easy. It was great to spend quality time getting to know other people in a comfortable and beautiful setting.

Melody W.

Tentative Schedule

Friday

9AM onward | Arrive and settle in. (No meals will be provided by the camp on Friday, but you are welcome to bring outside food and come as early as you would like!)
5 – 7PM | Check in at Chapel (if you haven’t already) to receive room assignment and weekend packet.
8:30PM | Compline
9:00PM onward | Bonfire (Weather permitting)

Saturday

8-8:30AM | Breakfast
9:00AM-12:00PM | Morning Session (Childcare provided)
12 – 5:30PM | Free time for solitude, activities, lunch
5:30 – 6:30PM | Dinner
7:30 – 9:30PM | Immanuel Variety Show (Start thinking of your contribution!)
10:00PM onward | Bonfire (Weather permitting)

Sunday

8 – 8:30AM | Breakfast
9:30 -11AM |Worship Service (Nursery provided)
11AM | Clean up & depart Camp Hickory (Lunch is on your own.)

The Parish Retreat was the place where my family started forming real, lasting friendships with people at Immanuel. On the retreat, there is time to be at leisure with one another and space to connect, play, pray, and worship together. Camp Hickory is a true ‘thin place’ for me. I can’t imagine missing the retreat… our family has been looking forward to it all year!

David W.

After attending 3 full parish retreats, I can confidently say it is SO worth the risk and investment to go! Each retreat has offered ample opportunity for refreshing rest, good conversation, new friends, and great fun. Each year has further solidified Immanuel as my home, my body, my family.

Charissa M.

When?

Friday, October 1 until noon on Sunday, October 3.

Where?

Camp Hickory (26202 W. Nippersink Rd. Ingleside, IL)

Carpooling coordination will be available. Indicate on your registration if you need a ride or have space in your car. If you get lost, Camp Hickory’s number is (815) 823-6929.

Cost

Full or partial scholarships are available! Request scholarship funds when you register.

$115/adult (18+); $60/child

What to Bring

A talent for the variety show
A re-usable water bottle (one per person)
Snacks to share
Bug spray
Face covering (mask)
Devotional items: Bible, BCP, journal, pen
Sheets, blanket and towel
Any sports equipment (football, soccer, Frisbee, etc.) or board game you want to play with others

COVID PROTOCOLS & PRECAUTIONS

SCREENING

Registrants will fill out a prescreening health form on Friday morning to confirm they are healthy and have not recently been in contact with COVID.
Attendees will receive a temperature check upon arrival.

MASKS

Masks are required in all public, indoor areas: chapel, game room and dining hall (except while in your seat and eating).
Masks are required as often as practical within the residential buildings (hallways, public spaces), though not in your own room.

DINING

Tables will be available outdoors for all meals for those who prefer them.
Masks will be required when going through the “food line” to get one’s food or when walking about the dining hall.

HOUSING

We will make an effort to spread out guests in as many housing options as possible to provide extra distancing. Guests may also bring their own tent or RV to have a private “residential space” in which to stay. (Note: This does not decrease registration fees.)
Guests are asked not to enter a residential building that they are not staying in.
Masks are required as often as practical within public sections of residential buildings (hallways, bathrooms, public spaces).

FREE TIME

Much of our free time can be spent outdoors, eating, enjoying a bonfire, playing sports and talking. Masks may be worn outdoors for those who prefer them.

SANITATION

Camp staff will be sanitizing surfaces in public areas throughout the weekend.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?

Contact Kayla Parker with any additional questions.