Parish Retreat

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.

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.

Tentative Schedule

Friday

5:00 – 7:30PM | Arrival & Check In | Parking Lot

7:30PM | Compline (“Night Prayers”) | Erickson Chapel

8:00PM | Bonfire (Weather permitting)

10:00PM | Quiet Hours

Saturday

8:00 – 8:30AM | Breakfast | Dining Hall

9:00AM – 12:00PM | Session | Erickson Chapel (Childcare provided.)

12:00 – 12:30PM | Lunch | Dining Hall

12:45 – 5:15PM | Free time for solitude, activities, lunch.

5:30 – 6:30PM | Dinner | Dining Hall

7:00 – 9:00PM | Immanuel Variety Show | Erickson Chapel

9:30PM | Bonfire (Weather permitting)

10:30PM | Quiet Hours

Sunday

8:00 – 8:30AM | Breakfast | Dining Hall

8:30 – 10:00AM | Pack & Clean Up

10:00 -11:30AM | Worship Service | Erickson Chapel

11:30AM | 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!

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.

When?

Dates for Parish Retreat 2025 will be announced in spring 2025. 

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
  • Devotional items: Bible, BCP, journal, pen
  • Sheets, blanket and towel
  • Toiletries
  • Layers & a rain jacket
  • Any sports equipment (football, soccer, Frisbee, ball & glove, Spikeball, etc.) or board game you want to play with others