“I have lived too long where I am reachable.”
- Rumi
A women’s retreat is not simply time away —
it is a returning.
In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength. Isaiah 30:15
Sanctuary is more than a physical place. It is an inner space where we are safe, held, and fully known by God. A space where striving softens, where burdens can be set down, and where presence replaces pressure. Come as you are. There is room for you here.
Our time together is intentionally spacious, unhurried, and restorative.
You can expect:
Gentle, reflective gatherings
Quiet moments for personal rest and contemplation
Time in nature
Meaningful conversation and connection
Opportunities for creativity, expression and play
Gentle guidance, prompts and materials for your rhythm and solitude flow throughout the weekend,
Nourishing, thoughtfully prepared meals, snacks and beverages from Friday dinner through Sunday brunch
No results found
-
Yes, absolutely. Sanctuary events are open to everyone. Some of our content and suggested practices are faith-based, while others are not. Our hope is to create a space that feels inviting, thoughtful, and respectful for all. At the same time, we understand that Sanctuary may not be the right fit for those looking for an exclusively faith-based experience or a fully secular one.
-
We embrace the Norwegian saying, “There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.” Many of our gatherings continue in light rain or cooler temperatures, so we encourage guests to come prepared with appropriate clothing and footwear. In cases of severe or unsafe weather, we will adjust plans as needed. Your safety and comfort are always our priority.
-
In a world where screens and digital media shape much of our daily lives, Sanctuary seeks to offer something different—a space of rest, attentiveness, and genuine connection. While technology can be a helpful tool, it can also quietly pull us away from presence with God, with one another, and with the natural rhythms around us.
For our retreats and gatherings, we invite you into a slower, more grounded way of being—one that honors creativity, conversation, reflection, learning, play, and shared life. These guidelines are meant to support an atmosphere of peace, hospitality, and wholehearted engagement.
The hope is that, together, we may experience the gift of being fully present.
Technology Guidelines for Sanctuary Gatherings
During communal activities, meals, workshops, and shared times, we ask that phones, tablets, and laptops remain in bedrooms or designated personal spaces.
Devices may be used in designated quiet or study areas when needed.
To support rest and restoration, we encourage putting away all devices in bedrooms after 10:00 pm.
If you need to make a call or send messages, please step outside or use a designated private area. When weather or circumstances make this difficult, a host will gladly help you find a suitable space.
These practices are not about restriction, but about creating room—for listening, wonder, prayer, creativity, and peace. Thank you for helping cultivate a Sanctuary where hearts and minds are free to rest and grow.
Your Questions, Answered
You are invited. Come. Rest awhile.
"We aren’t rest filled people who occasionally become restless; we’re restless people who sometimes find rest” - Henri Nouwen
In quiet spaces, the heart is free to speak again.
If you don't come apart for a while, you will come apart after a while." - Dallas Willard