Although this was originally written to help staff during the COVID-19 re-openings, it can be used for anyone returning to campus after a time away.
Find a day before the beginning of the new academic year where you can spend a day with God. Each section of the retreat has approximate times. In its entirety, the approximations amount to a full day. But you can break it up if that seems better to you. Consider breaking the retreat up, if you need to, after "Letting Go and Holding Fast."
Think about going to a park, a retreat center, a simple room in a friend's house, or your church sanctuary. Most importantly, find a place where you have little interruption or distractions.
Consider inviting some friends or your team to join you, either to be together in-person or virtually. Most of the time you'll be alone with the One who loves you like no other, but make use of a check in time at the beginning of the day to pray briefly with one another, and at the end of the day to debrief, and so deepen your experience.
Bring your bible, journal, a pen. Since, you'll be doing some reflection, having your calendar or photos you have taken over this year may be helpful. You'll want to put your phone on airplane mode or silent.
Retreat Outline
- Beginning: 5-10 mins
- Gathering up the broken pieces: 30-45 mins
- Seeing the big picture: 30-45 mins
- Letting go and holding fast*: 45-60 mins
- Toward integration: 45-60 min
- Pause to deepen: 45-60 min
- Conclusion: 30-45 mins
*Possible break here into a second day.
