Women’s Retreat

REGISTER HERE

Come and join us at the Christ Church Cathedral 2026 Women’s Retreat on February 7–8, 2026!

Where: The women of Christ Church Cathedral will gather for our annual retreat at beautiful Montgomery Bell State Park.

Address: 1020 Jackson Hill Rd, Burns, TN 37029

2026 Women’s Retreat theme: Groundswell: Experiencing the Ground of Our Being

Guided by Varina Buntin Willse—writer, fellow CCC parishioner, and author of the forthcoming Beneath and Between: And Other Overlooked Words that Illuminate God (Broadleaf Books, Fall 2026)—we’ll explore the many potent, invigorating ways God is “beneath” us: our cornerstone, roots, seeds, and even the wind at ground level. Expect regular rhythms of prayer, restorative practices, and soul‑filling fellowship.

Music: led by the very talented Brynn Glaze. 

Hotel: Lodging at Montgomery Bell State Park is hotel-style, with two queen beds per room. The base price for overnight registration ($275) is for a shared room. There is a space to include a preferred roommate’s name on the registration form. Single rooms (no roommate) are available for an additional fee. The event organizers will make all reservations and room assignments.

What to Expect

• Prayer & Worship: Morning and evening prayer, compline, and Sunday Eucharist.
• Teaching & Conversation: Sessions with Varina; contemplative prayer; small‑group discussion.
• Grounding Practices: A gentle grounding yoga option and an “earthing” walk.
• Warm Community: Shared meals, social time and fellowship with eachother.
• Optional Friday Night: Come early for extra rest and fellowship (arrivals beginning at 4:00 PM, potluck supper, fire & compline).

This retreat begins Saturday morning and concludes with worship on Sunday morning. Friday night lodging is available as an add‑on for those who wish to arrive early.

Schedule at a Glance

Friday (optional)

• 4:00 PM — Arrivals begin; on‑site check-in
• 6:30 PM — Potluck / casual supper
• 8:00 PM — Compline & campfire

Saturday

• Continental breakfast available (for Friday-night guests)
• 8:00 AM — Ballroom setup; gathering & check-in
• 9:00 AM — Morning Prayer
• 9:30 AM — Program Session
• 11:30 AM — Lunch
• 1:00 PM — Earthing walk
• 2:00 PM — Program Session
• 3:00 PM — Options: yoga • contemplative prayer room • (more to come)
• 4:00 PM — Free time
• 5:30 PM — Evening Prayer
• 6:00 PM — Dinner, followed by social time & campfire
• 8:30 PM — Compline

Sunday

• 6:30 AM — (Optional) First‑light hike (sunrise ~6:45)
• Continental breakfast available
• 9:00 AM — Program wrap‑up
• 10:00 AM — Eucharist
• Depart

Note: Final timing and room locations may shift slightly; a printed schedule will be provided on arrival.

Scholarship Gifts (Optional): There is an option in the registration form to add an optional contribution to the attendee scholarship fund to help make the retreat accessible for all. If you cannot make it for the retreat, but would like to contribute so others can go, please email Melanie Percival.

Please reach out to our event chair Caroline Rossini if you are interested in volunteering! 

To request financial assistance, please contact the Rev. Mary McCarthy. 

Cancellation/refund policy

• Registration is fully refundable until December 22, 2025.
• From December 23, 2025 until January 22, 2026, a partial refund of $100 will be given.
• After January 22, 2026, all fees are non-refundable.

For general questions, please see the church website for additional details as they’re available, or contact Caroline Rossini for more information.

If you are having trouble registering through Realm, please contact Melanie Percival.

We can’t wait to be together—grounded in God’s love and growing in community.

REGISTER HERE