Retreats & Events
In Mark 1:35-39 a short retreat is recorded. Jesus was the sole participant. He modeled something that people would be inspired and motivated by for thousands of years. He got away from a very busy schedule to be alone. He found solitude. He came out of his retreat refreshed, strengthened, energized, focused, empowered and determined.
Retreating brings life to us. We may feel guilty about taking the time to do it, but in the end we never forget it. We need a rhythm of work and rest, engagement and withdrawal. At the MARK Centre we encourage people to experience short retreats.
Sneak Away - an evening retreat (February)
We are expanding from just pastors & leaders and opening up this Sneak Away to anyone.
And because of that, we are going to try it in the evening!
We invite you to take a break from the usual and open your heart, listen and receive from God during this short 2-hour retreat. It will take place at the MARK Centre chalet.
Mark 1 records a story about Jesus sneaking away from a busy house in Capernaum to pray. It seems no one knew he was gone. In fact, they had to hunt him down and when they finally found him they exclaimed, “Everyone is looking for you!”
Making Space: Art & Soul
Making Space is a short evening retreat to do just that - slow down and make space for what really matters. Each retreat will have a slightly different focus, but the goal is the same, to make space for you to reconnect with God, yourself, and others through different creative and reflective mediums. Bring a journal and pen. A snack will be provided.
The focus of this Making Space is Art & Soul. We are coming together for the purpose of paying attention while creating. There will be time to draw, write, paint or create independently while in community. We will also participate in a guided creativity session together. Please feel free to bring your own materials if you want, we will also have plenty available.
To encourage a reflective atmosphere we ask only people older than 15 years old attend
When? Thursday, March 5, 7pm-9pm
Cost: By donation. You can bring cash or you can e-transfer (office@markcentre.org)
Facilitating:
Evy Klassen
After early childhood, Evy forgot she was creative but has spent the past decade reawakening to her creativity. She loves to remind others that they too are creative. This past year Evy discovered she loves improv and is having so much fun creating scenes with her improv classmates.
Laura Wieler
Laura has always loved art and is currently exploring different avenues for creativity in her life. She believes that every person has been created to take part in creation and recognize beauty & truth, but we often need encouragement from others to explore this part of ourselves.
Sneak Away - a morning retreat for pastors & leaders (March)
We invite you to take a break from the usual and open your heart, listen and receive from God during this 3-hour retreat retreat. It will take place at the MARK Centre chalet.
Mark 1 records a story about Jesus sneaking away from a busy house in Capernaum to pray. It seems no one knew he was gone. In fact, they had to hunt him down and when they finally found him they exclaimed, “Everyone is looking for you!”
Men's Disc Golf Retreat
We are very excited to return to Pender Island April 10-12 for our annual Men’s Disc Golf Retreat! This retreat blends plenty of rounds of disc golf with a focus on listening to God together in sessions at a remarkable home overlooking the ocean. It’s a mix of competitive times on the course and sharing our hearts together over great food and relaxing times. This retreat is often an annual highlight for the men who attend, and we would love to see you there.
Registration is now open. Click below to reserve your spot!
You better start training. We can’t let Ben take home the championship again!
Details:
- Standard Room $375 (single bed, shared room)
- Private Room $475 (queen bed)
The cost of the retreat includes accommodation and meals for the full retreat, sessions led by Steve Klassen, and several rounds of disc golf on a world famous forest course. Costs as listed above. Everyone will be asked to bring a snack, fruit or dessert to contribute.
Each participant is responsible for arranging their own transport to and from Pender Island and meals during travel. Staff will pick you up at the ferry terminal on Pender Island should you choose to be a walk-on passenger. Recommended ferry times will be shared with you closer to the event date.
Sneak Away - an evening retreat (April)
We are expanding from just pastors & leaders and opening up this Sneak Away to anyone.
And because of that, we are going to try it in the evening!
We invite you to take a break from the usual and open your heart, listen and receive from God during this short 2-hour retreat. It will take place at the MARK Centre chalet.
Mark 1 records a story about Jesus sneaking away from a busy house in Capernaum to pray. It seems no one knew he was gone. In fact, they had to hunt him down and when they finally found him they exclaimed, “Everyone is looking for you!” Do you ever feel a little like Jesus might have? Pressures and expectations crowding you in? Maybe it’s time for a morning retreat with a handful of others looking for the same rest and refreshment Jesus received and promises us.
There is no cost to attend. Come join us on Thursday April 23!
Making Space: A Magnified Walk
Making Space is a short evening retreat to do just that - slow down and make space for what really matters. Each retreat will have a slightly different focus, but the goal is the same, to make space for you to reconnect with God, yourself, and others through different creative and reflective mediums. Bring a journal and pen. A snack will be provided.
The focus of this Making Space is a Magnified Walk. We will go for a slow, contemplative walk to the creek at the bottom of the hill below the chalet, taking time to notice what is speaking to us through creation. Before our walk we will sit with a journaling prompt and after, a time to share from our experience.
To encourage a reflective atmosphere we ask only people older than 15 years old attend
When? Thursday, May 7, 7pm-9pm
Cost: By donation. You can bring cash or you can e-transfer (office@markcentre.org)
Facilitating:
Evy Klassen
After early childhood, Evy forgot she was creative but has spent the past decade reawakening to her creativity. She loves to remind others that they too are creative. This past year Evy discovered she loves improv and is having so much fun creating scenes with her improv classmates.
Laura Wieler
Laura has always loved art and is currently exploring different avenues for creativity in her life. She believes that every person has been created to take part in creation and recognize beauty & truth, but we often need encouragement from others to explore this part of ourselves.
Sneak Away - a morning retreat for pastors & leaders (May)
We invite you to take a break from the usual and open your heart, listen and receive from God during this 3-hour retreat retreat. It will take place at the MARK Centre chalet.
Mark 1 records a story about Jesus sneaking away from a busy house in Capernaum to pray. It seems no one knew he was gone. In fact, they had to hunt him down and when they finally found him they exclaimed, “Everyone is looking for you!” Do you ever feel a little like Jesus might have? Pressures and expectations crowding you in? Maybe it’s time for a morning retreat with a handful of other leaders looking for the same rest and refreshment Jesus received and promises us.
There is no cost to attend. Come join us on May 21!
Rooted - a weekend retreat
Roots are generally unseen, but who can deny their importance? Join us as we explore and discover our own roots, and create space for them to grow. This is a relaxed retreat with plenty of time for reflection, rest, and connection. It will take place at the MARK Centre chalet in Abbotsford. Meals and accommodation are included.
When? Friday, May 29 at 6pm - Sunday, May 31 at 12pm
Cost: $300/person (if you’d like to attend but the cost is prohibitive, please reach out to our office).
Facilitating:
Evy Klassen
Forests have been my favourite playground since childhood. These past few years, we have been planting trees in our hay field, hoping to create a playground of biodiversity for the generations to come.
Steve Klassen
I’ve been enjoying Breath Prayers and Silent Prayer lately. The ancient idea that people are like trees is peaceful and inspiring to me. I’m looking forward to exploring the idea of being rooted during this retreat.
Laura Wieler
Marvelling in creation has always been a large source of awe and peace in my life. A part of my role at MARK Centre is caring for the grounds, where I get to tend to the soil and make space for new life to grow. I love walking alongside people in this manner as well.
Sam Wieler
In university I studied environmental science because I have a deep love for the natural world. When I’m outside, I see God everywhere I look! One of my greatest joys in life is being welcomed into someone else’s journey of growth.
Daily Prayer Rhythm
Part of the rhythm we carry at MARK Centre is daily connecting with God through intentional times of prayer. Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday we invite chalet guests and locals alike to join us in this rhythm during the noon hour.
We will meet for daily prayer in the Rooftop Chapel room of the chalet from 12:15-12:45. You can expect this time to include readings from Scripture, music, and silent prayer. Everyone welcome.
Wednesdays in the Psalms
Every Wednesday morning at 7am, we meet together online and spend some time in a Psalm. This 45-minute time together is led by Greg Kingcott.
If you are desiring to carve out intentional time to hear God’s voice and prioritizing that rhythm in your life, you are most welcome to come! There is no cost to this weekly event.
If you are interested in joining contact Steve through email (steve@markcentre.org) to be added to the next session.
Men's Disc Golf Retreat
Every year we invite men to join us on Pender Island for our annual disc golf retreat. We enjoy the amazing disc park and focus on listening to God together in sessions at the remarkable Kroeker home overlooking the ocean. It’s a mix of competitive times on the course and sharing our hearts together over great food and relaxing times.
Registration is now open! Click below to reserve your spot!
Details:
- Standard Room $350 (single bed, shared room)
- Private Room $450 (queen bed)
The cost of the retreat includes accommodation and meals for the full retreat, sessions led by Steve Klassen, and several rounds of disc golf on a world famous forest course. Costs as listed above. Everyone will be asked to bring a snack, fruit or dessert to contribute.
Each participant is responsible for arranging their own transport to and from Pender Island and meals during travel. Staff will pick you up at the ferry terminal on Pender Island should you choose to be a walk-on passenger. Recommended ferry times will be shared with you closer to the event date.
"The sooner we stop thinking that we are the energetic operators of religion and discover that God is at work, as the Aggressor, the Invader, the Initiator, so much the sooner do we discover that our task is to call people to be still and know, listen, hearken in quiet invitation to the promptings of the Divine. Our task is to encourage others first to let go, to cease striving, to give over this fevered effort of the self-sufficient religionist trying to please an external deity. Count on God knocking on the doors of time. God is the Seeker, and not we alone… I am persuaded that religious people do not with sufficient seriousness count on God as an active factor in the affairs of the world. 'Behold I stand at the door and knock,' but too many well-intentioned people are so preoccupied with the clatter of effort to do something for God that they don’t hear Him asking that He might do something through them."
— Thomas Kelly
