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 - a morning retreat for pastors & leaders (December)
We invite you to take a break from the usual and open your heart, listen and receive from God during this short retreat. Sam Wieler will facilitate this 3-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 other leaders looking for the same rest and refreshment Jesus received and promises us.
There is no cost to attend. Come join us on December 4!
*Registration is closed as this Sneak Away is fully booked. If you’d like to attend a future Sneak Away, please see our Retreats & Events page.
Sneak Away - a morning retreat for pastors & leaders (January)
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 January 22!
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!” 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 February 19!
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!” 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 March 26!
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.
Sneak Away - a morning retreat for pastors & leaders (November)
We invite you to take a break from the usual and open your heart, listen and receive from God during this short retreat. Steve Klassen will facilitate this 3-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 other leaders looking for the same rest and refreshment Jesus received and promises us.
There is no cost to attend. Come join us on November 13!
Like a Tree Fall Retreat
Scripture has a lot to say about trees, and how we are like them. Like a Tree is a weekend retreat engaging in our spiritual growth through this simile. Steve & Evy Klassen will be facilitating this retreat. There will be ample space to relax & reflect, and sessions on how we as people are like trees, with themes like roots, pruning, slow growth, and connection. You’re also going to enjoy some great food in a beautiful location, a cabin up in Hemlock Valley BC. Registration is now open below!
Where: Hemlock Valley, BC
When: Friday October 24 - Sunday October 26, 2025
Cost: $300/person based on double occupancy per room. Includes accommodations & meals.
Sneak Away - a morning retreat for pastors & leaders (October)
We invite you to take a break from the usual and open your heart, listen and receive from God during this short retreat. Steve Klassen will facilitate this 3-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 other leaders looking for the same rest and refreshment Jesus received and promises us.
There is no cost to attend. Come join us on October 23!
Sneak Away - a morning retreat for pastors & leaders (September)
We invite you to take a break from the usual and open your heart, listen and receive from God during this short retreat. Steve Klassen will facilitate this 3-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 other leaders looking for the same rest and refreshment Jesus received and promises us.
There is no cost to attend. Come join us on September 18!
MARK Centre Garden Party
After a year hiatus we are delighted to announce the return of the MARK Centre Garden Party this Fall!
This event will be hosted at the Klassen's beautiful backyard, and will include dinner, inspiring stories of people embracing a lifestyle of listening to God, and live jazz.
Whether you've been partnering with the MARK Centre for years, or you have only recently heard about us, we encourage you to join us!
Registration: $60/person
Planning to bring some friends along? Consider sponsoring a table. You can sponsor a whole table (8 people) for $1,000, or half a table (4 people) for $500. More sponsorship information is available here.
MARK Centre Golf Tournament
Registration for our 2025 Golf Tournament Fundraiser is now open!
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 short retreat. Steve Klassen will facilitate this 3-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 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 22!
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.
Taste & See Evening Retreat
Taste & See is a new retreat rooted in Psalm 34 - “Taste and See that the Lord is good.” This relaxed evening will have different opportunities for you to listen to God. We will have two guided sessions happening in the Great Room as well as prompted personal reflection spaces in different rooms. And as the name suggests there will also be food!
There is no cost to attend this retreat. Come and join us Wednesday evening as we slow down, and take time to listen to God together.
Sneak Away - a morning retreat for pastors & leaders (February)
We invite you to take a break from the usual and open your heart, listen and receive from God during this short retreat. Steve Klassen will facilitate this 3-hour retreat. It will take place in the comfortable rooftop room on the fourth level of the MARK Centre.
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.
Let us know you would like to join us by clicking here to fill out this form.
Sneak Away - a morning retreat for pastors & leaders (January)
We invite you to take a break from the usual and open your heart, listen and receive from God during this short retreat. Steve Klassen will facilitate this 3-hour retreat. It will take place in the comfortable rooftop room on the fourth level of the MARK Centre.
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.
Let us know you would like to join us by clicking here to fill out this form.
Extravagant Love - Men’s Retreat
Friends, we are so glad to have Nelson join us for this men’s retreat as we explore the EXTRAVAGANT LOVE of God. The retreat will be located at a beautiful cabin in Hemlock Valley, BC from Thursday November 14 to Saturday November 16. Our time together will begin Thursday evening over dinner together, and conclude on Saturday after brunch.
The retreat will cost $300/person and meals are provided. Registration is limited to 13 people. Click HERE to register!
If you would like to attend but are unable to for financial reasons please reach out to us at office@markcentre.org.
Sneak Away - For Pastors & Leaders
We invite you to take a break from the usual and open your heart, listen and receive from God during this short retreat. Ed Willms will facilitate this 3-hour retreat. It will take place in the comfortable rooftop room on the fourth level of the MARK Centre.
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.
Let us know you would like to join us by clicking here to fill out this form.
NOTE: Registration for SNEAK AWAY on Oct 7 is now Full. We hope to offer this retreat again in November.
Men in the Psalms
UPDATE: We are temporarily meeting online through Zoom and have opened the group to men and women. If you are interested in joining contact Steve through email (steve@markcentre.org) to be added to the next session.
Every Wednesday morning at 7am, local men to the Abbotsford region join together in our Rooftop Chapel here at the chalet. This 45-minute time together is always focused around a Psalm. Let by our director Steve Klassen, this listening experience sets these men off on the right foot to start their day.
If you are a man seeking connection with like-minded men, 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.
The Rooftop chapel is located on the top floor of our chalet. Head up the staircase nearest to the parking lot, and keep climbing to the top floor. A door with a schedule on it is posted on the door of the Rooftop Chapel, and you will see this event listed there. Please come in!
"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
