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Contemplative Story Retreat [Jan 5-9, 2026]
A Contemplative Story Retreat: Pausing at the Threshold of a New Year
(January 5th – 9th, 2026)
Story has had a profound role in shaping and re-shaping us: our values, our character, our worldview…from the first story we were read or told as a child, until now.
During these days of retreat, we will be invited into a rich time of reflecting on the stories we believe about ourselves , our neighbour, and the Sacred. As we explore and pray with these personal and communal/cultural stories, we will engage in a variety of modes of expression, including as poetry, scripture, music, art, and journalling. The flow of our days will be guided by rhythms of: interaction and spacious silence, presentation and reflection, movement and stillness.
The retreat begins Monday, January 5th at 5 pm (arrival after 3pm) and conclude Friday, January 9th at 11 am.
Retreat Leaders:
Jan Bihl
Jan’s varied life experiences, along with her training in teaching, ministry, and spiritual direction, weave together to form her love for people and for accompanying them on their spiritual journey. Jan is sustained and deeply enriched by the creative power of story, song, poetry and her engagement with the Rivendell Community. In her active retirement she continues to have a zest for life, laughter, creativity, community…and great coffee…not to mention friendship, savouring sunrises, and quality time with her loving spouse and the motley crew, near and far, who they are blessed to call their family.
Margaret McAvity
Margaret’s love of story, nurtured in childhood found expression in storytelling as a children’s librarian. After many years involved in international education, Margaret pursued theological studies and became a spiritual director and retreat leader. An active lay person in the Anglican Church and a long-serving community member of Rivendell Retreat Centre, Margaret enjoys gardening, walking, reading, and spending precious time with her spouse, children, grandchildren, and extended family and friends.
Cost: $320 ($80/day) for food and facilitation, plus what you can give generously for your accommodation. (it costs us aprox $75/per room per night to run our facility). When you come to Rivendell for your retreat, you can pay by cheque, cash or e-transfer atbooking@rivendellretreat.org.
Registration Fee: A $20 non-refundable registration fee is taken at time of registration.
A Contemplative Story Retreat: Pausing at the Threshold of a New Year
(January 5th – 9th, 2026)
Story has had a profound role in shaping and re-shaping us: our values, our character, our worldview…from the first story we were read or told as a child, until now.
During these days of retreat, we will be invited into a rich time of reflecting on the stories we believe about ourselves , our neighbour, and the Sacred. As we explore and pray with these personal and communal/cultural stories, we will engage in a variety of modes of expression, including as poetry, scripture, music, art, and journalling. The flow of our days will be guided by rhythms of: interaction and spacious silence, presentation and reflection, movement and stillness.
The retreat begins Monday, January 5th at 5 pm (arrival after 3pm) and conclude Friday, January 9th at 11 am.
Retreat Leaders:
Jan Bihl
Jan’s varied life experiences, along with her training in teaching, ministry, and spiritual direction, weave together to form her love for people and for accompanying them on their spiritual journey. Jan is sustained and deeply enriched by the creative power of story, song, poetry and her engagement with the Rivendell Community. In her active retirement she continues to have a zest for life, laughter, creativity, community…and great coffee…not to mention friendship, savouring sunrises, and quality time with her loving spouse and the motley crew, near and far, who they are blessed to call their family.
Margaret McAvity
Margaret’s love of story, nurtured in childhood found expression in storytelling as a children’s librarian. After many years involved in international education, Margaret pursued theological studies and became a spiritual director and retreat leader. An active lay person in the Anglican Church and a long-serving community member of Rivendell Retreat Centre, Margaret enjoys gardening, walking, reading, and spending precious time with her spouse, children, grandchildren, and extended family and friends.
Cost: $320 ($80/day) for food and facilitation, plus what you can give generously for your accommodation. (it costs us aprox $75/per room per night to run our facility). When you come to Rivendell for your retreat, you can pay by cheque, cash or e-transfer atbooking@rivendellretreat.org.
Registration Fee: A $20 non-refundable registration fee is taken at time of registration.