Courage for the Call
In-Person Retreats
Where: Mercy Center Auburn, CA
45 min. from Sacramento, CA airport
When: March 13-15, 2026
Friday: check-in 3-5
Sunday: ends at 1:00
Cost: TBA, Registration opens soon
Where: Mercy Center Burlingame, CA
10 min. from San Francisco, CA airport
When: June 26-28, 2026
Friday: check-in 2-5
Sunday: ends at 1:00
Cost: TBA, Registration opens soon
What is this Retreat About?
Amid busyness, uncertainty, loss, and life transitions, God invites you to experience Divine peace. It takes time and intentional effort to recognize that invitation and respond with an open heart. Learning to listen to the still voice of God isn’t always easy—but it is possible when we slow down and develop an awareness of how God really does communicate with us, whether that is through nature, a conversation, our reactions, or a beautiful painting.
Have You Wondered…
How do I “listen” to God? (and what does that even mean?)
How can I trust that I know what God wants for me?
How can I feel more connected with God when I pray?
Each of these questions points to a longing for clarity, connection, comfort, and guidance. This retreat invites you to develop an awareness of the language of God and to try spiritual practices that can help you deepen your relationship with the Divine.
Is This Retreat For You?
Are you facing a major decision or life transition and seeking God’s guidance?
Are you longing to find the still voice of God while making sense of suffering, violence, or confusion in the world?
Are you wanting to begin or deepen your prayer life with new spiritual practices?
Whether you’re at a crossroads or simply yearning for more of God’s peace, the intent of this retreat is to provide a welcoming and non-judgmental environment for you to reflect. It is all with the invitation for you to experience the retreat in a way that is nurturing for you and honors where you are on your journey.
I thoroughly enjoyed this retreat! It came at a perfect time for me. I needed all of these good ideas and methods that I can take home and practice in my everyday life. Thank you Christine! — Cindy F.
Retreat Facilitator
Christine talks more about this retreat in a short video.
Before attending one of your retreats I felt disconnected to my faith and myself. The retreat restored my passion for the church, myself and God. I appreciated meeting women who were positive, inspiring and compassionate about saying yes to taking caring of themselves. Now I’m feeling less guilty for taking time out for myself and I’m learning to find a happy balance in my life with God. — Monica P.
What Can I Expect?
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The in-person retreats offer a balanced pacing of presentation, small and large group sharing, experiential practices, and personal time.
The sharing is never forced, you always have the option to pass.
You are welcomed wherever you are in your journey and however you want to talk about who God is for you.
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In all of our retreats, we ask people to share according to our pledge agreements, which include confidentiality and no political discussions. Christine works hard to create a welcoming, non-judgmental environment that encourages everyone to focus on listening rather than imposing advice.
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The intent of the retreats are to create a balanced pacing of sharing and personal time. You are always encouraged to experience the retreat the way you need to, whether that means more or less personal time. On Saturday, there will be two hours in the late afternoon for downtime and many like to take a long walk or a nap during that time. Others use that time to reflect on the material from the day, read from Christine’s books to share, or color with the paper and coloring options available.
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No, you will have opportunities to share in small groups. This is always with the option to pass from the sharing.
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Please note this is a generic schedule to give you an idea. Be sure to check the schedule of your specific retreat.
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Christine loves to give her retreats at retreat centers because they offer a quiet, welcoming, loving place to be wherever you are on your journey. The Mercy Centers at Auburn and Burlingame are known for their hospitality, good food, and beautiful outdoor grounds.
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Mercy Centers Auburn and Burlingame offer private rooms, each with towels, sheets, and a sink. There is a communal bathroom. The retreat centers sponsor the retreats so you will want to talk to the retreat centers directly about any accessibility concerns and needs.
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Yes, scholarships are offered. The retreat centers sponsor these retreats so please first go through the retreat center for a scholarship request. If they are unable to accomodate you, please email Retreat, Reflect, Renew.
Christine’s smile, faith-filled, humble spirit, and great sense of humor about her own life struggles made everyone feel comfortable in sharing personal stories and innermost thoughts during both small and large group discussions. Everyone left the retreat feeling renewed and encouraged to continue doing God’s work! — Michele K.
We hope to see you there!