The “Un-Retreat”
7-Up was marketed as “The Uncola,” a drink that was refreshingly different from the normal cola. The “at home” retreat could be referred to as the “UnRetreat.”
There are hurdles to planning a women’s retreat. Particularly for the small church, there can be seasons when, for one reason or another, your women’s ministry can’t pull off a full-blown women’s retreat. We have had years like that. That is the perfect time to try the “Un-Retreat”!
What is it? It is a retreat held at your own church, where women go home Friday evening after the session (although some women may choose to have their own “slumber party”), and return on Saturday for a full day/evening of retreat events. Although you are in the familiar territory of your own church, it is still possible to create a retreat-like atmosphere.
Advantages to the “Un-Retreat”:
- For those women who find it difficult to leave behind their children/home/familiarities, this might actually be the perfect setup for them;
- An “un-retreat” slashes the costs, of course, as you don’t have to pay for the meeting room and your lodging;
- The cost for meals is significantly less; women can eat breakfast before they come; and it may even leave room for some fun snacks at other times (women may enjoy contributing their own special treats to make it more personal);
- Childcare issues for the women could possibly be easier; if husbands can’t take care of the children, at least they don’t need to find overnight care. In addition, it may be possible to provide some childcare at the church.
Disadvantages to the “Un-Retreat”:
- Since women are not getting very far away from their normal distractions of home and family, they may be more tempted to miss parts of your retreat;
- You may have to work around other events being held at the church;
- The two-night retreats that we love are virtually impossible, as we obviously can not continue the retreat through Sunday.
Our preference is to get out of town for our women’s retreats. But if that is not possible for your church at this particular time, try this great alternative! And don’t be timid in making it seem to be as much of a special “get-away” as you can. It will be noticed…and appreciated!
