This past October, three ministry couples traveled from across the country to gather for soul refreshment at Tenwood Lodge in Ithaca, New York. My husband and I were excited to help create space for everyone to slow down, have fun and get some soul-level rest! From the starry night bonfire and fun hike to see a local waterfall taller than Niagara Falls, to the delicious food and deep conversations, every moment was filled with refreshment. One of the pastors said he was normally a “go guy,” but this retreat showed him how meaningful it is to press pause.
Tenwood invited us to step out of the busy world we live in with its cathedral ceiling, living room, and stuffed giant moose, deer, chipmunks, owls, and fish on the walls to keep us company. The back porch chairs overlooking rolling fields were a favorite spot for prayer, connection, and reflection!
A favorite moment in the retreat was when the women and men broke out into separate groups to have deeper conversations about soul care. One of the men said, “It was amazing how quickly relationships were built!” Another leader shared how this retreat began to teach her what it truly means to be still with God, and she was looking forward to exploring this more. One of the pastor couples talked about how they were going to take what they had unpacked during the retreat and dig into it as a family with their kids back home. That’s really the gift of Replenish - it isn’t just a retreat; it’s a lifestyle shift with fresh vision for rhythms of rest in the midst of ministry!
