Spring Retreat 2026
Friday, March 20 through Sunday, March 22
Our annual spring retreat is one of the highlights of our year.
What is the Retreat?
It is a time for our church community to get out of the city together, to sing, eat, laugh, play games and sports, and spend time learning and reflecting on a particular topic. Our retreat is always fun and spiritually nurturing, and connects people in our community like no other single event of the year.
The retreat begins Friday evening on March 20, and ends after lunch on Sunday, March 22.
Where is it?
We will return to our usual retreat location, the Tuscarora Inn and Conference Center, in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains. It is in a beautiful natural setting about 1½ hours from New York City.
Topic & Speaker
Doing Evangelism And Not Being Weird
Speaking about Christianity can be intimidating and we may avoid sharing our faith because of fear, confusion about what to say, lack of confidence, etc. We can all afford to grow in this area, so as a church we will spend a weekend considering how to be more intentional and effective at sharing our faith. There are always some who have the conviction and calling to approach strangers or stand before skeptics to try to persuade them. Most of us already have relationships with non-Christians and we simply need some help in knowing how to have spiritual conversations with them. At the retreat we will talk about (and practice) how to have spiritual conversations that are meaningful.
This year, we’re pleased to hear from recently former Emmanuelite, Tim Craig!
Cost & Registration
Emmanuel subsidizes the cost of the retreat. This year we have increased the subsidy to reduce the cost even further. This is an important event in the life of the church so we want to be sure everyone who is part of our church comes. While there are multiple benefits of coming on the retreat, we think it is particularly strategic for deepening relationships within the church so we see this as an investment in our community. If you are part of our church, or hope to be part of our church, join us!
Cost
4 levels of private rooms, $50-$100/adult.
Children 5 and under are free, children 6-18 are $20 per child.
Cost includes lodging for Friday and Saturday evening, meals from Saturday breakfast through Sunday lunch, snacks, childcare, and all activities. Transportation to and from the conference center will be available for an additional fee.
Rooms & Prices
Registration Process
Registration
The registration form will be posted here starting Wednesday, January 28, 12 noon.
Scholarships Available
The retreat has become one of the most important community building events of our church life. For that reason, it’s important to us that everyone who wants to come on the retreat is able to. To that end, we have budgeted money for scholarships. If the expense is the only thing preventing you from attending, please apply for a partial or full scholarship.
You will be given to option to apply for a scholarship via the registration form.