Shine: Intergenerational Retreat
The guide was developed to help faith communities reconnect through spiritual rest and joyful intergenerational worship. Shine provides all the pieces needed to lead a retreat with participants of all ages. The theme, “Living as Children of God in a Restless World,” explores how we remain grounded in faith amidst life’s anxieties, distractions, and pressures. Rooted in 1 John 3:1, the retreat centers on the identity of being beloved children of God and the invitation to live from that identity with calm and confidence.
This resource is best suited for use at camps, conference centers, or church weekend retreats and is written for clergy and lay leaders. It weaves spiritual reflection with active engagement, helping groups practice Sabbath, community care, and joyful worship.
What’s inside the guide
Four Bible study sessions with accompanying worship outlines
Activity suggestions to connect scripture to nature and camp life
Practical planning tips for retreat logistics, materials, and schedules
Built-in flexibility for groups of varying sizes and needs
Opportunities for reflection on rest, identity, and community
Note for use: Ministry leaders can adapt the Shine retreat for a church-wide event, family weekend, or multigenerational ministry gathering. If a full retreat isn't feasible, break the material into a short-term Sunday evening series or midweek gatherings. The group-friendly structure and themes are also helpful for reengaging volunteers or reestablishing community rhythms post-busy seasons.