This practical book offers pastors and lay leaders a comprehensive resource for planning their own faith-based retreat for church or community group--everything from choosing a theme to identifying a retreat center to outlining the schedule of events. Included are two sample retreats each for women, men, youth, families, and older adults, all centered on a creative and group-appropriate theme. Also featured is a selection of personal retreats for individual renewal and refreshment! And the appendix offers a state-by-state listing of retreat centers.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rachel Gilmore, MEd, has been planning and leading retreats for youth groups and women's groups, both religious and secular, for the past 20 years. Through 10 years of freelance writing and her own public relations work with suburban Chicago non-profits, Rachel has led numerous workshops and published more than 200 articles in such publications as Chicago Parent, Christian Parenting Today, DevoZine, Leader in the Church Today, Church Educator and Group magazine. She currently has a monthly column in the Lincoln-Way Sun and a blog, where you'll find "the right word at the right time."