Events
The Lord longs to speak, fill, embrace, and guide. Our regular quiet times fuel us day to day. That is just the tip of the iceberg.
He has more for us. More joy, peace, understanding, revelation, healing, freedom. Away from the everyday distractions of home, participating in an additional time like this throws the door wide open.
"Seek me, and you will find me when you seek me with your heart. I will be found by you and restore you from captivity" Jer 29:13
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Beginning with prayer together and then spreading throughout the church.
A few hours set apart to spend with God in a special way.
What to Bring? your choice.. bible, journal, outdoor gear if you enjoy spending time outdoors.
No cost to attend.
Opportunity for both men and women.
We would love to have you!
(PS … if you can’t join in person, join us across the miles by the Spirit,
setting apart the morning in your own sacred space)
MAWG’s
Monthly Morning Alone with God
"Solitude (and prayer) begins with a time and a place for God, and God alone. If we believe that God exists and that God is actively present in our lives-- healing, teaching, and guiding-- we need to set aside a time and space to give God our undivided attention." Henri Nouwen
The 3rd Saturday of Each Month
March 16 & May 13, 2024
9:00 - 11:30 am
Christ Community Church, 3370 113th Avenue, Allegan, MI 49010
Past Events
First Love Silent Women’s Retreat
Friday, October 20 - Sunday, October 22, 2023
The Hermitage Retreat Center, 11321 Dutch Settlement Rd., Three Rivers, MI
“God with Us”
“Is there any place I can go where you are not there? Anywhere that I will be out of your sight? If I climb to the sky; you’re there! If I go underground, you’re there! If I fly on morning’s wings to the far western horizon, or dwelt in the deepest part of the sea, You’d find me in a minute - you’re already there waiting!” Ps 139:7
Our Abba Father loves us beyond what we could ever know. Even though we can’t see Him, He’s always with us, closer than our very breath. He longs to spend time with us, speak to us, answer every question, and heal every hurt.
Come away with a small group of like-hearted women for plentiful time for you and God alone as well as shared times of community.
Beautiful setting with private rooms, lunches, and dinners provided.
An opportunity to deepen your relationship with God through:
New practices of prayer
Time in His word
Time to follow the Spirit’s leading to read, rest, pray, walk, journal.. worship.
Time to savor Him through His gift of nature
About the Facilitators
Lori Melton is a Spiritual Director and Retreat Leader with a life-long passion for walking with God and fostering opportunities for others to grow in their relationship with Him. She and her husband, Bryan, are the founders and directors of The Sanctuary at Bear Creek Retreat Center in Allegan, MI, the proud parents of 5 sons and one daughter and Nana and Papa to two adorable grands.
Brooke DeBoer is a wife, mother, life coach, and retreat co-leader. Brooke’s passion is to walk with women as God encourages their hearts. A seasoned retreater journeying with First Love for the past 7 years, Brooke now serves facilitating and leading on retreat. She and Ryan reside in a cozy Zeeland neighborhood with their 3 favorite little ones Owen, Luke, and Izzy.
Stacy Holmes: Pastor, Spiritual Director, wife to Jon, mother, homeschooler to two kids, and retreat co-leader. Stacy is from Hershey, PA and got married on Chocolate Ave. She enjoys reading, writing, hiking, and traveling to National Parks. Her favorite thing to do is listen to others’ stories over coffee. She now resides just outside of Grand Rapids, MI.
Registration and Accommodations
Our time together will begin with dinner on Friday night and continue until heading back home Sunday at 12:00 p.m. Participants are welcome to check into their rooms on Friday between 3:00-6:00 p.m.
We have 13 private rooms available in the main retreat centers as well as three rustic cabins in the woods. On the registration form, please indicate which style of accommodation you prefer. We will do our best to place people where they desire. Please note, the cabins are charming and wonderful for solitude but there is a short hike to them and they do not have running water or electricity. There are outhouse style bathrooms available for the cabins.
Guests should bring their own food for breakfasts. Lunches and dinners are provided (see The Hermitage website for more information).
For more information or to register:
Contact Brooke at brookedeboer@gmail.com or 517-896-1848.
The cost for the weekend is $213.
Cancellation Policy:
We understand that sometimes things come up. Registrations may be cancelled up to 1 month before the start of the retreat (9/20/22) to receive a full refund. A $10 administration fee is non-refundable. Any cancellations after 9/20 are non-refundable.
To register:
To sign up, please complete your registration using the “Register” button below.
We look forward to retreating with you!
Note: We are sold out in the main retreat center and have 2 more spots available in the cabins. If you’d like to reserve a cabin or get on the wait list, please register below.
Join Us!
Contemplative Retreat
Friday - Sunday, April 14-16
Beautiful Portage Lake Bible Camp near Manistee, Michigan
The Sanctuary at Bear Creek’s First Love Ministry is partnering together with the Covenant Church
If you’ve been wanting to come on one of the retreats, but haven’t been sure a completely “silent” retreat was what you were looking for, this opportunity could be just right!
The perfect combination of guided Contemplative Practices, community and individual time alone with God.
Opportunity for men and women
Single or Double occupancy rooms
All meals provided
Registration is now closed.
You may be thinking, “I already have a quiet time,” or “I could just stay home to have time with God, why would I need this?”
For some of us we even have the house to ourselves most of the time.
Yet, something different happens when we come together to be with God.
I can’t explain it. I just know how beautiful it is, watching it happen.
Like Jesus said, “When two or three are gathered together in my name there I am (in a special way) in the midst of them.” Mt 18:20
We usually think he’s referring to coming together for church or small group, but what if it also applies to what He will do in a time of coming to be in His presence?
Would love to have you!
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Beginning together at 9:00 for opening prayer... then spreading throughout the church or outdoors for individual time alone with God
What to Bring? your choice.. bible, journal, hot mug for coffee
No cost to attend.
Opportunity for both men and women.
Registration is now closed.
MAWG’s
Monthly Morning Alone with God
3rd Saturday of the Month
Jan 21, Feb 18, March 18, May 20
9:00 - 11:30 AM
Christ Community Church, 3370 113th Ave, Allegan, MI 49010
22 October 2022
9:00 - 11:30 AM
Come away for a time alone with God during this glorious season!
Beginning at 9:00 am with prayer together on the Ridge. Then spreading out across 20 acres wherever God leads along the creek,
in the woods or meadow.
What to Bring? your choice.. bible, journal, camping chair
(chairs along the property as well), hiking shoes, hot mug
for coffee or hot cocoa!
No cost to attend.
Opportunity for both men and women.
RSVP .. message us with your name and email address
or phone number
If inclement weather we will contact you
by text or email by 8:00 am
Registration is now closed.
Morning Alone with God (MAWG)
Would Love to Have You!
Fall Retreat Theme: "The Better Part"
The Master said, “Martha, dear Martha, you’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential. Mary has chosen the better part and it won’t be taken from her.” -Luke 10:42
👉 Join a gathering of like-hearted women for plentiful time for you and God alone as well as shared times of community together…
Perhaps you’re seeking….
To find what you long for but regular life keeps beyond your grasp.
No to-do list to pull you away. No Projects. No bustling agenda.
Time, finally time.. to sit at His feet.
An opportunity to deepen your relationship with Him through:
New practices of prayer
Time in His word
Time to follow the Spirit’s leading to read, rest, pray, walk, journal.. worship.
Time to savor Him through His gift of nature
About the Facilitators
Brooke DeBoer: Wife, mother, and retreat co-leader. Brooke’s passion is to walk with women as God encourages their hearts. A seasoned retreater journeying with First Love for the past 5 years, Brooke now serves facilitating and leading on retreat. She and Ryan reside in a cozy Zeeland neighborhood with their 3 favorite little ones Owen, Luke, and Izzy.
Stacy Holmes: Pastor, Spiritual Director, wife to Jon, mother, homeschooler to two kids, and retreat co-leader. Stacy is from Hershey, PA and got married on Chocolate Ave. She enjoys reading, writing, hiking, and traveling to National Parks. Her favorite thing to do is listen to others’ stories over coffee. She now resides just outside of Grand Rapids, MI.
“The Lord, Our Potter”: First Love Silent Directed Women’s Retreat
“Yet, O Lord, You are our Father. We are the clay, You are the potter; we are the work of Your hand.” Isaiah 64:8
Are you longing to be in the palm of His hands? To let Abba Father mold and shape you?
Welcome to this weekend away with Him!
Join a group of like-hearted women for plentiful time for you and God alone in your own private cabin (at GilChrist) or room (at The Hermitage) while also enjoying community and one-on-one spiritual companionship. This retreat will be using both of these side-by-side retreat centers.
Deepen your relationship with God through new practices of prayer
Follow the Spirit’s individual leading to read, rest, pray, walk, write, worship
Bask in God’s presence through time in nature
Discern His voice through one-on-one spiritual companionship
About the Facilitators
Linda Andersen: Wife to Roy, mother, grandmother, mentor, and author of eight books. Through her own walk with God, her books, and opening her home to come for Days Alone with God (DAWGs), Linda has introduced hundreds of women to the power and beauty found in spending time with Him. Her most recent book is Spiritual Retreat for Tired Souls.
Lori Melton: Wife, mother, and retreat coordinator. She and her husband Bryan are privileged to be the directors of the Sanctuary at Bear Creek. A life-long facilitator and spiritual director, her joy has been in accompanying others on their journeys of growth in intimacy with our Abba Father.
Sherri Willett: Gifted in hospitality and helps ministry, Sherri has been a part of the First Love team since 2016 when silent retreating launched her on a path to learning contemplative living, spiritual expression through art and profound joy for life in God!
Julie Blakely: Soul friend of Linda’s for over 30 years, Julie was there at the conception of the First Love Ministry when God planted the seed in Linda’s heart to begin opening her home to others for Days Alone with God & DAWG days were born! A seasoned retreater, Julie is a central part of the team with a passion for intimacy with God, hospitality & administration.
MAWG Morning Alone with God
Thirsty for Living Water?
Do you find yourself distracted even in your quiet time with “this, that and the other thing” poking you in the ribs?
Treat yourself to this time to come and meet with God..
.. to renew your soul in a fresh way
.. to pour out your love and worship..
God knows your deepest parts and what you are most thirsty for.
Opening together in prayer and then spreading out for 2 hours of time with Him.
Suggestions, what to bring? Bible, notebook, pen
p.s… if you’re unable to join in person... set apart your own space for a MAWG right where you are!
MAWG Morning Alone with God
If you are longing for time in His presence without distraction..
Join Us!
Opening together in prayer and then spreading out for 2 precious hours of time alone with Him.
Suggestions, what to bring? Bible, notebook, pen
p.s… if you’re unable to join in person... set apart your own space for a MAWG right where you are!
Email us, we would love to join together as you get to your sacred space.
MAWG Morning Alone with God
Like going out boating on a warm, sunny afternoon, it feels silly to wear a lifejacket…
It’s a good idea, of course. Could even save your life if some unforeseen circumstance comes out of nowhere. But when the skies are rumbling with angry gray clouds and torrential winds, all of a sudden the life jacket doesn’t seem so silly anymore!
Every year God is our life preserver. But in 2021 there’s no question
Join us for 2 precious hours to give God time to move deeply within us Opening together in prayer and then spreading out for alone time with Him.