Retreat Experience 

Join us and a group of about 10 women on a journey toward healing at the beautiful and pristine St. Francis Springs Prayer Center in the foothills of North Carolina. Together we will spend time creating space for the parts of your soul needing attention and care. Our thoughtful and Certified-IFS clinicians will guide you through a weekend of experiences grounded in the Christian faith. We invite you to embrace the tranquility of St Francis Springs, where you will have abundant time set aside for personal rest, spiritual restoration, and quiet moments to connect with God in the beauty of the forest.

If you’re considering this retreat, we are praying for your discernment of whether this is the time for God to meet you where you are through this place set apart from everyday life. In the practice of soul care and exploring one’s inner landscape, Vanessa and Julie have trekked their own journey’s by utilizing IFS as a vehicle to grow in their relationship with the Lord. They are honored to guide you where the Lord is nudging you, gently yet deeply, because they know what it’s like to seek health and wholeness through painful experiences with Christ at the center. They’re passionate about taking Biblical principles and making them practical for everyday living. 

 Want to attend?

We would love to host you! Based on the nature of this intimate and contemplative retreat we are asking our potential guests to consider the following criteria before registering:

• Familiar with the IFS model and have worked with some of your own protectors and exiles
• Have recently read or listened to an IFS book
• Interest in growing in your ancient Christian contemplative prayer practices in community with other like-minded women, including the Examen, Lectio Divina, Breath Prayers, etc.
  

  How do I Register?

  Registration opens May 1, 2026! Please sign up to our retreat interest list to be notified via e-mail when registration is live.

learn more about the retreat leaders below.

Retreat Duration

The retreat will begin on  Monday, September 21st at 3pm at the peaceful and serene St. Francis Springs Prayer Center.  Our journey and time together will end Thursday, September 24th at 11:30am.

 This retreat center is nestled in the woods providing many opportunities for all fitness levels to soak in God’s beauty. There are over 30 benches on the 140-acre property and a myriad of indoor nooks for private reflection in spaces such as their meditation rooms, library, bookstore, or lounge.

A Peek at the Retreat

Imagine what a refreshing experience this will be for your body and soul!

wake up 

Ease into the day sipping coffee/tea resting in the lodge nestled among the trees where it is very quiet and calm.

breath-work, movement, and stretching

Start our group sessions with gentle stretches and breath prayers.

breakfast and group dining

Join the group for a delicious breakfast at the main lodge for a special time of community and prayer.

christ-centered ifs meditation and prayer

Participants will be led through a meditation that will cultivate grounding and spaciousness for the soul. After journaling, you will have time to collectively share your experience. This will be a pressure-free space where you will be given the option of how much you share in the group gatherings. 

Prayer Beads and Praying for Parts

Participants will make beautiful prayer beads that they will take home and learn how to use them to pray for parts in need of care and connection.

lunch and group dining or on your own in nature

Join back at the main lodge for lunch or choose a special location on the property to nourish your body and spend time in nature. 

lectio divina

Lectio Divina is Latin for “divine reading.” It is an ancient practice of praying the scriptures where you will listen to the text of the Bible with the “ear of the heart.” You will be guided through moments of hearing scripture, reflecting and meditating on that scripture, and resting in the Word of God which is intended to deepen your relationship with our loving Lord, Jesus Christ.

parts sculpting/psychodrama

Through externalizing our inner landscape, we gain perspective which allows us to have a kinder relationship with ourselves.

relax, restore, and reconnect in nature

Leaders will have journaling prompts and expressive art offerings available during personal time. There will be plenty of time to relax and walk around the property. You’ll discover trails, quiet benches for journaling, a library, mediation room, labyrinth or simply enjoy your beautify cottage for downtime and restoration.

preparing the table, group blessing, and group dining

An intentional time of creating beauty at the place where we gather to ‘break bread’ while blessing one another.

outdoor unburdening

A collective unburdening exercise will be facilitated in the forest where there is a creek, labyrinth, stations of the cross, and benches. Participants will have an opportunity to lament safely and unburden emotional wounds and beliefs  in a very sacred space.

rest and sleep well

Each evening participants will retire to the lodge where they will rest in their room and have access to a communal living room and kitchen.

 Amenities & Food

Accommodations

• Exclusive Access: Stay in a modern lodge reserved solely for our retreat guests.
• Room Choice: Select from single or double occupancy rooms.
• Privacy: Each room features its own private entrance.
• Shared Spaces: Enjoy access to a comfortable living room, a full kitchen, and a large screened-in porch.

Dining

• All-Inclusive Meals: Eight nutritious and delicious meals are included with your stay.
• Worry-Free: Let us handle the cooking and cleanup so you can focus on your experience.
• Alternative Food Options: While the kitchen staff can accommodate some dietary needs, we invite you to bring any food items that will make your visit more comfortable. For your convenience, your lodge includes a fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator and a stove/oven.

Grounds & Facilities

• For Contemplation: Labyrinths, meditation rooms, Stations of the Cross, and a beautiful outdoor glass chapel.
• For Relaxation: Walking trails, private reflection areas, library, reading rooms, and outdoor patios.
• For Inspiration: Discover peaceful water features, art, and sculptures throughout the property.

St Francis Springs is a calm and quiet property; you will feel peace here. You can unplug from technology and sense a stillness that will nourish parts of you who are easily overstimulated by the outside world. Please care for yourself and bring any items that will make your experience more comfortable. 

travel arrangements

Nearby Airports:

• Greensboro, NC Piedmont Triad International (30min.)
• Roanoke, VA (1.5hr)
• Charlotte, NC (2hr.)

To book additional days before or after the retreat contact you can check SFS availability here.