Draw Near: Creative Retreats for Being Present with God
I’m excited to share something new I’ve been working on…
Draw Near Retreats are a series of guided, creative retreats designed to help you slow down and practice being present with God in a simple, accessible way.
At its core, the Christian life isn’t just about learning more or doing more; it’s about being with God. But in everyday life, that can be hard to actually experience. We’re busy, distracted, and often unsure how to slow down in a meaningful way.
These retreats are a way to make space for that.
A contemplative play approach
Draw Near Retreats are rooted in what I call contemplative play, simple, creative practices that help us pay attention to God with openness and curiosity rather than pressure or performance.
Instead of trying to “get it right,” you’re invited to notice, reflect, and receive. Creative practices like drawing, coloring, or simple mark-making become a way to quiet the noise and become more aware of God’s presence.
This isn’t about making something impressive or being artistic. It’s about engaging your attention, your senses, and your imagination as part of your life with God.
What happens at a retreat
Each retreat follows a consistent, gentle structure:
A short story or reflection to begin
Wondering questions to help you reflect
A guided creative activity (with simple materials)
Quiet space to notice and reflect
Optional sharing
A simple closing
It’s not a class or a workshop, it’s structured enough to guide you, but spacious enough to meet you where you are.
Upcoming Retreat (Join Us!)
Spring / Eastertide Retreat
Saturday, May 9
1:00–3:00pm
In person (Trumbull, CT)
If you’ve been wanting a way to slow down and reconnect with God, this is a great place to start. You don’t need any experience with art or spiritual direction, just come as you are.
Who this is for
These retreats are open to adults at any stage of faith, whether you feel grounded, curious, or somewhere in between. You’re welcome to come with whatever you’re carrying, stress, questions, joy, or simply a desire for a different pace.
You don’t need special supplies. Just bring yourself, and I’ll guide the rest.
(If there’s interest, I’m also happy to offer future sessions for older kids.)
Looking ahead
Summer (Ordinary Time): 3 online retreats (dates coming soon)
Fall (Ordinary Time): 1 in-person Saturday retreat (Sept/Oct)
Advent: At-home retreats with simple guided prompts
Lent: 4-session in-person series (Feb/March)
More details will be shared as each retreat approaches. If this sounds like something you’ve been needing, I’d love for you to join us on May 9.