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Date and Location:
September 11 - 13, 2026 at Spruce Lake Retreat Center.

Theme:
Soaring with the Promise of God

Main Scripture:
Galatians 3

Theme Description:
Join us for the Manhattan Church of Christ Annual Retreat, September 11–13, 2026, as we explore what it means to live not toward something we have to earn, but from a promise God has already given. Drawing from Galatians 3, we'll discover the difference between a covenant we strive to keep and a promise God carries through in spite of our weaknesses and doubts — a promise that lifts us, like wings, above the striving and exhaustion of everyday life.

The weekend includes worship, small group conversation, a time of silence, recreation, a talent show, and space for families and individuals of all ages to rest together in what God has already done. Whether you've been part of MCOC for years or are just getting to know our community, this retreat is a chance to step back, breathe, and soar.

  • Spruce Lake Retreat,
    5389 PA-447, Canadensis, PA 18325

  • Bus Leaves MCOC:
    Friday, September 11th @ 6:00 pm

    Retreat Schedule Overview:
    FRIDAY
    8:20 pm Bus arrives at Spruce Lake
    9:20 pm Welcome and Celebration
    10:00 pm Free Time / Snack Shack / Gym

    SATURDAY
    8:30 am Breakfast
    9:40 am Morning Worship
    10:00 am Large Group Discussion
    11:30 am Small Group #1
    12:30 pm Lunch – Free Time Recreation
    3:30 pm Praise and Worship
    4:00 pm Retreat Photo
    4:30 pm Small Group Discussion #2
    5:30 pm Dinner
    7:00 pm Talent Show, “Saturday Night Light”
    After Campfire, Gym, Conversation, Snack Shop, etc.

    SUNDAY
    8:30 am Breakfast
    9:40 am "Morning Music and Meditation"
    10:00 am Hour of Silence
    11:00 am Praise and Communion Together
    12:30 pm Lunch
    1:30 pm Load Bus … Departure

  • CHECK-IN:
    Upon arrival, head to the Main Auditorium (Black Cherry) for a self check-in (not the lobby front desk). Room keys will be in individual envelopes with names on each located on a table by the auditorium. 

    FOOD:
    Friday - No meals are provided.
    It's best to eat before arriving at the retreat center or pack a dinner to enjoy on the bus. There is a snack shop for light bites, but it is only open for limited hours on Friday and Saturday nights.

    * Saturday meal times:
    8:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m.

    * Sunday mealtimes:
    8:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m.

    * NOTE:
    If you have a food allergy or dietary restriction, please let us know. The Retreat Center makes the effort to accommodate requests - if known in advance - though makes no guarantees. Click here to submit your name and dietary needs.

    LODGING:
    Spruce Lake Retreat Center provides sheets, towels, and soap. All rooms have a private bathroom. Kindly note that no food is allowed in the guest rooms. Quiet hours are from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

    SATURDAY NIGHT LIGHT:
    Come one, come all! Think "open mic night" for this family-style fun-fest. Consider sharing a piece such as a song, instrument, poem, monologue, dance, or something creative. Thanks to Emily Cahnmann coordinating the showcase, reach out to her or the Church Office with any questions. emily@manhattanchurch.org

    VOLUNTEER SERVICE TEAM:
    Over the weekend, 100+ people will use the Black Cherry Main Auditorium. Please consider lending a hand to help us keep the room generally neat and tidy with the chairs aligned—especially Sunday morning, when we set up for communion. Speak with Luis "Gonzo" Gonzalez and Alex Console about joining the team to serve all of us in this way

    WEATHER AT SPRUCE LAKE
    *  Friday - cloudy, temps 73
    *  Saturday – cloudy/rainy, temps 72
    *  Sunday – cloudy/rainy, temps 73
    *  Consider packing a sweater or jacket.