Date and Location:
September 5 - 7, 2025 at Spruce Lake Retreat Center.

Theme:
Walking on Water In a Storm

Main Scripture:
Matthew 14:22-33

Supplemental Scriptures:
• Mark 6:45–51 – A second telling of the same story, with unique insights
• Psalm 107:28–30 – “He stilled the storm to a whisper…”
• Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear, for I am with you…”

This year’s retreat invites us into one of the most soul-stirring and vivid moments in the Gospels, the story of Jesus walking on water. It’s a story about bold faith and deep fear, obedience in the face of uncertainty, and the unmatched peace that comes simply from Jesus’ presence.

Together, we’ll step into this powerful narrative and discover how it speaks to our own lives today: when we face storms, when we step out in trust, and when we long to know that Jesus is near.

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

  • Bus Leaves MCOC:
    Friday, September 5th @ 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.

Register Here