Rooted in Compassion: Sacred Reading and Rest
A four day retreat for United Church ministry personnel
of meditation, conversation, and community
February 2 - 5, 2026
Sanctum Retreat Centre, Caroline AB
In-Person Only
Retreat Overview
Beginning 3pm, Monday, February 2
Closing with lunch at 12pm, Thursday, February 5
Private accommodation, all meals and snacks provided
Registration Information
For main retreat: $275 per person private accommodation, $225 shared accommodation (limited)
Registration opens November 1, 2025
Compassion as a posture: for approaching/reading self, scripture, community of faith, the world
Retreat Leadership
Rev. britt aerhart - Retreat Facilitator
Britt was ordained in 1997 by Alberta and Northwest Conference of the UCC. Her first pastoral charge was in Nanton/Cayley, Alberta. Britt was later minister with a store-front United Church community of faith in Beaumont, Alberta. It was during that time that Britt experienced being part of a transformative United Church delegation to Palestine and Israel. She also trained to become an interim minister. Britt has, despite that training, most recently been in ministry for 15 years with the people of Salisbury United Church, Sherwood Park.
For the past three years Britt has been studying in the "Leadership for Wonder: Re-Enchanting Christian Life" D.Min. program at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. She is currently working on her final integrative project, tentatively titled "Reading With Your Gut: Being Compassion-shaped Readers of the Bible". Britt has a strong interest in meditation, and has been leading a meditation circle at Salisbury United for the past dozen years in the tradition of John Main. She is also a student of Byzantine Iconography, and participates in a yearly iconography retreat. She has two adult children, reads science fiction and fantasy for relaxation and tries to enjoy ongoing home renovation projects as little as possible. A phrase which resonates for her within the context of this time is "love is stronger than fear."
christy guenter -music leadership
Christy is a collaborative pianist and worship leader who currently resides in Calgary, AB. Participating in, and leading worship in church settings since her teen years, she is passionate about creating musical spaces for connection and reflection. Christy artfully blends United Church music with elements from diverse musical traditions and styles, providing a fresh experience.
Christy’s work experience has included collaboration with soloists, dancers, piano students and bands. She currently leads the faith-based band “The Road”, which offers music leadership at Hillhurst United Church in Calgary. The Road also hosts regular coffee house events to encourage musical culture within the church and in the community.
In Christy’s spare time, she enjoys reading, drinking coffee, gardening, and spending time with her partner and three children.
