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

  • Accommodation, program, all meals and snacks included

Calling Ministry Personnel!

Come join friends and colleagues from across Chinook Winds Regional Council for a relaxing and uplifting retreat. This is a chance to step away from your daily routine, enjoy periods of quiet contemplative meditation, and also spend time connecting with one another in a laid-back setting.

We'll have structured times in which we reflect on how we read the Bible and other meaningful books, plus open conversation about how our reading habits have shaped us. Ever wondered how a lens of compassion can reshape the way we read and understand the Bible or our favourite texts, particularly in a time when compassion is being eroded and devalued? Let’s explore that together, in a safe and friendly space where curiosity and kindness are welcome!

Bring along your Bible and another book that’s important to you—whether it’s a novel, poetry, or anything that speaks to your heart. We’ll share, learn, and discover new ways to read with compassion at the core. And we’ll worship, sing, rest and eat together too!

Registration Information

Click here to register!

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.