Telling Our Stories Writing Retreat
A retreat to capture your story and give it voice.
January 27-29, 2026
Do you have stories waiting to be told – moments of joy, struggle, or God’s presence in your life that you want to remember and share? This retreat offers a welcoming space to explore those stories through writing. Together, we’ll spend time in guided group sessions as well as enjoy personal reflection and writing time. Each participant will also receive a one-on-one coaching session to help bring their words to life.
Through a mix of practice, perspective, and encouragement, you’ll discover new ways to shape your faith story while also deepening your spiritual journey. Like our Writing Toward Wholeness retreat, this weekend weaves together creativity and self-reflection, inviting you to write not just with your mind, but with your heart.
Retreat Leadership
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Debbie brings years of pastoral and retreat leadership experience to her work, with a Doctor of Ministry in Creative Writing as a Spiritual Practice from Columbia Theological Seminary. In addition, she is a published author, retreat facilitator, and founder of connect.faith, a worshipping community at the intersection of creativity, spirituality, and justice.
Debbie has a connection with Cedarkirk as she and her husband John served as co-executive directors in the mid 2000s and has come back to facilitate these writing retreats for over 10 years. Participants feel her passion for helping them uncover the sacred in their own stories. |
DETAILS –
Arrival: Retreat check-in will take place between 10:00a and 11:00a on Jan. 27. [Lunch will follow check-in.]
Departure: Retreat concludes following lunch on Jan 29 (about 1:30p).
Meals: Tuesday lunch and dinner; Wednesday breakfast, lunch, and dinner; Thursday breakfast, lunch.
LODGING
Participants will be housed in Cedarkirk’s Retreat House- Linens are provided. If you have special needs regarding your housing or accessibility, please reach out to Mark Orendorf after you register (mark@cedarkirk.org).
COST
Air-conditioned Lodging: $325 per person for program, lodging, and meals
Tampa Airport Shuttle $40 per trip
TO REGISTER
Visit our ONLINE REGISTRATION portal to fill out details, provide any food allergies or dietary restrictions, and pay for the retreat. If you have not registered for a Cedarkirk event before, you will be asked to create an account prior to registering for the Telling Our Stories Writing Retreat.