An Invitation to "Come Apart"
(before you fall apart)

When we began The Big Silence Retreat in 2013, as an ecumenical contemplative experience. We had no idea that it would become such a blessing to so many. Over 300 retreatants have participated, many returning for multiple years. You are invited to experience big spaces of solitude and silence in community for the purpose of tending the inner fire of your soul. Inspired by the BBC documentary The Big Silence with Abbot Christopher Jamison, and encouraged by several School of the Spirit students, this 4-day mostly silent retreat is now be grounded in the writings of Ruth Haley Barton's Invitation to Solitude and Silence as well as newer prayer resources and prayer stations. But perhaps the greatest new feature is our summer retreat option. We have heard through the years that many would like to attend this retreat in the summertime - and now you can!

​

The Big Silence

Summer:  ​June 23-26, 2026
​Get away in the middle of the year.
Recalibrate your spiritual rhythms before a busy fall arrives. 
Venture outside where you can soak in the aliveness of God's creation ​and discover energy of the Holy Spirit
​invigorating you for months to come. 
​
Winter:  January 17-20, 2027
After a hectic holiday season,
get away for a time of rest, renewal, reflection, and recharging. 
Set a course for 2027 with deep listening to the Spirit
​and experiencing God's transforming presence.

June:
​​January:​​

​​​​Arrive Tuesday, June 23 between 3:00 & 3:30pm
Retreat begins at 4:00 p.m. & concludes Friday, June 26 at 2:30 p.m. 
  
Arrive Sunday, January 17 between 3:00 & 3:30 p.m.
Retreat begins at 4:00 p.m. & concludes Wednesday, January 20 at 2:30 p.m.

Where:

St. Francis Springs Prayer Center
477 Grogan Rd.
​Stoneville, NC 27048
336-573-3751
(www.stfrancis.today)

Please share this phone number with family and coworkers as a means of emergency contact while you are attending the retreat.

How Much:

June Retreat​
$590 Early Bird Registration (by February 28, 2026)
$605 Regular Registration
$620 Late Registration (after May 15, 2026)

January Retreat​
$595 Early Bird Registration (by September 30, 2026)
$610 Regular Registration
$625 Late Registration (after December 15, 2026)


(Cost includes tuition, private room, meals, and retreat supplies. Limited number of rooms available.)

​Early registration is HIGHLY recommended. This retreat is often sold out a month prior to the deadline.

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