Nov. 10-12, 2017
Why should you come?
The GS Retreat is a safe place for LGBTQ+ Christians (along with their straight/cisgender family members, pastors, and friends) to be authentic, to share, to worship, to learn and to grow. Come and encounter Christian community with a generous heart and a listening, humble posture. Come to experience God’s outrageous love and grace. Everyone is welcome to join us, no matter your sexuality, your gender identity, your convictions, interpretations of scripture, or theology.
Where is it?
We’ll be returning to Camp Squeah, located in beautiful Hope, BC, 170 km east of Vancouver and within two hours of almost anywhere in the Lower Mainland. Carpooling from airports and ferry terminals can be arranged.
Retreat participants have the option of spending their two nights in shared lodge rooms (furnished with queen or bunk beds and private ensuite bathrooms) or in cabins (furnished with bunk beds).
We will all enjoy the cozy meeting rooms and dining room in the lodge. If the weather permits, there are wonderful hiking trails and outdoor activities on the grounds.
Some of our Contributors (Presenters/Workshop Facilitators) this year...
Beth Carlson-Malena
Danice Carlson-Malena
Eric Van Giessen
Gabrielle O’Neil
GM Deines
Gregg Taylor
Kathy Kwon
Lisa Salazar
Nancy Nichols
Rachel Taylor
(Artist-in-Residence)
Sarah Bessey
Shylo Rosborough
Stephen Rathjen
Click here to read workshop descriptions & bios of our contributors… and check back often as we add more!
What can I expect?
One of the ways that we experience freedom in our Generous Space community is to encourage people to prioritize self-care. This means there is plenty of permission to opt in or opt out of any of the scheduled events at the retreat according to your own needs, energy levels, and comfort levels with spiritual practices and conversations. Here are some things we are planning that you can choose to participate in…
Community Groups… a chance to connect, dialogue, and journey with a small group of people in facilitated times throughout the weekend.
Panels & Interviews… where you can hear from people across the LGBTQ+ spectrum, as well as parents and allies, and broaden your knowledge of the community.
Worship… reflecting multiple worship styles and practices.
Workshops… when you can participate in discussions on a variety of topics related to faith, sexuality, gender, creativity, community, and healing. A full list of workshops will be finalized by the end of September – if you’d like to facilitate (or co-facilitate) a workshop and become one of this year’s contributors, please apply to do so using this form!
Affinity Meals… where you can meet people with similar journeys, interests, or concerns as you.
Hangout Times… for catching up with old friends and meeting new ones.
Free Time… to reconnect with God, hang out with friends, process what you’re learning, and enjoy the hiking trails and gym at Camp Squeah!
Participants from previous conferences said…
“It was fantastic to meet so many people, to have a safe space to process and to be so warmly welcomed. I still have a lot to process and am so grateful for the opportunity.”
“What a wonderful opportunity this weekend was to stretch our world and introduce us to some great people we wouldn’t otherwise meet! The trans panel was very good. The weekend was well-organized and had a God-honouring tone. You did a good job of encouraging people to be stretched while being sensitive to individuals.”
“Great opportunity to learn and connect. We felt safe and were able to be transparent in a way we often aren’t around our straight friends.”
How much does it cost?
The cost for a shared room is $260 for two nights in the lodge, or $230 for two nights in a cabin (prices include 6 meals plus snacks). There are higher rates for private rooms should you require one.
If you require financial assistance to enable you to attend, we do have some scholarships available, including a few scholarships set aside for first-time attendees; don’t hesitate – please apply here ASAP.