“Be still, and know that I am God…”. “Cease striving and know that I am God…” “Let go (of your concerns). Then you will know that I am God…” “Be in awe and know that I am God.”

Lanie, a student on our recent weekend Downtowners Campus Ministry winter retreat brings to life these words of Psalm 46 written 2600 years ago: “This experience has been absolutely amazing. As a new freshman, I’ll admit I was hesitant to join campus ministry on this retreat, but the spirit moved me and I am sure glad it did. This retreat has been full of joy and insight and relaxation. Experiencing God’s beauty through our nature walk through a winter wonderland was such a blessing. Living the stressful life of a student, it is very difficult to take time to enjoy God’s beautiful creation, but this retreat helped me to take a deep breath of fresh crisp winter air….The refreshing views and conversations I experienced have surely helped me recharge my faith. I am truly grateful for this experience and I am so happy to be so excited about my faith again!”

ViJay, another student on the retreat reflects: “The setting (of Pilgrim Hills in Amish country) is the perfect environment to think about God’s love and think about how I can serve.”

Our ministry has been retreating on these beautiful lands of the United Church of Christ for twelve years to served many a stressed-out student looking for rest, prayer, faith, companionship, fun. God is discovered in gazing at the stars and planets in the winter sky, in conversations about faith, meaning, relationships, in the fun of roasting s’mores around a bonfire late into the night. God’s love and companionship meets up with us in the surprise of stillness!