MENNO HAVEN CAMP AND RETREAT CENTER
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Silence and Solitude Retreat


Why silence?

Picture
In our busy world it can be hard to take time to listen. This retreat gives you an opportunity to get away from the noise of life. 
"In silence we not only withdraw from the demands of life in the company of other but also allow the noise of our own thoughts, strivings and compulsions to settle down so we can hear a truer and more reliable Voice. ... It is in silence that we habitually release our own agendas and our need to control and become more willing and able to give ourselves to God's loving initiative."
"In solitude God begins to free us from our bondage to human expectations, for there we experience God as our ultimate reality. ... In solitude our thoughts and our mind, our will and our desires are reoriented Godward so we become less and less attracted by external forces and can be more deeply responsive to God's desire and prayer in us." -Ruth Haley Barton, Invitation to Solitude and Silence  

Retreatants will be invited to about 36 hours of silence across an evening, a day, and a morning (September 26-28). There will be guided meditations/devotions and resources to help enter into silence and listen for God at work in the heart. All of Menno Haven's 231 acres are open for those searching for deeper solitude as well. Much of the time is unstructured to allow for time to pray and be with God. Space is limited. 

Registration found here. 
​Or Register online here.

Day One

The first day begins in the evening. After retreatants arrive and get settled there is a time for introductions and an explanation of silence and what to expect the next couple of days. After an evening mediation the silence begins. 

Day Two

Day 2 starts with a morning meditation. After breakfast the day is free. Resources, such as clay, coloring utensils, and paper are available. There is also a prayer path with stations, and a labyrinth. The day ends with an evening devotion/meditation.  

Day Three

Like day 2, day 3 begins with a sunrise meditation. After breakfast the silence is broken and after a short debriefing session you are free to stay and fellowship or move back into the outside world. 

We Would Love to Have You Visit Soon!


Fall Office Hours

Tues-Fri: 8:30am - 5pm
Sat-Mon: Limited Office Hours

Telephone

(815) 255-4649
​
Fax: (815) 290-0043

Email

[email protected]
  • Plan Your Retreat
    • Map of Grounds
    • Activities
    • Facilities >
      • Lodging >
        • Hotel
        • Dorms
        • Cabin
        • Tent/RV Campground
      • Meeting Spaces >
        • Upper Lakeview Lodge
        • Lost Meadow
        • Conference Room
        • Pavilion
      • Dining >
        • Dining Hall
        • Kitchenettes
      • Recreation >
        • Eagle Wing Activity Center
        • Pool
        • Lake
        • Activities
        • Ball Field
        • Hiking Trails
    • Fee Schedule
  • Programs
    • Family Programs >
      • Dads & Lads
      • Family Camp
      • GrandCamp
    • Adult Programs >
      • Women's Retreat
      • Ministry Leader Retreat
    • Youth Programs >
      • Winter Retreats
      • Summer Camps
    • Summer Staff
    • Rally Day
    • Program Calendar
    • Haven At Home
  • Adventure Education
    • High Ropes
    • Initiatives
    • Climbing Wall
    • Cooperatives
    • Facilitator
  • Trading Post
  • Get Involved
    • Volunteer >
      • SOOP Volunteers
      • Long Term Volunteers
    • Work Day
    • Donate
    • Wish List
    • Association
    • Camp Medical Provider
  • About Us
    • Full Time Staff/Board of Directors
    • Association
    • Affiliations
    • Menno Haven History
    • Newsletters >
      • Sign up for updates!
    • Directions
    • Contact Us
  • Photos
    • Renovation Projects >
      • Dining Hall Patio Renovation
      • Oak Lodge: Dorm & Hotel Renovation
      • Hickory House: Dorm & Hotel Renovation
    • Summer Camp Photos >
      • 2024 Summer Camps
      • 2023 Summer Camps
      • 2022 Summer Camps
      • 2021 Summer Camps
      • 2020 Summer Camps >
        • 2020 Family Camps
        • 2020 Haven at Home Boxes
      • 2018 Summer Camps >
        • 2018 Family Camp
        • 2018 Blue Jay Camp
        • 2018 Junior High Camp
        • 2018 Cottontail Camp
        • 2018 Adventure Camp
        • 2018 High School Camp
        • 2018 GrandCamp
      • 2017 Summer Camps >
        • 2017 Family Camp
        • 2017 Blue Jay Camp
        • 2017 Junior High Camp
        • 2017 Cottontail Camp
        • 2017 Adventure Camp
        • 2017 High School Camp
      • 2016 Summer Camps >
        • 2016 Blue Jay Camp
        • 2016 Junior High Camp
        • 2016 Night Adventure Camp
        • 2016 High School Camp
        • 2016 Cottontail Camp
        • 2016 Family Camp
    • Winter Retreat Photos >
      • Winter Retreat 2025
      • Winter Retreats 2024
      • Winter Retreats 2023
      • Winter Retreats 2022
      • Winter Retreats 2020
      • Winter Retreats 2019
      • Winter Retreats 2018
      • Winter Retreats 2017
    • Family Program Photos >
      • Family Camp Photos
      • GrandCamp Photos
      • Family Getaway Photos
      • Sunday Concert Photos
    • Rally Day Photos
    • Volunteer Photos >
      • Work Day Photos
      • SALT Volunteers
    • Historical Photos