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Retreats
 The
purpose of Au Sable is to be a place where people can learn about
God's creation and our responsibility to be stewards of the land
He has given
to us.
The retreat program at Au Sable - Great Lakes is one of the ways we
teach about God's creation. A time away is important for God's people.
There is something special about meeting God in a natural setting.
From Moses to Paul, the Bible is filled with examples of people who
in natural settings were able to withdraw from the world, and in these
settings to focus their attention on God the Creator and Sustainer
of the universe. These people then returned to their worlds to accomplish
great things for God's kingdom. Jesus himself would occasionally withdraw
to a lonely place for prayer and spiritual refreshment.
Goals of the Retreat Program
Au Sable has three goals for the retreat program. The first is that God's
people who come to Au Sable will have an opportunity to meet with God
in a personal quiet way. Secondly, we desire that each person have
an encounter with God's handiwork in which he might learn about its
intricate and fragile worked. Thirdly, we desire that people leave
Au Sable with a greater awareness of our responsibility to be caretakers
of the world, which God has left in our hands.
It's Your Retreat!
Your retreat may take several directions, and you should not feel limited
in your approach. However, we encourage groups to develop themes, which
incorporate the purpose of Au Sable into their retreat. For example,
providing each person with an opportunity to meditate quietly outdoors
could fit neatly into almost any retreat theme. Our trails, lakes and
ponds provide a wonderful setting for personal quiet times. Our staff
is willing to assist in integrating a stewardship theme into your retreat
program through such things as guided nature hikes and stewardship
devotionals. Certain types of retreats would not be appropriate for
Au Sable; i.e. a snowmobile weekend or to use us as an inexpensive
base for downhill skiing.
Au Sable's Facilities
Dormitories: Au Sable can house up to 40 people in three
dorms. Au Sable does not provide sheets, blankets, pillows, or
towels.
Lodge: We have a lodge, which provides an excellent setting
for worship services.
Dining Hall: The dining hall serves hearty family style
meals. We ask that the retreat group provide a crew to do dishes
after each meal.
Recreational Activities
Activities vary with the season and include volleyball, basketball, softball,
soccer, tennis, canoeing, hiking, snowshoeing, tubing, skating, and
cross country skiing.
Costs
A typical weekend extends from Friday night through Sunday afternoon.
US$60.00/person (includes five meals, snacks and the use of all the facilities
and equipment)
US$1000.00 minimum charge is required.
*Groups which choose to develop a theme based upon biblical stewardship
will be given a $5.00/person reduction in their rates.
Scheduling
Because of our full calendar, retreats must be scheduled for September
and October, and February and March. For additional information and
scheduling a retreat at Au Sable, contact Robert
Barr at Au Sable-Great Lakes:
Au Sable Institute
7526 Sunset Trail NE
Mancelona, MI. 49659
(231) 587-8686 Phone
(231) 587-5353 FAX
barr@ausable.org
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