Abide & Thrive: A New Year’s Solitude Sabbath Group Retreat
January 1 (Thurs) - 3 (Sat), 2026
Kristia Wickstrom would like to invite individuals and/or couples to draw away from the noise and distractions of the world and everyday life and into the presence of the Lord as they usher in the New Year by being still and knowing the Lord.
We will kick off 2026 at the Florida District Office in Wesley Chapel on New Years Day (Jan 1) at 7:30 pm. Refreshments and light snacks/desserts will be provided. We will fellowship, worship, pray, and explain the following day/s.
On Friday (Jan 2) we will meet up in the morning in front of the Abbey Chapel at the gorgeous St. Leo University Campus in St. Leo for a short time of Solitude “Training” and prayer. We will then be “sent” out to spend time in the practice of Solitude and Sabbath rest on campus. St. Leo University is the perfect setting for a time like this - let the Holy Spirit be your guide.
Maybe you need a nap under a shady oak, maybe you need to walk and see some beautiful architecture. Maybe you need to just sit in prayer and reflection with a journal handy. Maybe you need a camera to capture the beauty that surrounds you.
St. Leo sits on beautiful Lake Jovita complete with hills, shady trees, plenty of seating options, a dock with seating if you desire to sit or fish, the Abbey Chapel (air conditioned) for reflection and prayer, a state of the art fitness center complete with a heated pool & deck overlooking the lake ($10 day visitor pass), and the Abbey Golf Course (18 hole - $30 w/cart, $20 walking, 9 hole - $20 w/cart, $15 walking).
We will gather again in the early evening to go to our Fellowship Reflection dinner at The Noble Crust in Wesley Chapel. There we will enjoy Sabbath through delicious food, the company of each other, and share how God moved through our day.
On Saturday, everyone is encouraged to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading. Take your time easing into the day - there’s no need to rush home. There are plenty of places to explore on your way back home - be willing to take a Holy Spirit detour - He just may have a final blessing to give you or a special word or step to carry you into the New Year…and into the first Sunday morning of 2026!
The retreat is “free”. However, food and overnight accommodations are the responsibility of the attendee.
Overnight accommodation booking is at the discretion and responsibility of the attendee/s:
Staying overnight away from home is highly recommended and allows for the greatest impact and effect from drawing away from the noise and distraction of home. A variety of options are available in the area from hotels, Airbnb, camping and more.
Pre-Registration is recommended by December 12th so we can plan for our gatherings on Thursday night, Friday morning & evening.
For Questions & to Register, DM or email Pastor Kristia Wickstrom here:
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Also check out other Workshops in Saint Leo, Arts events in Saint Leo.
