We gather as the women of ClayHouse Church - all of us, to strengthen one another in faith. We believe the fullness of God is revealed among us as we gather—in shared space, worship & presence. In an age of digital disembodiment, we choose to be fully embodied members of Christ's body, the church, as we study, worship & fellowship together.
This retreat asks only one thing: show up. No pretense. No striving. Just presence. Come as you are: an image-bearing daughter of the most-high God.
"And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God."
— Ephesians 3:17-19
Frequently Asked Questions
While we love local day retreats, this retreat is intentionally held about 90 miles west in the mountains. Women in our ClayHouse community have consistently shared that overnight retreats create the greatest space for connection and renewal. Stepping away from the city helps minimize distractions, allowing us to be more fully present with God and one another. Setting aside a full weekend creates a clear pause from everyday life—and even the drive itself offers time to prepare, reflect, and connect, especially for those who carpool.
The Fall Retreat brings together Alliance women from many churches for a powerful time of worship, teaching and refreshment. The Spring Retreat is designed to complement it by focusing on deeper fellowship among the women of ClayHouse—especially as we grow into two services. Because the Spring Retreat allows for greater flexibility with cost- and labor-sharing, it helps make participating in both retreats more accessible for many women.
We're going to Spring Canyon Conference Center - a beautiful property in Buena Vista, Colorado. Spring Canyon offers modern, hotel-style ADA accommodations, a commercial kitchen/dining room (all meals included in the price!), common rooms for conversation, coffee, and activities across campus.
This retreat is intentionally designed as a full weekend rather than a single-day event. Each session builds on the last, and being together over the weekend creates space for deeper connection and fellowship. If something is making it difficult for you to attend the full retreat, please reach out to a member of the women's leadership team—we'd love to help however we can. Every woman's presence truly matters.
Yes—but not a bed. Spring Canyon offers modern, hotel-style lodge rooms with a private bathroom. Rooms include a king or queen bed (king beds will be split into two singles) and one to two sets of bunk beds. Our goal is three women per room, with ADA-accessible rooms available upon request. Sharing rooms helps keep costs affordable and allows us to reserve the lodge exclusively for our group.
Not this year. Roommates will be prayerfully assigned based on registrations and room needs. Please don't let this be a barrier to attending—if you have any concerns or anxieties, feel free to reach out to Emily or Bailey. We'd love to talk with you.
Absolutely—yes. We intentionally chose Spring Canyon because it's very accessible. The lodge is all one level with a short, smoothly paved walk to the dining hall, and all meeting spaces have wide hallways and ADA-accessible bathrooms. If you have any mobility-related concerns, please reach out to us—we'd love to talk with you and help make this retreat work for you.
The Embodied Retreat will feature a different theme each year, with sessions following the Gospel progression of Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration. This inaugural year focuses on what it means to live as Christ-followers in embodied community, with the hope of strengthening & bonding the women of ClayHouse as we move forward together into the coming year. Expect interactive Bible talks, small group conversations, prayer & worship at every session.
Yes! Spring Canyon can accommodate dietary needs. Please indicate any restrictions during registration, and we'll follow up if we have questions. Don't let meal needs be a barrier to attending—we want you with us. Let us know what you need.
You can expect intentional time together with women from ClayHouse—time that's grounded in Christ. We'll eat together, rest together, study the Word, worship, pray, talk, and laugh as a community. (And introverts, don't worry—there will be plenty of space for quiet, solitude, and individual reflection.) Saturday includes substantial free time, with optional activities like hiking (including access to the Colorado Trail and on-property trails and ponds), a game room, basketball, frisbee golf, horseshoes, cornhole, crafting, napping, and hammocking. Spring Canyon also has an on-site coffee shop. Downtown Buena Vista is just a 14-minute drive away. The heart of the weekend is togetherness and connection—especially as we grow into life as a two-service church.