Draw Near: Choosing Connection in a World of Distraction
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” – Romans 12:10 (ESV)
In a world pulling us in countless directions, your marriage deserves sacred time to reconnect. Whether you’re struggling to communicate, feeling disconnected, or simply wanting to deepen an already strong bond, this retreat is your invitation to pause and draw near to one another again.
“The value of the marriage retreat is exceptional. Beautiful location, engaging speakers, delicious food and hours of free time with your spouse. We highly recommend it!” ~ Chuck and Monica Sellner
Join us for a refreshing weekend designed to help couples pause, reconnect, and grow in a Christ-centered environment. Whether you’ve been married one year or forty, enjoy meaningful conversations, gospel-centered teaching, and intentional time together—away from life’s busyness and alongside a supportive community.
At FCC, we believe marriage is a God-designed covenant. This retreat offers space to strengthen it with grace, joy, and purpose.
This Year’s Theme: Draw Near
In a busy and distracted world, even the healthiest marriages can drift through unintentional disconnection. This year’s theme is a call to draw near— to God and to each other.
Through biblical teaching, relational tools, and shared moments of encouragement, couples will be invited to:
Break reactive cycles that damage trust and closeness
Build spiritual and emotional connection
Cultivate habits that protect and strengthen their relationship
“We absolutely loved it! We don’t get much time away and to spend it on our relationship was time well spent . The host was hilarious and the lessons were all relatable topics that were helpful for us. Loved meeting new people and learning from them as well. Christ centered guidance is so crucial in a relationship. The meals were great and the snack room is like none other. Highly recommend this weekend as a time to learn, grow and focus on each other.” ~ Heidi Spaeth (Dave)
What You’ll Experience
This weekend offers a beautiful balance of quality biblical teaching and unhurried time together away from life’s demands. You’ll benefit from:
Gospel-centered teaching that offers practical wisdom for your marriage
Unhurried conversations without the usual distractions
Rest that refreshes both body and spirit
Fellowship with other couples who understand marriage’s joys and challenges
Moments of laughter, reflection, and simply enjoying one another’s presence Sometimes the greatest gift we can give our marriages is intentional time to reconnect and remember what matters most.
Session Topics
Breaking the Cycle
Understanding the Fear Dance and How to Stop It
Led by Pastor Jan Van Amerongen and his wife Lindsay
Every couple has patterns—some healthy, some harmful. This session explores the emotional dynamics that drive conflict and disconnection, such as the “fear dance” and “doom spiral.” Couples will be equipped to identify their cycles and begin the process of breaking them with humility, empathy, and grace.
Strengthening your bond through intentional habits of presence and care. Led by Pastor Pat Stream and his wife Carla
Healthy marriages don’t happen by accident—they are built on purpose. This session will help couples rediscover simple, intentional habits of care, curiosity, and presence that cultivate emotional closeness and guard against relational drift.
Focus: Daily connection, emotional intimacy, protecting what matters most
Two Hearts, One Voice
Praying with Your Spouse: How to Do It and Why It Matters
Led by Chris and Jill Willeke
Spiritual intimacy is often the most neglected and yet the most unifying part of a marriage. This session gives couples permission to start small, overcome awkwardness, and experience the power of drawing near to God together through prayer.
Focus: Spiritual connection, shared dependence on God, simplicity in prayer
Drift is natural—but connection is a choice. This weekend invites couples to draw near again, by grace.
Retreat Features
Gospel-centered teaching sessions
Round-table discussions on various topics
Meaningful time to reflect, relax, and reconnect
Catered meals (all weekend—no cooking or dishes)
Recreational time, social activities, and a bonfire
Our famous Snack Shack—an around-the-clock buffet of delicious snacks, both healthy and indulgent
Why You’ll Love the Location
The retreat takes place at The Lodge at Crooked Lake in Siren, WI—a cozy Northwoods getaway ideal for rest and reconnection.
With lodge-style charm and modern comforts, The Lodge offers spacious rooms, cozy gathering spaces, and beautiful natural surroundings. Just steps from Crooked Lake and the scenic Gandy Dancer Trail, it’s an ideal place to slow down and enjoy time together.
From quiet walks to fireside chats, The Lodge offers a peaceful backdrop for a meaningful weekend.
“We had the opportunity to attend the FCC Marriage Retreat last fall for the first time. I cannot tell you how much we thoroughly enjoyed it! The marriage sessions were very informative, without uncomfortable sharing. We left with some great communication and conflict resolution tools to try. It was a relaxing weekend with built-in time to explore the quaint little shops, a walk or hike, playing games, visiting with other couples, or just time with your spouse. And nothing beats someone cooking for you and great snacks, so you can just have a great time! This retreat is for everyone whether you are newlyweds, or have been married for 40 years. It was a fantastic weekend getting to know others a little better at FCC. Looking forward to attending again this fall. We highly recommend It” ~ Bob and Michelle Hanke
Common Questions
“We’re not having major problems. Is this retreat for us?” Absolutely! This retreat is for couples at any stage—whether newlyweds or decades in—focused on strengthening your relationship, not just fixing problems.
“What if we’re more private people and don’t like sharing in groups?” We understand! While there are group sessions, sharing is optional. Most of the weekend is spent privately as a couple, and many quiet couples say they felt completely comfortable.
“We’re on a tight budget. Can we still attend?” Yes! We never want finances to prevent a couple from experiencing this transformative weekend. Scholarships are readily available and completely confidential.
FCC Marriage Retreat 2025
Register Here
Draw Near: Choosing Connection in a World of Distraction
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” – Romans 12:10 (ESV)
In a world pulling us in countless directions, your marriage deserves sacred time to reconnect. Whether you’re struggling to communicate, feeling disconnected, or simply wanting to deepen an already strong bond, this retreat is your invitation to pause and draw near to one another again.
Details & Registration
Scholarships are available. Please contact Dawne Roby at dawneroby@gmail.com or (651) 755-4588 to learn more.
First-time couples will be entered into a drawing for a free suite upgrade. The winner will be notified at check-in on September 12.
Register by August 28 to secure your spot.
A Weekend to Refocus, Reconnect, and Renew
Join us for a refreshing weekend designed to help couples pause, reconnect, and grow in a Christ-centered environment. Whether you’ve been married one year or forty, enjoy meaningful conversations, gospel-centered teaching, and intentional time together—away from life’s busyness and alongside a supportive community.
At FCC, we believe marriage is a God-designed covenant. This retreat offers space to strengthen it with grace, joy, and purpose.
This Year’s Theme: Draw Near
In a busy and distracted world, even the healthiest marriages can drift through unintentional disconnection. This year’s theme is a call to draw near— to God and to each other.
Through biblical teaching, relational tools, and shared moments of encouragement, couples will be invited to:
What You’ll Experience
This weekend offers a beautiful balance of quality biblical teaching and unhurried time together away from life’s demands. You’ll benefit from:
Sometimes the greatest gift we can give our marriages is intentional time to reconnect and remember what matters most.
Session Topics
Breaking the Cycle
Understanding the Fear Dance and How to Stop It
Led by Pastor Jan Van Amerongen and his wife Lindsay
Every couple has patterns—some healthy, some harmful. This session explores the emotional dynamics that drive conflict and disconnection, such as the “fear dance” and “doom spiral.” Couples will be equipped to identify their cycles and begin the process of breaking them with humility, empathy, and grace.
Focus: Conflict resolution, self-awareness, emotional safety, repentance
Fortifying Your Connection
Strengthening your bond through intentional habits of presence and care.
Led by Pastor Pat Stream and his wife Carla
Healthy marriages don’t happen by accident—they are built on purpose. This session will help couples rediscover simple, intentional habits of care, curiosity, and presence that cultivate emotional closeness and guard against relational drift.
Focus: Daily connection, emotional intimacy, protecting what matters most
Two Hearts, One Voice
Praying with Your Spouse: How to Do It and Why It Matters
Led by Chris and Jill Willeke
Spiritual intimacy is often the most neglected and yet the most unifying part of a marriage. This session gives couples permission to start small, overcome awkwardness, and experience the power of drawing near to God together through prayer.
Focus: Spiritual connection, shared dependence on God, simplicity in prayer
Drift is natural—but connection is a choice. This weekend invites couples to draw near again, by grace.
Retreat Features
Why You’ll Love the Location
Common Questions
“We’re not having major problems. Is this retreat for us?”
Absolutely! This retreat is for couples at any stage—whether newlyweds or decades in—focused on strengthening your relationship, not just fixing problems.
“What if we’re more private people and don’t like sharing in groups?”
We understand! While there are group sessions, sharing is optional. Most of the weekend is spent privately as a couple, and many quiet couples say they felt completely comfortable.
“We’re on a tight budget. Can we still attend?”
Yes! We never want finances to prevent a couple from experiencing this transformative weekend. Scholarships are readily available and completely confidential.