Saint Barnabas at Chapel Rock All-Parish Retreat
A Retreat of Renewal, Friendship, and Faith
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photo by Scott Williams
On September 19 through the 21, our Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church community came together for a relaxing and joy-filled retreat at Chapel Rock in Prescott, Arizona. It was an excellent time to meet new friends, deepen connections, and enrich our Saint Barnabas community, all while surrounded by Prescott’s breathtaking wilderness.
The sense of fellowship was strong throughout the weekend as we shared meals, stories, hikes, a bonfire, and prayers—new friendships were sparked, and longtime bonds grew even deeper. One of the highlights was a workshop with the Rev. Jennifer Tucker, who guided us through the many ways of prayer that shape our Episcopal life. With a mix of wisdom and playful humor, she reminded us that prayer is not a single doorway but a wide, welcoming house with many rooms to explore.
From the quiet stillness of contemplative prayer to the beauty of liturgical prayer rooted in our tradition, from spontaneous prayer spoken from the heart to embodied prayer that comes through movement or song, Rev. Jennifer painted each approach with broad, colorful strokes. Her lighthearted style drew laughter from the group, and in that laughter we discovered something important: prayer connects us not only with God but also with one another.
What began as learning quickly became shared experience. People left the workshop with a new appreciation for the depth of our Episcopal heritage of prayer—and with practical, joyful ways to carry those prayers back into daily life. The humor and warmth that filled the room lingered throughout the weekend, shaping conversations, meals, and worship, and rippled outward into the larger Saint Barnabas community as participants returned home renewed and inspired.
Participants also enjoyed time for personal reflection, meditation, and worship. The retreat offered fun and adventure for all ages, from rope climbing and zip lines to hikes, puzzles, and games. It was a weekend filled with laughter, teamwork, and shared experiences that will stay with us for years to come.
Sunday worship, also led by the Rev. Jennifer Tucker in the Newell Center at Chapel Rock was especially moving. The intimate setting, the interaction with children during the service, music by Nick Wilson, and prayers and eucharistic made the service feel both peaceful and deeply connected.
We are grateful to the incredible staff who made the weekend possible: Sarah Petersen, Director of Children’s Ministries, who created engaging opportunities for children, and Kate Fimbres, Minister for Youth & Parish Life, whose leadership and care shaped the retreat in countless ways. Their efforts, along with the support of the entire staff, helped knit our community even closer together.
And of course, the campfire gathering—with songs, stories, and s’mores under the stars—was a memory to treasure.
Our hearts are full of gratitude for this time together in faith, fellowship, and fun. We hope you’ll join us next year for another retreat at Chapel Rock. Let’s continue building memories, strengthening connections, and growing in love and faith as one church family.
Thank you to Scott Williams, for providing images included in the gallery below:
Thank you to Dina Horsman, and Laura Levine for sharing images to this gallery below:
