Comfort and Hope for the Journey of Grief
February 21-23, 2025
“I felt the Holy Spirit working in all aspects of the retreat, including the bringing together of this particular group.”
A weekend retreat for adults who have experienced the death of a spouse, child, parent, sibling or friend.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 (NRSV)
Mo-Ranch and Faith & Grief Ministries are combining their respective gifts to make this retreat available, providing you with a safe venue to wrestle with the dynamics of grief and to experience significant measures of hope and encouragement. Whether you are standing in raw grief, navigating the chaos of grief’s confusion or recovering from a recent ambush of grief, this retreat is designed for you. Plan to experience comfort through scripture, spiritual practices and interaction within a compassionate community of men and women who “get it”—get the heartache, get the lingering sorrow, get the continual yearning to be with your loved one and get the longing for peace.
Faith & Grief Ministries provides resources for on-going comfort to persons who have experienced the death of a loved one. This Ministry of Compassion and Connection was founded by Sharon Balch, Wendy Fenn, MDiv., and Fran Shelton, DMin., and was established as a 501(c)3 in 2011. In addition to facilitating grief workshops, the ministry provides a distinctive, ongoing, adaptable model for caring organization to offer to persons in the process of grief and mourning. For more information, go to www.faithandgrief.org.
Leadership for this retreat will be provided by staff and team members from Faith & Grief Ministries. Each facilitator is a dedicated, compassionate, and supportive individual who has experienced immense grief in his or her own way. Because of their experiences, they choose to serve others by providing the resources and sense of community to travel through their journey of grief knowing that they are not alone.
Regina Hunt – Senior Grief Educator
Regina grew up in Ohio and moved to Texas after losing her business partner. After a long retail buying and change management/training career, she earned certificates in spiritual direction and lay ministry. In her work in spiritual direction and as an elder in the Presbyterian Church (PC) USA, she felt called to support those who have experienced the loss of loved ones. In her work with Faith & Grief, she has accompanied many on their journey through grief and continues to be inspired and honored by those who share themselves and their stories in search of healing.
Shelley Craig – Program Director
Shelley Craig believes ministering to grieving and suffering is vital to loving others. She is a certified grief educator and has served in various church volunteer leadership positions, including as an elder in a PCUSA. She holds a master’s degree in education from Texas A&M-Commerce.
Price & Housing:
- Single Hotel Occupancy: One Person per Room $495
- Double Hotel Occupancy: Two people per room (if you do not list a registered roommate, one will be assigned to you.) $375
- Commuter $250
After receiving your registration, a member of our team will follow up if we have any questions. You will receive an email with “good to know prior to arriving” information two weeks prior to your event. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact us at 800.460.4401 x 246.
Scholarships are available! Click here to learn more.
Cancellation
Full refund minus administrative fee up to $75 per person will be made if cancellation is received more than 30 days prior to the conference. There are generally no refunds for cancellations received on or after 30 days prior to the start of the event nor any applying of the amount paid toward other charges or future conferences.
Packing Suggestions
- Comfortable/casual clothes
- Comfortable walking shoes (close-toed shoes recommended)
- Flashlight (it is very dark here at night)
- Bible
- Journal
- Toiletries
- Sunblock, sunshades and hats
- Rain jacket
- Water bottle
- A clean face mask for each day, and or full face shield.
- Beds are ready upon arrive; hotel rooms do not have mini-fridges, microwaves, TVs or hair dryers, so please plan accordingly.
- Towel are in rooms, and river towels are at the river and pool.
Transportation
Mo-Ranch is 90 miles one-way, or a 2-hour drive from the nearest airport (SAT), allow 3 hours travel/check-in time for departures. We recommend generally scheduling arriving flights before 3 p.m. and departing flights after 3 p.m. to be sure you do not miss any of your event.
If you are in need of shuttle service to Mo-Ranch, call Kars for Hire in Kerrville at (830) 890-8200 at least 15 days in advance to arrange transportation from San Antonio International Airport.
Click here for directions to Mo.
Questions
We’re happy to help! Contact us at 1.800.460.4401 ext. 246 or registrar@moranch.org.
