2026 ANNUAL RETREAT
Our Next Gathering
The 2026 Iona Collaborative Annual Retreat for bi-vocational priests, deacons, and lay leaders will run concurrently with our Iona Deans’ Meeting—an opportunity for the wider Iona community to gather together in one sacred space. Join us deep in the heart of the piney woods at Camp Allen for connection and renewal.
Plan now—registration opens Tuesday, February 3!
WHEN: Monday, June 1 through Wednesday, June 3
WHERE: Camp Allen | Navasota, TX
WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Bi-vocational priests, deacons, and lay leaders
WHY: Gather with other bi-vocational ministry leaders from around the country to hone your skills, reflect on your call, and leave refreshed and inspired to continue caring for your congregation and community.
TRAVEL COSTS: Participants are responsible for most or all travel costs (see details below).
REGISTRATION FEE: $100 (non-refundable). Includes your retreat track choice + Camp Allen single room and meals.
Please click below to register for the 2026 Annual Retreat.
TRAVEL DETAILS
Travel Arrangements and Cost Responsibilities
Participants are responsible for making and covering all travel arrangements and associated costs to either Camp Allen or George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston.
Programming will begin with dinner at 6:00 pm on Monday, June 1, and will conclude at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, June 3.
For those arriving by air, complimentary shuttle service is available from Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) at 10:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 4:00 pm on Monday, June 1, and at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, June 3. Please note that shuttle service is exclusively available to and from IAH, and there is no shuttle service from Houston Hobby Airport (HOU). Air travelers should plan their flights to align with these shuttle times.
Camp Allen Accommodations: Participants will be assigned a single room (unless you request to share with someone). Camp Allen meals and rooms will be covered by Iona Collaborative.
Please reach out to Katherine Buzzini with any questions regarding air travel or accommodations.
RETREAT TRACKS
with the Rev. Jane Lancaster Patterson, PhD and the Rev. John Lewis, DPhil
This retreat will serve as a refresher for preaching, teaching, and living some of Matthew’s parables assigned in Lectionary Year A during July and August 2026. We will engage the parables on personal, social/cultural, and theological levels. Our discussions will also place each parable within the larger context of Matthew’s theological and pastoral priorities. Thus, the retreat will prepare participants in practical ways for preaching and teaching Matthew for the remainder of Lectionary Year A.
with Janet Davis and Aneya Elbert
To say that the world around us has “heated up” seems true in so many ways: literally, politically, and even spiritually as the church struggles to adapt in a rapidly changing world. This track will invite us to refocus on practices that ground us and attune our senses to the newness that God is always creating both within and around us, even in the midst of the heat of summer. Come to revive your own soul, meet new spiritual friends, and take back spiritual practices that can be shared with groups or whole congregations.
EVENT SCHEDULE
Monday, June 1
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Tuesday, June 2
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Wednesday, June 3
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Thursday, June 4
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This retreat is part of the Thriving Bi-Vocational Ministry program at the Iona Collaborative.
Funding comes from the Lilly Endowment, Inc., Trinity Church NYC, and the Iona Collaborative.