Calling all songwriters, visual artists and wordsmiths, beginner to expert in the Nashville area to a time of Spirit-filled creativity led by Rachel Wilhelm and Karin Simmons, both experienced artists and retreat leaders.
Be encouraged and find community in your craft learning and creating on the theme of Advent. This is a time of retreat and refreshment, so come prepared to create and rest.
Dinner on Friday night and lunch on Saturday are provided. Please bring whatever materials you need to create (instrument, paints, canvases, pens, pencils, laptop, etc). It is going to be a great weekend!
Here are a few notes about what to expect:
Building and grounds. Good Shepherd is located at 1420 Wilson Pike in Brentwood, TN, about a fifteen-minute drive south from downtown Nashville. There is plenty of free parking in the parking lot; please enter through the office/courtyard doors in front when you arrive. Our gathering space Friday evening will be Herlong Hall, our fellowship hall, which is immediately accessible through those doors. Throughout the weekend we will have some dedicated spaces for folks to gather in smaller co-creating groups, but also spaces for individual creativity, reflection and prayer. These include our sanctuary, our indoor chapel, our outdoor chapel, and a walking labyrinth for those interested in a contemplative self-directed prayer walk.
What to bring: a journal or notebook and something to write with; a Bible and any other material for reading and reflection that you may wish to have available to you; and any supplies you need to create (e.g. your art supplies or instrument). We will have three or four pianos available throughout the building. We’ll also provide you with a retreat guide of creative prompts, prayers, readings, and Scripture to use as desired.
What we need from you: If you didn't specify at registration about your artistic medium, would you please shoot the retreat leaders (cc’d) and I a quick note right now and let us know what medium or media you usually create in? (e.g. poetry, acrylic, songwriting, “I’m a musician but I’ve never written before,” etc.) It will be helpful as we complete final preparations for the weekend.
Schedule. You can preview our schedule at the below. We’ve designed our twenty-four hours to foster connection and inter-disciplinary collaboration, as well as solitude and quiet where you need it. If you’ve never been to a retreat like this before, don’t worry—Rachel and Karin will be available to guide you along the way.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions before Friday October 24th. Contact with retreat leaders is provided in your confirmation email. Thank you for bringing yourself to this space and being a part of the good things we pray God will do here.
Friday, October 24th, 2025
6:00pm | Check-in, Fellowship
6:30pm | Dinner, Welcome & Introductions
7:30pm | Advent discussion in Sanctuary
7:45pm | Icebreaker exercises & Creative time
9:00pm | Gather in Sanctuary
Saturday, October 25th, 2025
9:00am | Welcome, Coffee and Worship
9:45am | Creative Time
12:45pm | Lunch & Connection
1:45pm | Creative Time
3:00pm | Art Share in Sanctuary
4:00pm | Blessing & Farewell