Michigan District

Ministers
And Spouses
Retreat

February 27-28 | Middlebury, IN

An overnight trip to be together to laugh, learn, rest, and be inspired. Strengthen your ministry with special teaching and take advantage of the time to relax and deepen friendships. Low key, causal, and affordable! We hope to see you there.

Registration Info

Event Details

Location

Our Ministers and Spouse Retreat will take place in Middlebury, Indiana at the Essenhaus Inn and Restaurant.

Friday, February 27

  • 5:30 PM – Buffet at Essenhaus Restaurant
  • 7:00 PM – Session in the hotel conference room
    Pastor Justin Gleason

Saturday, February 28

  • 8:00 AM – Breakfast at hotel
  • 9:30 AM – Devotion
    Pastor Jason McGhee
  • 9:45 AM – Session
    Sis Ana Gleason
  • 10:45 AM – Session
    Pastor Justin Gleason
  • 11:30 AM – Close
    Enjoy your afternoon together with friends!

Guest Speakers

Justin and Ana Gleason

Listen, learn, and laugh with Justin and Ana Gleason, pastor of Life Church in Kansas City, Missouri. The Gleason’s bring years of ministry experience to the table, and will be a blessing to yours.

Hotel

This year we return to the beautiful Essenhaus Inn in Middlebury, Indiana.

Spacious guest rooms offer all the luxuries you expect while retreating. Unwind by the lobby fireplace and enjoy warm rural charm and a wholesome environment. Following a peaceful night’s rest, every guest is invited to a complimentary breakfast.

ESSENHAUS INN
240 U.S. 20, MIDDLEBURY, IN 46540

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can non-licensed ministers attend?

    Prospective ministers intending on becoming licensed are encouraged to attend with their pastor’s permission!

    Are children welcome to attend?

    We want you to be able to take full advantage of this weekend. For this reason, we hope you’ll be able to secure childcare. However, infants are welcome.

    What enjoyable activities are there close to the Essenhaus?

    Here are some great options near the Das Dutchman Essenhaus… all within ~30 minutes, after 11:30 a.m., and well suited for a wintery setting!

    1. Shop & stroll: Essenhaus Village Shops

    Right on the Essenhaus property is the Village Shops. Great for browsing handcrafted items, gifts, quilts, baked goods, etc. You don’t have to brave the cold too much—warm, indoor, casual. Block out about 45–60 minutes. Great first stop after lunch or even before lunch.

    2. Lunch: Essenhaus Restaurant

    Enjoy a hearty, Amish-style lunch. The restaurant at Essenhaus offers menu and buffet options. This is right where we’re staying… no big travel needed. Warm setting, good for a group. If you go around 11:30–12:00 you’ll have good seating options before peak dinner. Align your schedule to allow a relaxed lunch before the next activity.

    3. Visit a local creamery: Heritage Ridge Creamery

    About 10–15 minutes drive from Essenhaus (11275 W 250 N, Middlebury) you can tour, sample cheeses, and browse local Amish-made goods. Indoor activity with brief outdoor transfer; you can keep things warm and relaxed while still getting a meaningful local experience. Plan for about 30–40 minutes. Ideal right after lunch as a light “walk & snack” outing.

    4. Downtown Middlebury shopping & winter walk

    Head into downtown Middlebury (just minutes away). Browse Main Street shops like herbs & spices, gifts, home goods. For example: Chupp’s Herbs at 108 S Main St. With crisp winter air, a short outdoor walk rounds out the day; warm up inside stores. Keep warm jackets handy… smaller pairs can browse and meet back at a pre-arranged time and spot.

    5. The Blue Gate area in Shipshewana

    About 20–25 minutes. Gift shops, bakery, leather goods, handcrafted items. A warm afternoon outing with plenty to browse. Good option if you want a change of scenery beyond Middlebury.
    Register Now

    $250.00

    Per Couple

    Registration

    Registration deadline: February 10