Fall Retreat brings students and staff together for a meaningful kick off to the academic year.

Eric McIntyre, Director of Spiritual and Character Formation

From September 5-8, Master’s Institute students and staff gathered at Dunrovin Christian Brothers Retreat Center near Marine on St Croix, MN for the Fall Retreat. This annual event launches MI into its year of learning in spiritual community. Included was a day of getting to know first year students, taking a prayer walk, academic orientation, and free time by the water or competing at the ping pong table.  

Wednesday evening, the Retreat Center doors were thrown open to alumni, faculty, and friends who arrived for supper and lively chatter. The crowd then assembled for worship led by Dan Lugo, Pastor Angie Way, and Pastor Darrin Vick from Community of Grace Church, MI’s host congregation. 2021 graduate Andrew Dvorak, Associate Pastor at The WHY Church in Elk River, MN, brought the message and those in attendance were challenged to see where God is at work in their lives. Many stayed late into the evening reconnecting and praying for each other. 

The academic year kicked off on Thursday with Pastor Steve Turnbull teaching Theology of the Cross. For supper, students tried out various dining and ice cream establishments in the area. Sitting around the bonfire, watching Thursday Night Football together, or more quiet conversations ended the evening. On Friday, Micro MDiv Academic Pastor Eric Bluhm closed the retreat by leading Communion and students departed - thankful that God had been powerfully present among them!   

Prayers over the First Years: