Rooted in Faith, Active in Love
"In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." James 2:17
Rooted Through Trials
Pastor Borgwardt
Faith in Action
Pastor Russow
Active in Love
Cindy Hillmann Jensen
Gospel Seeds, Flourishing by Grace
Barb Krohn
Schedule
Friday, March 6, 2026
4:30-6:00 Registration
6:00-6:45 Supper Buffet
6:45-7:00 Welcome
7:00-8:00 Gospel Seeds, Flourishing by Grace - Barb Krohn
8:00-8:30 Singing
Saturday, March 7, 2026
6:15-6:45 Water Aerobics
7:30-8:30 Breakfast Buffet
8:30-8:45 Welcome Announcements
8:45-10:15 Rooted through Trials- Pastor Borgwardt
10:15-10:35 Break
10:35-12:00 Faith in Action - Pastor Russow
12:00-1:00 Lunch
1:00-2:30 Active in Love - Cindy Hillmann Jensen
2:30-3:00 Announcements
3:00-3:30 Last chance to visit Thai Village
3:00-5:30 Free Time
5:30-7:00 Banquet
7:00-8:00 His Way
Sunday, March 8, 2026
6:15-6:45 Water Aerobics
7:15-7:55 Breakfast Buffet
7:55-8:15 Prayer Requests
8:15-9:15 Bible Study
9:30-10:30 Worship Service
10:30 Closing
About the Retreat
Rooted in Faith, Active in Love
“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” — James 2:17
Join us for a weekend to retreat into God’s Word, reflect on His teachings, and rest in His care. We’ll dig into the book of James and learn how to live out a faith that is not just heard, but seen—one that is rooted deeply in Christ and active in love toward others. Saturday speakers include Pastor Borgwardt, Pastor Russow, and Cindy Hillmann Jensen. We’ll round out the weekend with a Friday night kick-off featuring Barb Krohn from Thai Village and close with Sunday worship and Bible study.
As we look at the life of James, the brother of Jesus, we’ll see how faith grows stronger through trials. While our first instinct is to avoid hardship, God uses challenges to deepen our dependence on Him and refine our trust in His promises. In Session One, Pastor Borgwardt will guide us through how we can welcome trials and temptations as a means of strengthening our faith, knowing that a faith tested is a faith made steadfast.
Faith is a gift from God—and it is also alive. True faith naturally produces works that glorify God and bless others. In Session Two, Pastor Russow will help us consider how we respond to God’s grace through our words and actions, living as witnesses of His love in all we do. We’ll reflect on James’ challenge that “faith without works is dead” and see how an active faith brings joy and purpose to our daily walk.
Our faith also shows itself in how we treat others. Words have power—to heal, to encourage, to point others to Jesus. In Session Three, Cindy Hillmann Jensen will lead us in exploring how to respond to God’s grace through our relationships. We’ll look at how to choose our words and actions carefully so that everything we do reflects the love of God rooted in our hearts.
Our retreat closes Sunday morning with worship and Bible study as we reflect on how to remain rooted in faith and active in love throughout our daily lives.
Things You Need to Know
- All attendees must register.
- Indicate on your registration form your choice of food entrée for the Saturday night banquet and if you have any special needs.
- If you are ordering a t-shirt or long sleeve, the color is Olive Green. We are not anticipating having shirts for sale at the retreat. If you would like one, please order it with your registration. It is an Unisex style shirt and the same style we had last year.
- Bring your Bible, either a hard copy or digital, as we’ll use it throughout the retreat.
- If you would like to be seated with someone specific or come as a group all the names in that group need to be included on the registration form. Groups may range in size from 2-8 and will be assigned seating to best fit in the hall. This allows us to make sure everyone has a place and feels welcome. All people in the same group should list the same table leader.
- The cost of the retreat and hotel are separate. If you wish to have hotel accommodations at Cobblestone Suites, you must make your own reservations. When making reservations, be sure to let them know that you are with the Pathways Retreat to receive our discounted rate. If you are dividing the cost of the room, they need the name of each person when reserving the room so each person can check in separately. There is only a limited number of rooms in our block so make your reservations early.
- Retreat cancellations received prior to February 14,2026 will receive a full refund. After Feb. 14 no refunds will be issued. (Hotel cancellations need to be made before 48 hours of arrival date.) T-shirt refunds will only be given before Feb 1, 2026 deadline.
- Financial assistance is available if attending for the entire weekend. Email the committee at pathwaystochristretreat@gmail.com All requests are confidential. All financial requests must be made by Jan 17, 2026 (One request per family)
- For your comfort, dress in layers. This is a relaxed and informal weekend; however, many choose to dress up for the Saturday banquet and Sunday worship service.
- Thai Village will once again be at the retreat from Friday evening until Saturday afternoon.
- The free time scheduled for Saturday afternoon is for the staff to reset the hall for our banquet. If you’d like to explore Oshkosh, a visitors table will have some options.
- Optional Water Aerobics with Kelly Rickert are scheduled for 6:15AM - 6:45AM both mornings.
- A free will offering will be taken for the Seminary Scholarship Fund and MLC.
- We are also collecting items for the pantry at the Seminary. Items needed are:Toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, shaving products, lotion, band aids, feminine products.Cleaning: baking soda, baking powder, laundry detergent, vinegar.Cooking: cooking oil or sprays, flour, sugar, chocolate chips, baking mixes, spices and seasoning packets.Canned goods: chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans, canned fruit (peaches, pears, oranges)Other food: instant oatmeal, cereal, granola bars, instant rice, instant lentils, applesauce, dressings and sauces, nuts & seeds, dried fruit, dried meat, trail mix, granola, nut butters , honey, jelly and jam, syrup, shelf stable milk (almond, canned coconut or cream, etc), mac and cheese.Finally, anything gluten free is appreciated.We do NOT need peanut butter, bar soap, canned tomatoes, canned peas, or canned fruit cocktail.
Gift cards for purchasing fresh food items are also greatly appreciated. Suggested cards are: Kwik Trip, Amazon, Piggly Wiggly, and Pick-n-Save. There will be a collection box for your donations at the retreat.
Seating
What a blessing that our registration numbers have been near capacity! With that blessing comes the challenge to honor all the seating requests we receive. The majority of ladies coming to the retreat have family or friends with whom they would like to sit. In order to accommodate these requests, all seating will be assigned. Details follow:
- Reserved Seating (2-8): Choose one person from your group to be your Group Leader. The Group leader should indicate the names of all the ladies in her group on her registration form. Changes may be made, providing seating is available. Mailing of all your group’s reservations together is appreciated, but not necessary. Each attendee should indicate her group leader’s name on her registration form.
- The location of your table will move twice on Saturday from its location Friday night and again on Sunday morning. That gives the people in the back of the room a chance to move closer to the front and visa-versa.
- For 4 or more in a group, mail your registration in as soon as possible.
- Stationary Tables: If you have a special need (wheelchair, walker, hearing), please indicate that on your reservation form. We will do out best to position your table accordingly.
- Make sure you introduce yourself to all the ladies at your table.
We are grateful we can share this weekend together!