Why Attend a Retreat? The Perfect Way to Recharge

Life can be busy, demanding, and at times, overwhelming. Whether it’s the pressures of work, family commitments, or simply just living a busy life, finding time to pause and reconnect with yourself can feel impossible. That’s why attending a retreat is such a great idea to recharge. Stepping away from the daily grind and immersing yourself in a place of rest, reflection, and renewal can have great benefits for your well-being. 

The Power of Taking a Break

We often underestimate the impact of constantly being ‘switched on.’ Our minds and bodies need time to reset, yet many of us push through exhaustion, believing that rest is a luxury rather than a necessity. Research has shown that intentional breaks improve focus, reduce stress, and enhance overall mental and emotional health. 

A retreat offers a structured environment designed for rest. Unlike a standard holiday, where planning, logistics, and decision-making can still be exhausting, a retreat provides a seamless experience where every detail is taken care of for you.  

Why Attend a Retreat? 

A retreat allows you to step away from the distractions of everyday life and focus on what truly matters. Whether it’s personal growth, deepening your faith, or simply allowing yourself to rest, a retreat provides an opportunity to reconnect with your purpose and restore your energy. Attending a retreat is an investment in your overall well-being. 

Stress, anxiety, and burnout have become all too common. A retreat offers the space to slow down, relax, and reset your mind. While being surrounded by nature and away from screens and notifications, you can experience a genuine sense of peace. For those seeking a deeper connection with their faith, a retreat is the perfect setting. At Orama, our retreats are designed to help you refresh your body, mind, and spirit, offering moments of worship, reflection, and meaningful fellowship with like-minded people.  

The setting of a retreat is important, making Orama a great option. Located on Great Barrier Island, Orama offers breathtaking landscapes, pristine beaches, and untouched wilderness. Being in nature is scientifically proven to reduce stress and enhance overall wellbeing, making Orama the perfect place to reset. A retreat is not just about solitude it’s also an opportunity to connect with others on a similar journey. Sharing experiences, engaging in group discussions, and forming new friendships can be both uplifting and inspiring. 

Experience the Men’s Recalibrate Retreat at Orama 

If you’ve been feeling the need for a break, the Men’s Recalibrate Retreat at Orama is the perfect opportunity to recharge. The next three-night, four-day retreat runs from 6th-9th March and is designed to help men step away from their routines and focus on what truly matters. 

For an all-inclusive price of $975, you’ll receive: 

• Flights* to and from Great Barrier Island 

• Comfortable accommodation in a peaceful setting 

• Delicious, nourishing meals prepared by our amazing chefs 

• A great range of guided activities, from paddle boarding to fishing 

With options to suit your needs, you can enjoy the beauty of Orama while we handle the details. Just book, arrive, and relax. 

Book a Retreat at Orama 

If you’ve been wondering whether you need a break, this is your sign. Prioritising your well-being and investing in time for reflection and rest is essential.  Book your place at the Men’s Recalibrate Retreat today and experience the impact of taking time for yourself.  

Can’t make the Men’s Recalibrate Retreat happening from 6th–9th March 2025? Don’t worry, we will be running more retreats throughout the year. 

For the ladies, our Refresh Women’s Retreat is happening from Thursday, 8 May to Sunday, 11 May 2025 a perfect opportunity for women to step away from daily demands, reconnect with themselves, and relax in the beautiful surroundings of Orama.  

Visit our website to learn more and secure your spot. 

The McQuoids - Dean and Jo McQuoid

Our very own Dean and Jo McQuoid have released their debut album.

One of the principle songwriters with Edge Kingsland, Dean McQuoid struck out on his own teaming up with wife and co-writing partner Jo McQuoid, to record their full length debut album.

Produced by Jonathan Class (The Varsity Recording Co) and Strahan Coleman, ‘The Strength of Stones’ is Kiwiana meets Americana worship of Jesus.

Check it out!

The Spirit who 'cries out' Abba Father!

Galatians 4:6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who cries out, “Abba,Father.”

I’ve been reading through Galatians lately, text that I’ve probably read countless times over the years, but lately it’s leaping back off the pages again, so much so, I thought I would share some of my thoughts and prayers off the back of the text, just in case it resonates with you as much as it has been for me…

What is popping for me?
1. The Trinity at work. A beautiful example of the synergy and flow of who You are and how You work together Lord. Father, Spirit, Son at work in this verse.
2. I love how it says ‘You sent the Spirit into our hearts.’ You didn’t just send the Spirit 'to' us, but You sent the Spirit 'into' our very hearts. The seat of who we are - the place of intimacy - why? Because that’s exactly what You want with us - intimacy. You sent your Spirit into the very place of warmth, emotion, feeling, intimacy - why? Because that’s exactly where and how You want us to engage You.
3. Abba Father! Not only did You send the Spirit into our hearts, but You sent the Spirit who cries ‘Abba Father!’ The ultimate invitation into intimacy! Not just ‘hey, come and have a relationship with me as your God. No, it’s come and have a relationship with me as your Father. And not just your Father, but your Abba Father. Your dearest Father, your Daddy.
4. ‘Cries out!’ I love how it says the Spirit ‘cries out’ Abba Father! Who cries out Daddy? A young child. It’s a picture of a young child standing there, arms up before their daddy, asking to be picked up, pulled close and embraced in the Father’s arms. ‘Cries out’ not just ‘says’ but Paul says ‘cries out’ ‘calls out’ - Abba Father! Daddy! A beautiful picture.
Wow! Love it!

Dean McQuoid

Spiritual Formation School Update

On April 24th, 2023 Our Spiritual Formation School kicked off with Jacinda Lilly from Coast Vineyard, looking at 'Devotional life'.

Right from the get-go, we dived into the week, open, and ready, expecting to hear from the Lord and to grow and form a deeper relationship through the input of the school, and our expectations were blown out of the water. God's Presence was very evident amongst us in the classroom, and a closeness and bond amongst the student group developed very quickly in terms of sharing and vulnerability, and we knew from the first week that we had the beginning of a very special journey or pilgrimage that we would be walking together over the next 3 months. We have a real mix in the student group, from brand-new believers to ones that had walked with the Lord for over 40 years or more, and we all felt like we were sitting down to a feast.

Each week the Teachers have been outstanding and are adding to this rich tapestry of teaching and practical application that has begun. Our classroom began to grow with more students both in the Orama Classroom and online on Zoom. We have just completed Module 6 The Prophetic, and it’s hard to believe that we are already halfway through the school.

People can still sign up for a Module. (if you are interested, you need to be able to commit for the full 5 day Module week, a total of 4 hours per day, 8:30 am -10:30 am / 11:00 am - 1:00 pm)

The remaining Modules are:

• Module 7 Apologetics - Dr. Steve Kumar

• Module 8 Miracles and Healing - Chris Gore

• Module 9 Israel today -Graeme Carle

• Module 10 Character of God - Dean McQuoid

• Module 11 Spiritual Gifts - Nina and David James

• Module 12 Church and Worship - Matt Lilly

Full details here: Spiritual Formation School