Kerith Retreat
Rest and Rediscovery in the Heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains
Personal Retreats
Listening to God Together
Marriage Enrichment
New Joy in the Journey
A Place of Peace
Welcome to Kerith Retreat.
Come as you are, pray and rest for a few days or a week. Kerith Retreat is a Christian retreat house, offering a single detached upstairs apartment (brand new king bed & day bed, den, kitchenette, full bath) with a private deck on our quiet 2-acre property and stream in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Opening in July 2022, Kerith hosted over 100 nights of retreats in its first year to guests from a variety of home states, Christian traditions, and backgrounds -- pastors, missionaries, non-pastors -- simply desiring unhurried time away with God.
Your hosts, Chris and Claire, live in their home on the property (separate from the retreat apartment) and offer spiritual direction, pastoral conversations, and Communion if desired. But if your goal is a silent retreat alone with the Lord, it is our joy to provide the peace and solitude for that as well. Claire also offers remote spiritual direction by Zoom as a distinct ministry.
Kerith is not a "center" for group retreats. Our mission is to host one person, a husband & wife, or 2-3 friends who will have the apartment & grounds to themselves for the purpose of a spiritual retreat. We want to provide enough time and space to set aside their worries and the weight of their callings -- to sit with God and let him provide for their needs. Our hope is to see each guest return home energized, knowing someone has heard them, cared for them, and prayed for them -- remembering why they were called in the first place.
So Elijah did what the Lord had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and the evening, and he drank from the brook.
- 1 Kings 17:5-6 -
GUEST COMMENTS
We came to Kerith in a transitional season where we needed rest from the demands of seminary, working full time, & our young family. And we needed a respite before we welcome our 3rd child this month. The beauty, tranquility, and provision of God at Kerith provided just what we needed. Chris and Claire further blessed us with mentorship, friendship, and spiritual direction. We are grateful for all we found & received here.
I found a place of refuge here at Kerith! I’ve been able to leave behind some heavy burdens while I sat in silence and let the peace and comfort surround me. God has been sitting with me! I have released and I have received! The sounds of the creek are so soothing — I’m not sure I’ll see water without thinking of this time of rest! The power of water, the cleansing, refreshing, relaxing life-giving water has nourished my soul. Thank you for your patience in pursuing the vision of Kerith! Can’t wait to be back!
Thank you for a perfect sanctuary. As Psalm 23 says, “The Lord is my shepherd — I shall not lack.” There were so many fine touches that you’ve provided here — you’re shepherding well. I checked out each of the reading places — the lazy boy chair — the couch — the reading nook — the bed. Each had great gifts. Exodus 15:17 and Psalm 26:8 both mention sanctuary. “I love your sanctuary, Lord, the place where your glorious presence dwells.”
You’ve done it. You’ve provided sanctuary.
Finding Kerith
We are located in the mountains of western North Carolina, 15 minutes off of I-40, Exit 27:
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5 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway
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15 minutes from the restaurants & shops of picturesque Waynesville
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35 minutes from Asheville