Pathways Retreat

Visit us!

Our walking trails and outdoor meditation spaces are open to the public during daylight hours, seven days a week, no registration or prior notice needed.
The Retreat House and Cottage are available for use by appointment only.

The ministry of Pathways Retreat would not be possible without supportive donors like you. Thank you to all who contribute financially to make Pathways possible. Pathways Retreat is a registered 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.

Reflections on Transitions at Pathways

In May Pathways announced that Ben Bouwman would be replacing Linda Lehman Thomas as Co-director of Prayer and Program. For the past month Linda and Ben have been working together in order to make the staff transition as smooth as possible. I am so grateful to Linda, both for her leadership of Pathways since its beginning, and for the experience of working with her for the past six years. And I'm excited to welcome Ben into his new role and to see what the future brings to Pathways. Continue below to read Linda's and Ben's reflections on this transition.

- Janell Stoltzfus

On June 30, I sent my last email with the title “co-director” beneath my name. Afterward, I removed that title from my Gmail settings altogether. Although this transition has been long anticipated and thoughtfully planned, I was surprised to feel tears welling up. They were tears of sadness, yes, but even more, tears of gratitude.
If I’ve learned anything over the past 20 years through the development of Pathways, it is that Spirit delights in surprising us. Our task is to remain open and attentive to her invitation to take the next step…and then to take it.
The Board of Directors modeled Athat beautifully this past year as they sought to hire a new co-director.
This month, I had the privilege of intentionally overlapping with Ben Bouwman as he stepped into the role of Co-director of Prayer and Program. Working alongside both Ben and Janell, I’m in awe of the way their gifts, experience, and leadership complement one another and equip them for this next chapter of Pathways Retreat.
I will continue to be present at Pathways by offering spiritual direction and Gestalt spiritual care, attending prayers, caring for the landscaping, and occasionally helping with other tasks at Ben's or Janell's request. At the same time, I very happily step away from my co-director responsibilities and offer Ben and Janell my full support and blessing. I look forward with hope and anticipation to further surprises Spirit has in store for Pathways.

- Linda Lehman Thomas

Greetings Pathways Community,
I write this at the end of my first month as Co-Director of Prayer and Program. It has been a lovely first month which has included: joining prayers, meeting some of you, learning about the history of Pathways, being oriented to my role and Pathways as an organization, and learning about the many ways that Pathways offers rest, renewal, and reflection to a wide variety of people and organizations. There are so many wonderful things happening on the sacred grounds of Pathways; what a joy it is to join in this work!
I want to offer a brief thanks to Linda Lehman Thomas, not only for graciously orienting me this last month, but for all that she (and numerous others) have done to make Pathways what it is today. Thank you Linda!
I am excited to enter this new chapter of my life and look forward to helping further the mission, vision, and values of Pathways alongside Janell Stoltzfus, Co-Director of Land and Hospitality.
I look forward to connecting with many of you in the coming months! You are most welcome to reach out anytime.

- Ben Bouwman

New Artwork at Pathways

Pathways is the grateful recipient of a piece by artist Merrill Krabill. Earth and Sky series cxvii is on display in Gratitude, the main meeting room at Pathways. Merrill writes of his work:
"The heart of my work is exploring transitions: the pain in loss, the formlessness of transitions, and the movement into what is next. That is a theme that seems to be a hallmark of our time. In my work I try to hold each of those quietly in front of me and move back and forth through them. The discovery has been how interwoven the whole process is."
Our heartfelt thanks to Merrill for this generous gift to Pathways.

Individual Retreat Passes

Experience Pathways throughout the year through our new Monthly or Seasonal Retreat Passes! These passes allow you to schedule twelve (monthly pass) or four (seasonal pass) individual day retreats in our cottage or a lower level retreat house room. Thanks to the recent Pathways guest who suggested this idea!

Rhythm of Prayer

Summer Prayer Sabbatical

Pathways' Rhythm of Prayer has paused for the summer.
Daily prayers will resume on August 25.

Daily Prayers

If Zoom asks for a pass code, it is "Pathways"

Contemplative Sit
Resumes August 25
Online and in-person
Tuesdays, 8-8:30am
Join on Zoom
Zoom pass code is "Pathways"

Lectio Divina
Resumes August 26
Online and in-person
Wednesdays, 8:00-8:30am
with optional conversation following prayer
Join on Zoom
Zoom pass code is "Pathways"

Centering Prayer
Resumes August 26
Online and in-person
Thursdays, 8-8:30am
Join on Zoom
Zoom pass code is "Pathways"

Praying with Creation
Resumes August 27
In-person only
Fridays, 8:00-8:45am

Iona Healing Prayer
In-person only
3rd Wednesday, noon
September 16
To submit a request for prayer, please click on the button below.

IONA PRAYER REQUESTS

Seasonal Prayers

Reflection Walks

Reflection Walks at Pathways Retreat are located along the 0.6 mile main trail loop through the woods. These are self-paced, free, and require no reservation. Simply stop by anytime during daylight hours to enjoy a time of reflection in creation. After you've completed the walk, take time to enjoy more of our two-miles of trails through woods and prairies. All are welcome!

Stations of the Trees

Stations of the Trees will remain available in the woods for the summer.

Programs at Pathways

Inner Soul Groups are forming for 2026-27
Groups will monthly September - May

Transitions Inner Soul

Men's Inner Soul

Contemplative Circle
Sundays
11am-12:30pm

Calendar