East Tennessee Ministerial Prayer Retreat

February 15–17, 2026
St. Mary’s Retreat Center (Ayers Center for Spiritual Development)

770 St. Mary’s Lane
Sewanee, TN 37375

A Time to Pray, Reflect, and Renew

It is once again time to begin thinking about, planning for, and praying in expectation for our Annual Ministerial Prayer Retreat at the beautiful mountaintop St. Mary’s Retreat Center in Sewanee, TN. The Ayers Center for Spiritual Development sits in one of the most breathtaking locations in our region, and we are excited to see what the Lord has in store for us this February.

Guest Speaker

We are incredibly blessed to welcome Dr. Dwight Gunter as our speaker for the 2026 retreat. Dr. Gunter is a longtime pastor and former Mid-South District Superintendent. He was scheduled to join us last year but was unable to accommodate the date change, so we are especially grateful to have him with us this year.

Retreat Schedule

• Official Retreat Times
  Monday at 1:00 PM through Tuesday at Noon
• Optional Early Arrival
  Participants may choose to arrive Sunday evening for additional time of prayer and reflection at their own discretion.
  • No additional meals will be provided on Sunday
  • Rooms and meeting spaces will be available

Cost & Accommodations

In an effort to ensure every minister can attend, the East Tennessee District continues to invest generously by subsidizing retreat costs. Pricing remains the same as last year:

Lodging Options

1. Anna House Rooms (includes 2 meals: Monday dinner & Tuesday breakfast)
   $50 per person
   • Two people per room when possible
   • Rooms fill quickly and are reserved on a first-paid basis
2. Dorm Rooms (includes 2 meals: Monday dinner & Tuesday breakfast)
   $40 per person
3. Meals Only (for those staying off campus)
   $15 per person (Monday dinner & Tuesday breakfast)
4. Sunday Night Arrival
   Additional $10 per person

Prayer Walk

For the second year, we will offer a Prayer Walk as part of the retreat experience. Participation is optional and may be completed on your own time and at your own pace. We believe this will be a meaningful and spiritually enriching opportunity for those who choose to participate.

Payment Information

• Payment in full is due by December 15, 2025
• No rooms will be reserved without payment
• Make checks payable to:
  East TN District COTN

Please Note: All payments are non-refundable unless an extreme emergency arises. While the district has reduced costs to assist you, lodging and meal expenses must still be covered even if you are unable to attend. Thank you for helping us be good stewards.

We look forward to gathering together for prayer, rest, and renewal in God’s presence.