“Trust the Trail” – Pastor Prayer Retreat, Feb 2026

Pastors are front line responders to a myriad of conflicts, hurts, and spiritual battles in our world. They might not even realize the toll it can take until something happens to alert them, a health problem, a bad attitude, an addiction, chronic anxiety. All CLC Active Clergy are invited to a five day retreat for reflection, refreshment, and redemption. This overnight retreat will take place at Mepkin Abby Retreat Center, located about 1 hr from Charleston, SC & Airport. This retreat center is located along the Cooper River, with acres of woodlands, garden walks, majestic live oaks, and maybe a few gators. The cost of the retreat includes M-F stay, individual rooms with showers, all meals, and use of the facilities, grounds and chapel. Additional costs include travel and optional sightseeing.

It is our prayer that this retreat will offer a safe and encouraging space for you to spend time away from the pressures of the ministry, a place to get refreshment and direction together through the support and fellowship of the Word and Spirit. With the help of our Lord, we pray for a fruitful, nourishing, and refreshing time!

Where has the journey taken you? Where is the Lord leading you? Trust the Trail!

– Pastor David Pfeiffer, Holy Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church, West Columbia, SC

Retreat Schedule: PPR Feb 2026 Schedule and Theme

2026 REGISTRATION DETAILS

CLC active clergy are invited to a five day prayer retreat in Moncks Corner SC.

Date:                  February 2-6, 2026 (Earliest Arrival Mon PM, Latest Leave Fri PM)

Location:           St. Francis Retreat Center

                           1098 Mepkin Abbey Rd.

                           Moncks Corner, SC 29461

Cost:                  $350 (M-F, Single private room + Meals + Facilities)

                           $100 (Meals only, Find your own lodging)

               $50 down payment to secure spot/room, All Participants due Oct 31

               Remaining Balance ($300) due by Jan 30

* You have the option of attending all or partial retreat. Full payment will still be required regardless in order to cover costs of reservation.

To Register:       PPR Feb 2026 Registration Form

To Pay:              Online (preferred) – Venmo: @David-Pfeiffer-44

                           (Or Mail Check)      2010 Pella Ave

                                                            West Columbia, SC 29170

                           (Payments made directly to David Pfeiffer)

                           (If mailing, notify me when you send it)

Informational Zoom Meeting: (To Be Announced)

(Tell me more… Q&A, Is this for me? What to expect? How to prepare? Etc. )

Current Rooms Available:   11 of 12  (by deposit, first come first serve basis)

(NOTE: (6) interest forms submitted at GPC get “early bird” access through Oct 15 )

Facilitator / Q’s:        Pastor David Pfeiffer

                                    pfeiffdl@gmail.com

                                    803-587-8111

Schedule:           PPR Feb 2026 Schedule

Facilities Info    https://mepkinabbey.org/retreat-center-news/#toggle-id-5-closed

FAQ

What is a Prayer Retreat? This prayer retreat will include group time, and individual time. The group will gather for worship, study, prayer, sharing and discussion. Personally, you will be given time for walking, silence and reflection, journaling, and spiritual direction where desired. For activities, we will offer an optional trip into Charleston for sightseeing. There will be no papers or work needed on your part other than to show up with your genuine, honest self.

What can I expect of myself and others? You can expect a bit of an adjustment if you are used to a noisy world, or a busy schedule. It takes about 24 hours to adjust to the slower, quiet pace of the abby grounds. You will be encouraged to keep your phones off or in your car as much as possible, only checking periodically when necessary. You can expect to discuss and share as much or as little as you feel comfortable. You can simply take it all in, or you can bear your soul. The invitation is for you to come, not as a pastor, just as you. Anything shared confidentially in groups or one on one at this retreat must stay within the retreat fellowship. Follow up contact is encouraged, but should be kept within the boundaries of your group and only with a mutual understanding. It is essential that this retreat be a safe and trusted space.

What are the rooms like? Rooms in the beautiful St. Francis Retreat Center include a bed, desk, reading chair, and private bath. Bed linens, towels, and soap are provided.

What are the meals like? Three vegetarian meals a day are included.

Is there anything I need to bring besides regular travel items? Please bring a Bible and some sort of notebook for journaling. Bring a nice set of pens or pencils. Pack good walking shoes, and moderate to cold weather outerwear.

Is participation in all of the days / events on the schedule required? No, If you wish to arrive late, or leave early, feel free. You will need to pay the M-R full amount to reserve your room regardless.

What additional costs can I expect? Extra costs would include the cost of travel, and possibly one meal out with activities when sightseeing in Charleston. They do have a small shop where they sell hand made items and foods.

What if I want to attend, but I’m having trouble justifying it both financially, and in regard to time? First of all, that is totally understandable. You are busy and needed by many people, including your family! I would encourage you to note how many times Jesus needed to “get away” from it all for prayer and rest. Although he was needed even more than we, as a human, he also needed rest and refreshment. Sometimes we are more productive when we can set things down for a while, than when we carry them all the time. If we tell our members to take a break and rest in the Word, it seems right that we take our own medicine too! Secondly, the financial challenge is a real issue. I would ask you to consider reaching out to the church or friends for support. I know this is hard because it seems selfish, but most people would agree with your asking because they know pastors need refreshment. It gives others a chance to give freely of their hearts if they are moved to. You might also consider adding in some assistance for refreshment / development into your pastoral conference budget line for next year.

Can I reserve my own lodging? Yes, the cost is reduced if you secure your own lodgings. We do want to fill the rooms, as that will secure privacy and full use of the facilities.

Can I bring my family? It is up to you if you wish to bring your wife or family and secure your own lodging. However, we do want the retreat to be an immersive time with the Lord and each other, so you’ll be encouraged to stay present during the days of the retreat, with the exception of the optional R & R activity.

What is the nearest airport? Charleston International Airport, North Charleston

How do I get from the airport to the retreat? Transportation between the Charleston International Airport and the Retreat Center will be provided.

What is the weather like? The weather in SC this time of year is average highs in 40’s-60’s, lows in 30’s. This is the tail end of SC winter. Could feel balmy and comfortable. Could be breezy and chilly.