February 26-28, 2026

St Columba’s Writing and Spirituality Series presents Be Not Afraid: Finding Words that Equip us for the Moment. This spring in-person writing retreat led by Marilyn MacEntyre follows her successful online workshops and in-person retreats in 2023-25.

We are delighted to invite you to her 2026 spring offering, this retreat will run February 26-28 2026, 4:00 pm Thursday through 3:00 pm Saturday.

Escalating political conflict, a polarized economy, ongoing warfare, and climate anxieties give us plenty of occasion to come face to face with our fears. We may have to dig deeper for hope these days, but we know where to find it. In our hours together we'll be reflecting on how "Be not afraid" comes to us not simply as an admonition but as an invitation, and how even in the midst of troubles, both public and personal, we can help each other find our way back to the heart of God in whom we can find both our own peace and the courage to be peacemakers.

Writing exercises will focus on experiences of fear, courage, consolation, and resilience in the historical moment we share and in our own sometimes shadowy paths.

Marilyn McEntyre, writer and longtime professor of literature, coaches writers and teaches in programs at New College Berkeley, Western Theological Seminary and the Oblate School of Theology. Her books include Caring for Words in a Culture of Lies, When Poets Pray, and Speaking Peace in a Climate of Conflict. A new book about writing, Start With a Word, is coming out in February 2026 and can be pre-ordered at eerdmans.com. See more, and contact her, at marilynmcentyre.com.

Cost: $295-$695 depending on choices about lodging/commuting

Partial scholarships available 

Register at https://www.stcolumbasinverness.org/be-not-afraid