Winter Retreat 2026
Winter Retreat ’26 is all about reconnecting with God and with each other.
Through worship, shared meals, campfires, and time away from the noise of campus life, this weekend is designed to help us grow in faith and friendship.
Plan to arrive on Friday, February 6, by or around 8:30 PM. We’ll be wrapped up and free to leave by Sunday afternoon, February 8, around 11:30 PM. Along the way, expect devotions, games, team challenges, late-night laughs, and a hands-on volunteer project at Camp Lone Star.
You’ll participate in four meaningful sessions on the theme Kingdom Come, designed to refocus us at the start of a new semester. We’ll explore how the Kingdom is present now, the opposition that the Kingdom faces today, where it’s heading, and how we’re called to live in its light. The speaker for this weekend is campus pastor Daniel Bueckman from University Lutheran Chapel College Station.
Come discover what it means to follow Jesus in a world that is in darkness. Through Scripture, worship, and community, we’ll discover the Kingdom, stand firm in Christ, and follow Him with courage and hope.
This year, we’re also inviting college-age young adults from surrounding areas and other Lutheran campus ministries nearby — so feel free to bring a friend or share the invite with someone new.
We’d love to have you with us.
Registration
STEP ONE: Register here ASAP. Whoop!
STEP TWO: Early registration is $90 until 1/13/26. Late registration is $100 and starts on 1/14/26 and closes 1/30/26 at 11:59 pm. Registration deposit of at least half is due at the time of registration, or you can make a full payment. Pay here. Full payment is required before the event.
We’re thankful that donors help make it possible for The Chapel to help pick up $1500 in overhead costs for this event. Additionally, because of their support, we’re able to reduce the participant cost from $160 to $90 per person.
Retreat Theme: Kingdom Come
Session 1: The Kingdom of God is Present
Focus: God’s reign is not only future, but it is already here among us.
Key Idea:
The Kingdom of God isn’t just a distant hope. It is a present reality where Christ reigns in the hearts of believers and is made manifest in the community of faith. When Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is in your midst” (Luke 17:21), He declared that His presence brings heaven to earth.
Session 2: The Kingdom of God is What Satan Tries to Attack
Focus: The Kingdom faces opposition, but victory belongs to Christ.
Key Idea:
Wherever God’s Kingdom advances, Satan pushes back. As Luther said: "Where God plants a church, the devil would also plant a chapel." His goal as the deceiver is to distort, divide, and deceive. The devil can’t destroy God’s reign, but he works to blind us to it, lure us into self-rule, and sow doubt about God’s authority.
Session 3: The Kingdom of God is Coming in Full
Focus: The Kingdom will one day be revealed in glory.
Key Idea:
The Kingdom is “already” but “not yet.” Christ reigns now, but His reign will be made perfect when He returns. The hope of the Christian life is that one day, every tear will be wiped away, every injustice undone, and every knee will bow to the King.
Session 4: Living in The Kingdom Now - How then shall we live?
Focus: How do we be in the world and not of the world?
Key Idea:
We’re not called to hide inside a Christian bubble or long for some past version of faith. We’re called to live as citizens of God’s Kingdom right now, right in the middle of this world. That means fixing our eyes on Jesus, loving God deeply, loving others sacrificially, and letting the reality of living in His Kingdom shape our lives in a culture pulling us in every other direction. We live thinking forward toward the King, toward His coming reign, and toward the future He’s already begun in us.
Tentative Schedule for Winter Retreat ‘26
Friday, February 6
8:30 pm - Arrive at Camp Lone Star and unpack
8:45 pm - Community Building Activities
9:30 pm - Music, Devo, and Campfire/S’mores
11:00 pm - Free time/snacks
Saturday, February 7
8:00 am - Breakfast
8:30 am - Music and Session One
9:30 am - Camp Improvement Volunteer Project (?)
12:00 pm - Lunch
12:45 pm - Music and Session Two
1:45 pm - Free Time/Siesta
2:30 pm - Team Challenge (High Ropes Courses)
5:30 pm - Supper
6:30 pm - Music and Session Three
7:30 pm - Group Games in the Hangar… Floor Hockey, Knock-out etc.
8:30 pm - Campfire Devotions, S’mores, and Music
9:30 pm - Free Time
Sunday, February 8
8:00 am - Breakfast
9:00 am- Session Four
10:00 am- Pack up, Clean cabins up, and Load up
10:30 am- Worship
11:30 am- Depart
What to Bring
Bible
Weather-appropriate clothing
Set of work clothes for service project ?
Closed toed shoes (they will probably get muddy)
Rain jacket
Water bottle
Sunscreen/bug spray
Twin size bedding or sleeping bag (bedding not furnished)
Your pillow!!
Toiletries
Soap and shampoo
Washcloth and towel
Flashlight
Phone charger
Backpack for day use (optional)
Feel free to bring any games for free time on our retreat
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will we be staying?
We have rented air-conditioned/heated cabins at Camp Lone Star. Additional information about Camp Lone Star’s facilities can be found at their website. This is a bring your own pillow & sleeping bag/bedding event.
Who is welcome?
Winter Retreat ’26 is open to all college students and college-age young adults connected to:
A Texas District Lutheran congregation or college ministry
I-Connect
Bring a friend — everyone’s welcome, regardless of background!
What will we be eating?
All meals at Camp Lone Star are covered by your registration fee. College Station/Bryan students will be stopping for supper (Whataburger, McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Subway) in Giddings on the way to Camp Lone Star, so be prepared to pay for one additional meal. Other campus minsitries may stop on the way for Friday night supper and Sunday lunch.
Special menus needs can be accommodated; please note on registration form to allow time for proper preparations.
Where can I ask more questions about the retreat?
Please contact Daniel Bueckman, pastor.daniel.bueckman@gmail.com or 865.719.1800.