The Crossing Retreat Weekends
We specialize in experiential retreats on Grief and Joy.
Our Grief and Joy Retreats
In the Crossing, we sense that the deeper intention of the fundamental questions we ask ourselves about “why do we exist?” and “what is the purpose of humanity - of every person who has ever loved, lost, hoped, and wept?” are about encounter — an invitation to experience the living God, to know Him, to dwell in His presence, to receive His love, and to participate in His joy — even amid suffering.
We Believe
As a Christian retreat, we believe the purpose of existence is ultimately relational:
God created us not only to behave or evolve, but to experience Him, to reflect His image, to share in His joy and love, and to be transformed into His likeness.
In that light, our experiential retreats — the Joy Retreat and the Grief Retreat — are not merely therapeutic events or emotional releases. Rather, they are sacramental entrances into deeper realities: opportunities to let grief and joy enlarge our souls, prepare our hearts for God’s presence, and allow our inner and outer universe to expand toward Him as our true and holy identity.
Hope
Grief and suffering threaten meaning — loss, disorientation, pain, and despair all challenge coherence and significance. Yet paradoxically, these same experiences can become fertile ground for rebuilding meaning — if we interpret them, integrate them, and root them in something greater than ourselves.
Thus, both grief and joy serve as bookends and catalysts for deeper meaning. They respect the brokenness of life and the longing within us for something eternal — ultimately leading us to receive the spiritual transformation of God’s gift of joy that lives within us.
Joy + Grief
together
Joy and grief are not opposites — they are sacraments of encounter. Joy celebrates beauty, homecoming, and communion. Grief acknowledges loss, mortality, and longing. Both expand the soul so it may contain more of God.
Our Joy & Grief Retreats reflect this sacred pairing. They are not escapes — they are places where wounds surface, hope is named, joy is released, and God becomes deeply present.
Why Do We Do Both?
We hold both retreats because joy and grief are the two hands of God shaping us into Christ’s image. Joy whispers, “You are loved.” Grief assures, “You are not alone.” One widens the heart; the other strengthens it — and together they make us whole.
We are not running programs — we are cultivating encounters with God. This work is holy. Your presence matters. If something in you whispers: “I want to help people come alive,” then you already belong in this calling.
We do not exist for therapy alone. We exist for spiritual formation — where joy strengthens identity and grief deepens capacity. That is why we do what we do, and why we serve with our whole hearts.
Calling
In the sacred tension between joy and grief, God forms us. Life is not merely evolution or self-improvement — it is encounter, communion, transformation. Joy and grief are not detours. They are divine highways. They make room for God, expand compassion, clarify identity, and anchor meaning.
As you come — to participate or to serve — may joy awaken, grief soften, and Christ deepen within you. May tears become prayer, and laughter become worship. These retreats are invitations to become fully alive, to know God deeply, and to grow into the person you were created to be.
Meet the Team
Ellie Broe & Dr. Tim Broe
Founders
Tim is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a PhD from the University of Michigan and 40+ years of helping individuals with life losses, trauma, and grief.
Contact us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly! We can't wait to hear from you!