An ecumenical sermon writing retreat for ministers
SPARKS
February 9-12, 2026
Sometimes all it takes is a spark — a moment of stillness, a shared word, a shift in perspective — to set new ideas in motion. “Sparks” is a first-of-its-kind gathering for pastors who want dedicated time to craft sermons for the Lenten season. Together, we’ll create space for quiet focus, mutual encouragement, and the exchange of ideas that kindle creativity. Limited to about 15 participants, this retreat is an invitation to step away from daily demands, breathe deeply, and rediscover the joy of shaping the Word for preaching. If you’re looking for help writing your sermons for Lent, or if you just need an excuse to get away and hang out with some awesome pastors from a variety of denominations and backgrounds, this is for you!
Purpose & Vision
This retreat is designed for pastors who preach the lectionary to find space, inspiration, and collegiality as they prepare for Lent and Holy Week. With daily worship, collaborative brainstorming, and dedicated writing time, participants will leave with sermon plans and drafts for each Sunday in Lent, plus Holy Week and Easter.
We will gather in the beauty and quiet of Camp Stevens to:
Immerse ourselves in the Lenten texts (Year A) for February 22 through Easter Sunday.
Brainstorm sermon ideas in community.
Dedicate time to focused writing in a distraction-free environment.
Worship together and share in spiritual encouragement.
Connect around other writing projects (articles, books, liturgy, devotional material).
Each day will balance:
Worship & Scripture engagement – grounding ourselves in the Word.
Collaborative brainstorming – exploring the week’s lectionary texts together.
Writing space – uninterrupted blocks of time to work independently.
Each session will include an exegetically focused panel discussion and a more homiletically focused group discussion.
This event will be collaborative, so we will be learning with and from each other. But you will be hosted by Wes Ellis, pastor of First Congregational Church of Ramona (UCC). Wes holds an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. in practical theology from University of Aberdeen. He’s the author of Abiding in Amen: Prayer in a Secular Age (Fortress, 2025).
Wes has a passion for ministry and for connecting people through prayer and preaching.
