A Beautiful Tradition
This will be Amy's sixth annual Fall Retreat, and attendees come from all over the country year after year.
Together, we worship, learn, create, laugh, process, and make space for God to do beautiful work in our hearts.
What Rebecca Has to Say
"I literally cry every time I think about attending your first retreat! I had no idea that God was going to show up in such a big way to rip the bandaids off and start the healing process… God wants to take our brokenness and mold us into vessels that He will fill to overflowing! Please, if you are having the slightest doubt about attending, just show up and witness God's love in action!"
— Rebecca
Retreat Details
September 15-17, 2026
Oceanfront at the 801 Event Space in Oak Island, NC
Your registration includes three days of teaching, worship, creative experiences, art supplies, community, and nervous system regulation sessions with Mary Martin.
Please note: Registration covers the retreat experience only. Food and lodging are on your own.
For your convenience, you'll have the option to purchase box lunches each day, or you're welcome to bring your own lunch. There are also many wonderful nearby accommodations and restaurants to enjoy during your stay.
If your heart is longing for a few days to rest, release what you've been carrying, and reconnect with God by the ocean, I'd love for you to join us.
Come rest. Come create. Come reconnect. Come become… Unburdened. 💜
A note from Amy
Hi! I am Amy Smith! I'm a compassionate and spirit-led Christian Life Coach specializing in helping you experience emotional healing and spiritual renewal by integrating art and creativity into your faith journey. My unique approach blends biblical principles with creative expression, providing a safe and sacred space for you to process your emotions, encounter God, and embrace a life of wholeness.
Click Below to Preregister!
Pre-register
Be first in line to secure your seat when the cart opens on July 5!
Pricing
Early Bird - $550 (before July 15)
Regular Price $597 (after July15)
Two payment option (only available at full price)-a non- refundable deposit of $250, due at registration will reserve your seat.
The $347 remainder of your tuition due on or before August 1, 2023.
Lodging and meals are not included.
There are many vacation homes and several hotels on Oak Island and in Southport.
A list of recommended accommodations will be available for attendees.
What if you gave yourself three days to lay it all down?
The regrets.
The pressure.
The "I should have done more."
The missed opportunities and imperfect choices you still carry.
What if you stepped away from the demands of everyday life and gave yourself permission to rest, breathe deeply, and receive God's grace in a fresh way?
Welcome to Unburdened.
For three days on the beautiful coast of North Carolina, we'll gather together to reset, recharge, and reconnect with the Holy Spirit through creativity, worship, and community.
This year's theme, Unburdened, is an invitation to release what you've been carrying and make room for peace, hope, and renewal.
What You Can Look Forward To
✨ Letting go of the past and embracing God's grace
✨ Forgiving yourself for missed opportunities and imperfect choices
✨ Learning practical ways to reduce stress and settle your nervous system
✨ Connecting with God through worship, creativity, and reflection
✨ Building meaningful friendships with others on a similar journey
✨ Leaving feeling lighter, more peaceful, and refreshed
No artistic experience is needed. You simply need an open heart and a willingness to show up.
Why the Ocean?
There's something deeply healing about being by the water.
The sound of the waves, the salty air, and the endless horizon invite us to slow down, breathe, and remember that we don't have to carry everything alone.
The setting itself becomes part of the experience.
This will be our second year gathering in the beautiful oceanfront 801 Event Space, and after last year's remarkable and life-giving retreat, I can't wait to see what God has in store for us this year.
“Cast your burden on the Lord and He will sustain you” — Psalm 22
