St. Andrew Men’s Retreat

Saturday Morning | March 7, 2026

St. Andrew Presbyterian Church | Iowa City

The Voyage Within: Sailing the World While Listening for God’s Call

What does it mean to trust God when the horizon is uncertain, the winds are shifting, and the way forward is not entirely clear?

This in-house men’s retreat invites participants into a morning of storytelling, Scripture, reflection, and conversation centered on how God shapes us through journeys—both literal and spiritual. Through the lens of sailing around the world, we’ll explore how faith is formed through risk, trust, community, and attentiveness to God’s quiet call.

Our speaker, Russ Owen, is a St. Andrew member, retired aerospace and IT engineer, and lifelong sailor. Along with his wife Laurie, Russ has sailed extensively, including international voyages that brought him into partnership with Christian communities around the world, most notably in Vanuatu. Russ brings a grounded, thoughtful witness to how God works through preparation and uncertainty, solitude and community, adventure and faithfulness.

Retreat Flow

Opening Session: The Voyage Within

A story-rich presentation drawing from Russ’s global sailing experiences, focusing on moments when trust, discernment, and dependence on God became essential rather than optional.

Breakout Conversation I: Trusting God in Uncertain Waters

Small-group reflection grounded in Scripture, exploring how faith takes shape in challenging situations, transitions, and seasons of risk.

Global Church Witness: The Vanuatu Story

A reflection on building relationships in Vanuatu—what mutual mission teaches us about resilience, faithfulness, and the strength of Christian community across distance and difference.

Breakout Conversation II: Listening for God’s Direction

Guided sharing around how God has offered direction—clearly or quietly—over a lifetime, and how we might become more receptive to God’s leading.

Closing Prayer & Lunch

A time of communal prayer followed by lunch and continued conversation.

This retreat is designed for men of all ages and stages of faith—whether your journey feels steady, stalled, or still unfolding. Come ready to listen, reflect, and share honestly, trusting that God is present in the journey itself.