Every year, our church family gets away for a weekend to pause, rest, make memories, and seek the Lord together. It’s one of the sweetest rhythms of our year — a chance to slow down from the pace of life in the city and draw near to God and to one another.

Over the course of the weekend, you can expect meaningful times of worship and teaching, space for rest and reflection, late-night laughter, shared meals, and new friendships that will carry into everyday life.

Whether you’re a new member at Citizens or have been here since the beginning, this is the perfect weekend to connect more deeply, rest more fully, and return home refreshed.

We’d love for you to join us.

FRIDAY, MAY 22

5:00pm - Check-in Opens
8:00pm - Session 1
10:00pm - Hang Time

SATURDAY, MAY 23

8:00am - Breakfast
9:30am - Session 2
11:00am - Lunch On Your Own + Free Time
5:30pm - Dinner
8:00pm - Session 3
10:00pm - Hang Time

SUNDAY, MAY 24

8:00am - Breakfast
9:30am - Session 4
12:00pm - Check Out + Head Back to Charlotte

2025 THEME - “DRAW NEAR”

Each year, our Family Vacation centers around a theme that helps us listen together for what God is doing in our community. This year’s theme is “Draw Near”, taken from James 4:8: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”

In a world that constantly pulls us inward — toward hurry, distraction, and self-reliance — God invites us upward and outward, into His presence and the presence of one another. Draw Near is a call to slow down, to make space for stillness, and to remember that the God of the universe delights to meet with His people.

Over the weekend, we’ll explore what it means to draw near to God through worship and prayer, and to draw near to one another through shared meals, rest, conversation, and family practices. Our hope is that every person — child and adult — returns home with a renewed sense of intimacy with God and deeper connection within our church family.

Adults - $100
Kids - $20

Prices increase January 1, 2026. Full and partial scholarships are available upon request.

Who is invited to Family Vacation?
Family vacation is open to all Citizens Church members and children of current members. If you’d like more information about membership, click the Weekender tab above!

Where will we sleep?

We will be staying in the Main Lodge on the property, in hotel style rooms.

What if I can’t afford it?
We totally understand that for various reasons, the cost for the trip might not be possible. We don’t want cost to be a barrier for anyone attending. If you would like more information about a scholarship for the weekend, please email Tim.

What all does my registration fee cover?
The registration cost covers 2 nights of lodging, breakfast and dinner on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday, resources for the weekend, and some exclusive new Citizens Church swag. Transportation to and from Hickory, Friday dinner and Saturday lunch, and any other activities are not covered.

What do I do with my kids? Is this trip reasonable for families?
We totally understand involving kids in a weekend like this might come with a unique set of difficulties, so we’ve done everything in our power to help make it the weekend not only manageable, but enjoyable. We believe kids are a vital part of our church, and shouldn’t be a barrier to you attending this incredible weekend with your church family.

If you have specific family or children related questions about the retreat, please reach out to Jess Cromwell.

Will we make it back in time for the Sunday Gathering?
Because we believe in this weekend so much, we are actually cancelling our regular Sunday Gathering on May 24th. This will free up all of our church members to be able to attend the weekend, and emphasize the high priority Family Vacation has on our church calendar.

Wait, isn’t this Memorial Day Weekend?
Way to be perceptive! It is Memorial Day Weekend. Putting Family Vacation on this weekend was an intentional decision, to move further into our desire for this trip to be one of rest and renewal. Many who attend will be off of work and school on Monday, and we are praying that this helps create an even more relaxed atmosphere as we are present to God and to one another.

Any other questions about the weekend? Email Tim.