Lakeside Bible Retreats – Mount Carmel Ministries

Christ-Centered Bible Retreats for Adults of All Ages · Lake Carlos, MN

Lakeside
Bible Retreats

Christ-Centered
Bible Study
Hymns & Music
Fellowship
Rest by the Lake
All Ages 18+

Christ-centered Bible retreats on the shores of Lake Carlos for adults of every age and stage — twenties to nineties — gathering for Bible study, hymns, fellowship, and rest. Open to all denominations and backgrounds.

Update This year's Fall Hymn Festival (Sept 20–23) has been cancelled due to low registration. We still plan to celebrate the hymns this fall: a hymn sing and sessions with guest musician Tim Peterson are being added to Proclaimer Appreciation Weekend, November 6–8. Everyone who was registered for Hymn Fest is invited to attend free of charge.

Fall 2026

This Fall

Gracia Grindal
Cancelled for 2026
September 20–23, 2026

Speaker: Gracia Grindal·Musician: Tim Peterson

Fall Hymn Festival: New & Old Favorites

This year's Hymn Festival has been cancelled due to low registration. We are disappointed not to hold it, and we are grateful to everyone who signed up. A hymn celebration with Tim Peterson is being added to Proclaimer Appreciation Weekend, November 6–8 (see below), and everyone who was registered for Hymn Fest is invited to attend free of charge. Questions? Call (320) 846-2744 or email registrar@mountcarmelministries.com.

Come learn about and sing your favorite hymns — and discover some wonderful new ones. Led by Gracia Grindal — scholar, poet, and hymn writer — with musician Tim Peterson. A cherished tradition, open to adults of all ages, denominations, and backgrounds.

HymnsFall RetreatCommunityMusic
Gracia Grindal

Hymn Festival Speaker

Gracia M. Grindal

Gracia Grindal is Professor Emeritus of Rhetoric at Luther Seminary, where she taught from 1984 to 2014. A prolific hymn writer, poet, and scholar, she has served on the hymn text committees of the Lutheran Book of Worship and several other mainline hymnals. Her latest book, What a Fellowship: Remembering Augsburg Seminary and the Lutheran Free Church (Fortress Press), was released this summer, and her newest collection of psalm hymns has just been published. She maintains a weekly hymn blog at hymnfortheday.com.

Full profile at Luther Seminary →
Hymn Celebration November 6–8, 2026
November 6–8, 2026

Guest Musician: Tim Peterson

Hymn Celebration at Proclaimer Appreciation Weekend

Since we could not hold Hymn Fest this year, we are adding a hymn celebration to our Proclaimer Appreciation Weekend. Tim Peterson has agreed to join us as guest musician. More details will be shared as they come together.

  • FridaySpecial hymn sing and session, open to all proclaimers and participants
  • SaturdayEvening hymn session, with more possible as plans develop
Hymn Fest registrants attend free of charge

If you were signed up for Hymn Fest, you are welcome to come for the whole weekend at no cost, whether or not you are a proclaimer. Please call or email the office to let us know you plan to come.

HymnsProclaimersMusicFree for Hymn Fest Registrants
Let us know you're coming

The Setting

Life on Lake Carlos

Mount Carmel sits on the serene shores of Lake Carlos in Alexandria, Minnesota — a place designed for rest, reflection, and reconnection.

View Housing Options →
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Air-Conditioned Cabins
Brand-new cabins with modern comforts, lake views, and quality bedding for a truly restful stay.
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Lake Access
Direct access to Lake Carlos for swimming, boating, and peaceful lakeside time.
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Dining
Nourishing meals served in a warm, communal atmosphere — no cooking required.
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Chapel
A dedicated space for worship, prayer, and quiet reflection throughout your stay.
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Outdoor Activities
Hiking trails, bonfires, and open recreation spaces surrounded by Minnesota nature.
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Conference Rooms
Well-equipped gathering spaces for teaching sessions and group discussion.
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Community Spaces
Common areas for fellowship, conversation, and the friendships that form at camp.
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Wi-Fi
Available for practical needs — though we hope you'll be too occupied to use it much.

Join Us This Fall

Hymn Celebration · November 6–8

Hymn Fest is cancelled this year, but the singing is not. Join us at Proclaimer Appreciation Weekend for a hymn sing and sessions with Tim Peterson. Everyone who was registered for Hymn Fest is welcome free of charge. Call the office with questions or to let us know you are coming.

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