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. 2026 retreats are open for registration.

2026 Schedule

This Year's Retreats

Pr. Laurie Neill
August 10–14, 2026

Speaker: Pr. Laurie Neill·Musician: Patsy Baglien

"Who Told You That?" Replacing Lies with Truth

"Who told you that?" was God's first question to Adam and Eve, and it remains his question for us today. Join Pr. Laurie Neill, author of Who Told You That?, for a transformational week exploring the lies we believe about God and ourselves, and how the truth of God's Word sets us free. Through stories, humor, and a practical Scripture-based tool called "The Lie Detector," campers will learn to recognize the voice of the lie, understand the spiritual battle for our identity, name the common weapons of deceit such as shame, comparison, and worry, and reclaim who God says we are. This is teaching you'll be able to carry home with you.

FaithIdentityTruthTransformationMusic
Pr. Laurie Neill

Guest Speaker · August 2026

Pr. Laurie Neill

Pr. Laurie Neill is Senior Pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Fargo, North Dakota, and the author of Who Told You That? (Deep River Books). A gifted storyteller and teacher, she brings biblical insight, warmth, and honesty about the human condition to every gathering. Her ministry centers on identifying the lies we believe about God and ourselves and replacing them with the truth of God's Word, equipping people to live in the peace, joy, and contentment God intends. She lives in Moorhead, Minnesota with her husband, Doug.
Sample Schedule (based on 2025 — subject to change)
Monday
3:00 pmRegistration & Check-in (Front Desk)
5:30 pmSupper (Lodge)
7:00 pmWorship
8:30 pmCampfire
Tuesday
7:45 amMorning Prayer (Library)
8:00 amBreakfast (Lodge)
9:30 amTeaching with Pr. Laurie Neill (Chapel)
12:00 pmLunch (Lodge)
7:00 pmEvening Worship
8:30 pmCampfire
Wednesday
7:45 amMorning Prayer (Library)
9:00 amHymn Sing & Daily Texts
10:00 amTeaching with Pr. Laurie Neill (Chapel)
3:00 pmMuseum Outing (sign up)
7:00 pmTalent Show (Chapel)
Thursday
7:45 amMorning Prayer
9:30 amTeaching with Pr. Laurie Neill (Chapel)
1:30 pmWatercolor Painting
3:00 pmPontoon Rides
7:00 pmEvening Worship
Friday
7:45 amMorning Prayer
9:30 amTeaching with Pr. Laurie Neill (Chapel)
11:30 amClosing Celebration & Group Photo
12:00 pmLunch (Lodge)
Gracia Grindal
September 20–23, 2026

Speaker: Gracia Grindal·Musician: Tim Peterson

Fall Hymn Festival

Return for another beloved week of hymns with Gracia Grindal—scholar, poet, and hymn writer. You'll learn, you'll laugh, and you'll find yourself woven into a warm community of song. This fall gathering has become a cherished tradition for many regulars and newcomers alike.

HymnsFall RetreatCommunityMusic
Gracia Grindal

Guest Speaker · September 2026

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. She maintains a weekly hymn blog at hymnfortheday.com.

Full profile at Luther Seminary →
Sample Schedule (based on 2025 — subject to change)
Sunday
3:00–5:00 pmRegistration & Check-in
5:30 pmSupper (Lodge)
7:00 pmOrientation & Hymns (Chapel)
8:30 pmCampfire
Monday
8:00 amBreakfast (Lodge)
9:30 amHymns with Gracia Grindal
12:00 pmLunch (Lodge)
7:00 pmHymn Celebration (Chapel)
Tuesday
8:00 amBreakfast (Lodge)
9:00 amHymns with Gracia Grindal
11:00 amWorship with Hymns
7:00 pmHymn Celebration (Chapel)
Wednesday
8:00 amBreakfast (Lodge)
9:00 amHymns with Gracia Grindal
11:30 amClosing Celebration & Group Photo
12:00 pmLunch (Lodge)

2026 Pricing

Cost Estimator

Select your camp and housing to see a full cost breakdown instantly. All rates include meals for the duration of your stay.

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Payment Schedule
Today — $300 deposit
By June 1 — Half of total bill
At Arrival — Remaining balance

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

Ready to Join Us?

Register for 2026

Spaces fill quickly. Secure your spot at one of this year's Bible retreats — open to adults of every age on Lake Carlos.

Estimate Your Cost
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$460
$300 deposit today
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