If you are interested in staying at the Caim Retreat, Ph 0407522795
Caim Retreat
The Johnmark Extension has been able to purchase a cottage in Sheffield as a retreat for clergy and partners in times of transition, discernment, stress or conflict. Caim is a place to reflect, recover and be renewed in ministry.
You may have located this site through direct contact with Tim, through other Johnmark programs, as a referral from a denominational leader or through your own networks, however you have arrived at the site, welcome! The retreat is owned by the Johnmark Extension run by Tim Dyer along with his wife Merran who is a local GP.
The ‘Caim’ name
The early Christians formed the practice of drawing a circle around themselves and their families and praying for God to watch over and protect them in this space. The prayed God’s blessing within the circle and for him to remove all distress, threats and dangers without the circle. The prayer circle was known as a ‘caim’ and it formed the basis of many prayers. It is our prayer that while you are visiting this place you may be in the circle of God’s peace, healing and blessing and that you will find the retreat a safe place to reflect on and gain insight into issues of life, leadership and ministry.
Possibilities for retreats
The Caim Retreat cottage is available for the use of singles or couples involved in Christian ministry who need a place for some intentional time out. There are a number of common scenarios which a retreat like this might include. E.g. a personal spiritual retreat; a retreat for discernment around future ministry, transition, change and recovery; a marriage or ministry enrichment retreat; a recovery time following a ministry crisis or conflict. The retreat is not generally available for regular holidays and is not set up with children in mind (although they are by no means precluded). There are options for directed and supported retreats and also for self-guided or self-study retreats. As the retreat ministry is a part of John Mark Ministries (Tas), when Tim is home he usually likes to catch up with folk on retreats and spend some time with them listening to their stories, exploring issues and processing strategies to respond together. If you would specifically like Tim to be available to guide or mentor you while on retreat, please arrange a time when Tim is working from home. Self-guided retreats either using materials or processes of your own, or those of John Mark Ministries are also possible. Part of the attraction of a retreat like this is its remoteness, you will most likely be a very long way away from home. We suggest you arrange to stay for a minimum of 3 days and a maximum of 8.
Location
The retreat is situated in the small rural village of Sheffield with Mt Roland as its picturesque backdrop. 30kms south of Devonport, Sheffield is the gateway to the Cradle Mountain and Walls of Jerusalem National Parks. The town is a quiet country village with its history celebrated by outdoor art – the town of murals. The surrounding countryside and world heritage wilderness have many drives and walks of various grades and durations. The area is famed for its quality cold climate wines and fine food produce. The cottage itself is within easy walking distance of the Sheffield shops.
Address: 67 High Street, Sheffield, Tasmania 7306
Facilities
The retreat is fully self contained and set up ideally for couples. The ground floor contains a kitchen, open dining/family room, bathroom, laundry and toilet. The house is sunny and warm and for the colder months there is both electric and wood heating. Upstairs there is a queen master bedroom with an en-suite, a second bedroom with a single bed and study / reading nook. Thanks to the generosity of friends, the kitchen is fully equipped. There is a library and some limited entertainment. Outside there is a deck and several sitting areas in the garden.
View a slideshow of the cottage
At this stage we have decided not to connect a landline phone as most guests have their own mobiles and are looking to get away from email for a period. There is Telstra NextG and Optus mobile and wireless internet coverage in the area however other providers who do not have agreements with either Telstra or Optus will not have connections. There is wireless internet available at the cottage if needed. Check with Tim for the access key.
Cost
As we are paying the cottage off we do need to ask for a donation for couples staying. If you have been referred by denominational leaders or executives the cost of the retreat may well be able to be covered. Some contribution for Tim’s time in facilitating a retreat may also be appropriate if this is part of your time with us.