NLD Men’s Retreat 2025
November 14-16, Lancaster, PA
DoubleTree Resort at Willow Valley
Q: Why are we going to a new location?
A: Our previous weekend at Blackrock in Quarryville, PA falls over Halloween this year, and other fall dates were already booked. The DoubleTree Resort in Lancaster is a similar commute from Dresher. This new venue will offer some upgraded meeting space, dining and sleeping amenities, while still providing the tight-knit community feel typical of our New Life Men’s Retreats.
Q: How about the secular vs. Christian venue?
A: Yes, the DoubleTree Resort is now a corporate Hilton-brand property. However, there is a long legacy of Christian faith at this hotel, which was previously owned and operated by the Thomas family as the Willow Valley Resort. Our New Life Women’s retreats were held here back in the early 2000’s. Hilton has since licensed the DoubleTree back to the Thomas family’s property management company, Willow Valley Associates, who continue to manage the hotel with their Christian values of hospitality and giving back to the Lancaster community. You can read more about the history here.
Q: Any other changes for this year?
A: One benefit of hosting our retreat at a hotel is the ability to offer men the option for a private room. The retreat will continue to provide the “doubles” sleeping arrangements at the same price point, which many New Life men value as an added fellowship opportunity. The new “singles” option will offer a more comfortable sleeping setup, at a slightly higher price point, for those desiring the fellowship benefits of the retreat but who may struggle with sleep deprivation, snoring, etc.!!
Schedule (Tentative)
Friday evening (11/14/25)
| Time | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 4:00 PM | Arrival/Check-in in Palm Court | Central and open indoor atrium location, visible from main lobby entrance. Registration tables will be located in the atrium. |
| 5:30 PM | Dinner in Palm Court | Catered private and casual dinner with ample space for men to visit and hang out. |
| 7:00 PM | Session 1 | A time of worship and connection with other New Life Dresher men |
| 8:45 PM | Evening Activities Offered Onsite |
|
Saturday morning (11/15/25)
| Time | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 7:30 AM-9:00 AM | Breakfast in Lobby Bistro | Full hot breakfast with omelette bar and reserved seating for New Life men |
| 9:15 AM | Session 2 | Second worship session and time for men to connect in small groups. |
| 11:00 AM | Personal Time for Devotions | Comfortable outside and indoor spaces could be used for this time. |
| 11:30 AM | Lunch |
|
Saturday afternoon (11/15/25)
| Time | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 12:30 PM | Golf | Many nearby options to choose from, including a 9-hole course on site at the resort |
| 12:30 PM | Cycling | Meet in lobby to carpool to site |
| 1:00 PM | Lancaster Cultural Options | Various museums, Strasburg Railroad, Sight & Sound Theater |
| 2:00 PM | Pickleball, Frisbee Golf, Hiking in Buchmiller Park | Meet in lobby to carpool to site 5 minutes away |
| 2:00 PM | Board Games | Meet in Pennsylvania Ballroom |
| At your leisure | Indoor Pool, Fitness Center, Walking Path around Campus (~1 mile) |
Saturday evening (11/15/25)
| Time | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 5:30 PM | Dinner in Ballroom A/B | Catered for New Life Men only |
| 7:00 PM | Session 3 in Chapel |
|
| 8:45 PM | Evening Activities | Repeat of Friday evening activities; option for off-site options in downtown Lancaster. |
Sunday morning (11/16/25)
| Time | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 7:30 AM-9:00 AM | Breakfast in Lobby Bistro | Same plan as Saturday morning |
| 9:15 AM | Session 4 in Chapel or Ballroom | More traditional service with liturgy and option for communion |
| 11:00 AM | Retreat Ends (noon checkout) | Men can checkout of rooms after retreat ends. |
