about the perch
Our mission is to provide space and skills for soul care so you can engage God, others, and yourself in meaningful ways. Designed to be a resting place, we offer an environment to experience rest, renewal, reflection, and rejuvenation. We specialize in serving church leaders.
We believe in order to love and live well, we need to experience love, healing, and holistic health ourselves. Toward this end, we offer retreats, classes, workshops, groups, and resources to help you develop in these areas. You'll find that we're always adding to our calendar, so check back often to see our latest offerings. We are led by our director, Amy Jackson, and we're located in the heart of Aurora, Illinois. We hope you'll join us soon for an event!
Have an idea for a retreat or class we should offer? Or, want to partner with us? Please contact us below.
Unhurried: A 52-Week Meditative Bible Reading Guide
Slow down. Take a deep breath. What’s the hurry? Why wear yourself out? Just what are you after anyway? —Jeremiah 2:25
Unhurried shows you how to slowly, thoughtfully, and meditatively read the Bible. It invites you to kick off your shoes, settle into your favorite chair, and linger in God’s presence. There, you can hear God’s still, small voice and experience transformation in your heart, mind, and soul.
Over 52 weeks, you’ll discover a multitude of ways to sit with Scripture, enjoying God’s presence. Whether you're just beginning to read the Bible, or you've been reading it for years, these practices will help you cultivate an unhurried life from the inside out that allows you to hear from God each day.
upcoming events
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Brokenness Bowls Workshop
June 17
During this hands-on workshop, you'll reflect on brokenness, healing, and redemption as you paint, break, and mend a symbolic bowl that nods to the Japanese artform of kintsugi. This is one of our most popular workshops, and we're excited to offer it again this summer.
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2-Week Spiritual Walking Group
Starts July 5
If you'd like to explore how walking can truly be spiritual, this group is for you! These practices will help you deepen your self-awareness and connect with God. And the best part: You can join us from anywhere! You'll get daily emails with ideas and tips, access to a Private Facebook Group for support, and more!
Personal Retreat at The Perch
Book Your Time Now
Get away by yourself at The Perch! Enjoy our spacious room all to yourself with gorgeous views of the Fox River. You’ll instantly feel calmer as you walk through our door and find a comfortable seat. Get away for some peace and quiet to read, reflect, or pray. Half and Full Days Available.
what we offer
Retreats
Get away, breathe, and reflect. We provide spaces where you can rest a while, recharge, and then return to living your calling. We especially welcome church leaders. See our upcoming events here or book The Perch for a Personal Retreat here.
Church Leader Events
We love people who serve the church and want to support you with unique events. Learn a new skill, connect with other leaders, and rest a while in the company of others who get it at our quarterly Ministry Leader Retreats.
Workshops and Classes
Invest in your growth by attending a class at The Perch. You'll experience a unique learning atmosphere where you'll learn skills to engage God, others, and yourself more deeply. See all our events here.
Soul Care Sessions
Sometimes we need to process our soul care and spiritual development out loud—with someone else. Soul Care Sessions are one-on-one appointments with Amy Jackson, founder and director of The Perch. Learn more.
Resources
Check out our blog and our store as well as our guided meditations for our latest resources to help you engage God, others, and yourself in meaningful ways. We want to see you thrive as you live your calling.
Custom Events
Create a custom retreat or training event for your group or staff team. Amy Jackson will work with you to create and lead the perfect event for your group. Contact Amy directly.
the perch blog
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
"The retreat gave me time to focus and think about what’s important. I thought I would leave with a list of tangible goals (my type A personality) but instead I left with more of a change of heart. A much needed one! Thank you."
— Debbie R.