Marriage Retreat 2026
September 25-27, 2026
Weekend Retreat
Lodge at Crooked Lake
FCC Marriage Retreat 2026
Build Up Your Marriage
September 25–27, 2026 | The Lodge at Crooked Lake in Siren, WI
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” – Ephesians 4:29 (ESV)
A good marriage isn’t something you find—it’s something you make, and you have to keep on making it.
Every marriage needs investment. Not just in the hard seasons, but in the ordinary ones too. This retreat is a practical, honest, and encouraging weekend for couples who want to communicate better, handle conflict well, extend real forgiveness, and build something that actually lasts.
Glenn and Susan Herschberger will lead us through biblical teaching and practical tools rooted in their “Build Up Your Marriage” framework—content they have developed and refined through five years of leading retreats for churches and first responders. They bring real credibility to this, not just as trained coaches, but as a couple who has been doing the work themselves for over 40 years.
“The value of the marriage retreat is exceptional. Beautiful location, engaging speakers, delicious food and hours of free time with your spouse. We highly recommend it!” ~ Chuck and Monica Sellner
Details & Registration
- Dates: September 25–27, 2026
- Location: The Lodge at Crooked Lake in Siren, WI
- Cost per Couple:$295 – Standard private room | $345 – Suite (only 4 suites available)
- Please arrange childcare in advance—this is a couples-only weekend.
- First-time couples will be entered into a drawing for a free suite upgrade. The winner will be notified at check-in on September 25.
Scholarships are available. Please contact Dawne Roby at dawneroby@gmail.com or (651) 755-4588 to learn more.
Register by September 4 (7:00 am) to secure your spot.
A Weekend to Refocus, Reconnect, and Renew
Join us for a refreshing weekend designed to help couples pause, reconnect, and grow in a Christ-centered environment. Whether you’ve been married one year or forty, enjoy meaningful conversations, gospel-centered teaching, and intentional time together—away from life’s busyness and alongside a supportive community.
At FCC, we believe marriage is a God-designed covenant. This retreat offers space to strengthen it with grace, joy, and purpose.
“We absolutely loved it! We don’t get much time away and to spend it on our relationship was time well spent. The host was hilarious and the lessons were all relatable topics that were helpful for us. Loved meeting new people and learning from them as well. Christ centered guidance is so crucial in a relationship. The meals were great and the snack room is like none other. Highly recommend this weekend as a time to learn, grow and focus on each other.” ~ Heidi Spaeth (Dave)
What We Will Cover
Glenn and Susan’s teaching moves through five core themes. Each one is grounded in Scripture and built around practical tools couples can take home and actually use. The specific flow will be shaped across the weekend, but here is what you can expect to work through together.
Speak Up — Better Communication in Marriage
There are few greater gifts a couple can give each other than the joy that comes from feeling truly known and understood. This teaching explores the five levels of communication, the habits that quietly kill real connection, and what it looks like to become the kind of spouse who actually listens.
Blow Up — Dealing with Anger
Anger itself is not the enemy. What we do with it is. This teaching is honest about why we get angry, what Scripture says about it, and how to handle conflict in a way that builds rather than destroys. If you feel stuck in a cycle you can’t break, this session is for you.
Make Up — Forgiveness
Unresolved conflict hardens hearts over time. Forgiveness is not a feeling—it’s a decision to give up the right to vengeance, retribution, and bitterness. This teaching gives couples a clear, biblical path for both seeking and granting forgiveness and what it looks like to actually move forward.
Lift Up — The Secret to a Better Marriage
Most marriage problems trace back to unspoken expectations. When couples agree on realistic expectations, they find relational alignment—and that leads to unity. This teaching helps couples name what they’re each carrying, align around what’s realistic, and build on the kind of love described in 1 Corinthians 13 rather than unspoken demands.
Look Up — Inviting God into Your Marriage
Spiritual intimacy is the most overlooked dimension of most marriages. Developing a spiritual life together enhances your relationship with your spouse and with others. This teaching helps couples take practical next steps toward building a shared prayer life and the kind of spiritual connection that strengthens everything else.
About Glenn and Susan Herschberger
Glenn and Susan have been married 42 years. They have three married adult children and eight grandkids. Glenn is a retired law enforcement officer with 24 years of service, a church planter, and a certified leadership and life coach who coaches pastors, church planters, and police officers around the country. They are both trained in SYMBIS, the Gottman method, and Prepare and Enrich, and they have been leading marriage retreats for churches and first responders for the past five years.
Glenn also serves as the founder and pastor of Cities Cop Church in the Twin Cities—a church with two locations focused on the first responder community. He and Susan spent four years as Converge missionaries, church planting in Panama. They know how to hold a room and speak to real marriages, not idealized ones.
What You’ll Experience
This weekend offers a beautiful balance of quality biblical teaching and unhurried time together away from life’s demands. You’ll benefit from:
- Gospel-centered teaching that offers practical wisdom for your marriage
- Unhurried conversations without the usual distractions
- Rest that refreshes both body and spirit
- Fellowship with other couples who understand marriage’s joys and challenges
- Moments of laughter, reflection, and simply enjoying one another’s presence
Retreat Features
- Gospel-centered teaching sessions
- Couple Panel Discussion
- Meaningful time to reflect, relax, and reconnect
- Catered meals all weekend—no cooking or dishes
- Recreational time, social activities, and a bonfire
- Our famous Snack Shack—an around-the-clock buffet of delicious snacks, both healthy and indulgent
Why You’ll Love the Location
The retreat takes place at The Lodge at Crooked Lake in Siren, WI—a cozy Northwoods getaway ideal for rest and reconnection. With lodge-style charm and modern comforts, The Lodge offers spacious rooms, cozy gathering spaces, and beautiful natural surroundings. Just steps from Crooked Lake and the scenic Gandy Dancer Trail, it’s an ideal place to slow down and enjoy time together.
From quiet walks to fireside chats, The Lodge offers a peaceful backdrop for a meaningful weekend.
“I cannot tell you how much we thoroughly enjoyed it! The marriage sessions were very informative, without uncomfortable sharing. We left with some great communication and conflict resolution tools to try. It was a relaxing weekend with built-in time to explore the quaint little shops, a walk or hike, playing games, visiting with other couples, or just time with your spouse. And nothing beats someone cooking for you and great snacks, so you can just have a great time! This retreat is for everyone whether you are newlyweds, or have been married for 40 years. It was a fantastic weekend getting to know others a little better at FCC. Looking forward to attending again this fall. We highly recommend it.” ~ Bob and Michelle Hanke
Common Questions
“We’re not having major problems. Is this retreat for us?”
Absolutely. This retreat is for couples at any stage—whether newlyweds or decades in—focused on strengthening your relationship, not just fixing problems.
“What if we’re more private people and don’t like sharing in groups?”
We understand. While there are group sessions, sharing is always optional. Most of the weekend is spent privately as a couple, and many quiet couples say they felt completely comfortable.
“We’re on a tight budget. Can we still attend?”
Yes. We never want finances to prevent a couple from experiencing this weekend. Scholarships are readily available and completely confidential. Contact Dawne Roby at dawneroby@gmail.com or (651) 755-4588.
