Name: Summer singing retreat
Start: 2026-01-16T23:30:00+13:00
End: 2026-01-18T07:00:00+13:00
Location: Our Lady's Home of Compassion

Start the new year with intention in a fun and inclusive environment. The beginning of the year is a perfect time to get together and feel the power of community and connection through singing.
Sing for renewal and hope. Sing for harmony, joy, and inspiration. Sing for healing. Sing to regain your strength and empower others.
Spend the 2 days encircled by a community of like-minded people and focusing on your well-being through singing. Rest, connect, and restore. The weekend is carefully planned so there is plenty of time to sing and to rest in between.
We will breathe together, listen, create beautiful sounds, let go of our worries, and lift each other to a sense of fulfilment and joy. And to make the event even more special, Lala will be cooking an authentic Malagasy dinner on Saturday night (an experience not to be missed).
Jonathan Berkahn and Lala Simpson have led workshops and performed together for many years. They are both highly skilled song leaders who lead from the heart and joyfully share their gifts. You will be in safe hands. ALL SINGERS OF ALL LEVELS OF ABILITY ARE WELCOME!!!
Jonathan will teach a mix of pop, folk and original songs, and Lala will teach a mix of songs from South Africa, Georgia, Madagascar and community songs.
If you are coming from out of town, the Home of Compassion offers some accommodation with reasonable rates which includes breakfast. Please contact them directly to enquire at [email protected]
REGISTRATION: Get tickets on Humanitix, or if you want to avoid the extra fees, register here https://forms.gle/Bmj8Lm2YYkbcHnNY9
SCHEDULE
Saturday, 17th of January: This first part of the retreat will be held at the Island Bay Presbyterian Church. We will spend the day singing in the beautiful auditorium and share a Malagasy meal cooked by Lala at the end of the day. Morning tea, afternoon tea, and dinner provided. Please BYO lunch. The beach is close by, so bring your swimming gear for a dip at lunchtime.
Sunday, 18th of January: We will be singing in the Lyon Room (large meeting room filled with natural light) at the Home of Compassion in Island Bay. We will finish the day singing the songs we learnt at a FREE community concert in the Chapel. Morning tea, afternoon tea, and lunch provided.
The Island Bay Presbyterian Church and the Home of Compassion are within walking distance of each other.