Encore

June 1-5, 2026

2026 marks NBC's 35th Annual Encore Retreat. Each year our retreat brings with it the anticipation of renewing acquaintances and making new friends. This retreat is designed so personal refreshment and spiritual renewal are blended with learning and fellowship in a very relaxed atmosphere.

Speaker: David Ruten

David and Marianne Ruten work with SIM (Serving In Mission). Their current roles include mentoring, member care, and teaching, preaching, and crisis debriefing among other things. They spent 33 years In West Africa in ministries like leadership, theological education, member care and ESL. David was born there to missionary parents, and Marianne is originally from Loon Lake  Saskatchewan from a farming background. They have been married 44 years and have four children. The oldest has five kids and is a pastor In Weyburn, two are teachers and one works at a construction company. Marianne says, "I enjoy cooking, reading, time with family, and especially our grandchildren!!! I enjoy gardening even though I am not always successful at it." David enjoys mechanics and riding motorcycles in his spare time. They live in Langham, Saskatchewan. They look forward to discussing the church as family at the retreat.

The theme for this year's keynote sessions:

Home Sweet Home: Church Family Matters, Romans 12

Activities

Mornings - sign up for fun tournaments such as: horseshoes, crokinole, or bocce ball. One morning will also include a craft time.

Afternoons - sign up to enjoy activities in Nipawin and area such as bowling, touring the museum, or taking a river cruise on a houseboat (the houseboat option will have an extra fee).

Evenings - Besides the concert Wednesday evening, there will be other entertainments for you to enjoy after the keynote sessions.

Board games and puzzles can be enjoyed throughout the week. Feel free to bring your own equipment or games to add to the fun.

Optional Activities

Our campus is just 1km from the Town of Nipawin where you can take in some local shopping, and only 10 minutes from superb walleye fishing and an excellent 18-hole golf course.

Food & Fellowship

The food is always amazing, and so is the fellowship! Spend time enjoying meals and snacks together, spend time with old friends and make some new ones as well.

"Morning in the Classroom"

Get an opportunity to see what life as a student at Nipawin Bible College is like. "Morning in the Classroom" is a time with one of NBC's instructors during which you get a chance to experience NBC's academic programs.

Concert: Elias Family

The Elias Family is from western Alberta, but feel most at home when they're traveling down the road spreading the hope of the gospel. Kevin and Kim, along with their 4 boys, play bluegrass flavored songs that leave the audience encouraged and uplifted! The Elias Family is often featured on the Tribal Trails television program, where they share music and testimonies of how God has walked with them through both the good, and the challenging times in life.

Your Host: Jason Elford

Jason serves as Nipawin Bible College's President. He has been on staff for 15 years. He is excited to meet you and share together in this week of retreat.

Arrival & Schedule

Monday, June 1
3:30 - 5:00 pm - Registration in the NBC Bookstore (upper level of the Art Linsey Education Centre)

General Daily Schedule

8:30 - Breakfast
9:30 - Morning Session
10:45 - Crafts & Games
12:30 - Lunch
2:00 - Afternoon Outing
5:30 - Supper
6:45 - Evening Session
8:00 - Special Features

Friday, June 5

12:15 - Lunch
1:00 - Goodbyes and depart

Accommodations

Dorms

Rooms are available in our student dorms for any guests needing accommodations.  There are two single beds in each room.  Guests can relax and visit with each other in the central lounge located in each dorm.  You will need to bring your own bedding and towels.

RV Spots

If you choose to stay in your RV for the week, there are electrical hook ups available for you.

Please indicate on your registration what type of accommodations you will require.

Fees

Standard Plan

Includes accommodations and all meals from Monday supper to Friday lunch.

Couples ($450)    •    Singles ($275)

Commuter Plan

Retreat sessions and activities, refreshment breaks, meals. Does not include accommodation.

$400/Couple/Week

$225/Person/Week

$75/Person/Day

Payment

Cheques

Make cheques payable to "Nipawin Bible College".

Please write "Encore" in the memo section. You can mail the cheques to:

Nipawin Bible College Box 1986 Nipawin, SK S0E 1E0

e-Transfer

You can also pay by e-transfer.  Use the email address finances@nipawin.org to transfer the fees.  Please make sure to indicate who you are paying for and that it is for Encore 2026 fees.

Please note that at $50 deposit is required by May 15th to reserve your spot.

NBC IS PLEASED TO SPONSOR ENCORE

The core purpose of Nipawin Bible College is developing passionate followers of Jesus Christ with a heart to serve. Our approach is an overall and academic curriculum that is Biblically focused, designed for spiritual growth and discipleship. Students learn and grow in a close and caring community in which they are instructed, encouraged and challenged in their walk with God.

We offer the following programs:

  • Foundations for Life Certificate (1 year)
  • Christian Ministry Diploma (2 year)
  • Bachelor of Christian Ministry (3 years)
  • Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies (4 years)

Contact Information

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact Myra Schmidt at the college.

(306) 862-5095
encore@nipawin.org