In-person Intensive · Madison, WI

Bringing The Past Forward Intensive 2027

February 6th and 20th | March 6th and 20th | 8:30am - 2:30pm

5901 Cottage Grove Rd, Madison, WI 53718

Four 6-hour Saturday sessions in Madison, Wisconsin — 24-hours of guided in-person connection with God. Open to women and men; couples welcome.

Reserve your place

Choose how you'll come

Not sure it's the right fit? Book a free 25-minute call with Lori first.

Book a fit call

Checkout is handled securely by Square. The two-person rate is for a couple or a pair coming together.

Everyone says we need to put the past behind us to “get over it” and “put it behind you”. I like to say bring the past forward despite of what has happened. I want you to love who you are!

God is in the business of redemption. He doesn’t need us to forget the past. He wants us to redeem it and make it new.

In the Bringing the Past Forward mastermind, you will experience life transformations through teaching, community, and exercises that bring past experiences and new truths together.

What's included

What the weekend holds

Four 6-hour Saturday sessions (24 hours total)

Open to women and men; couples welcome

Lunch, snacks, coffee, water, and tea included

What this opens up

Transformations available for you

The timeline of your life and the story that unfolds from it.

Listen to the stories of others so you feel less alone and get inspired to tell your own.

The teachings will bring faith and psychology together so that you can challenge your thinking and embrace new beliefs about yourself and God.

How intimately God knows you and how He’s not offended by our past and will remind you of what you learned, so you always remember our time.

Tangible takeaways that will remind you of your learnings so you always remember our time together.

Lifelong friends and community who will always support you to stay on your personal path with God.

The four Saturdays, unfolded

The Intensive Itinerary

Day 1

Get in touch with your past, present, and the stories that took place that impacted who you are and the beliefs you have about who you are and who God is to you.

Day 2

Forgiveness of self, the complete forgiveness of God, and the will to transform how you go forward in your relationships with Him and your community.

Day 3

Learn new truths that you will carry forward for the rest of your life.

Day 4

A transformed you that rejoices in freedom, focus, and joy so that you can be more present in your life.

Moments from past gatherings

The venue set for a Bringing The Past Forward session
An intensive session in progress in Madison
Morning light in the intensive gathering room
Participants working through an exercise together

Who you'll be with

Meet your hosts

Lori Nebel — portrait

Lori Nebel

Founder + Host

Lori Nebel is a trauma-informed professional counselor with over 30 years of experience and a deep, personal relationship with Jesus. Known for her authenticity and wisdom, Lori speaks truth without relying on clichés, offering practical insight rooted in both faith and experience. She is the founder of a long-running women’s retreat and a sought-after speaker at women’s events, bringing a vibrant, engaging presence that leaves audiences encouraged, challenged, and always wanting more. Lori has spent years shaping spaces where women can encounter healing and wholeness, including developing and leading her own women’s retreat for the past nine years. Previously on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru) and having served as a pastor’s wife, Lori values the complexity of the journey — her own and others’ — and brings it to life through honest storytelling, practical wisdom, and unwavering hope.

Amy Heyn — Administrative Director

Amy Heyn

Administrative Director

Amy Heyn serves as the Administrative Director for Always More Women’s Retreats, a volunteer role she has embraced since 2021. With a heart for connection and a mind for logistics, Amy thrives behind the scenes — coordinating details, managing communications, and ensuring each retreat runs smoothly from start to finish. Her gift lies in bringing people together, creating space for transformation, and supporting the host with grace and precision. A lifelong ‘God’s girl’, Amy’s faith is the foundation of everything she does. Her personal story, often shared during retreat weekends, uplifts and inspires women to lean into learning, growing, and the hope God holds for them. Through her own journey, Amy has discovered deep, sustaining joy — a joy she believes is available to every woman who dares to trust God with her story. On retreat weekends, you will find her quietly directing the flow of events, praying over the space, leading exercise breaks, and making sure every woman feels seen and supported. Her calling is clear: to serve with excellence, connect with intention, and reflect God’s love — and joy — through every detail.

Sharon Rickords — Assistant Host

Sharon Rickords

Assistant Host

Sharon Rickords brings over 40 years of professional experience in public service, dedicating her life to supporting children, families, and individuals across all stages of life. Throughout her career, she has been a passionate advocate for holistic well-being, leading with empathy, compassion, and a deep commitment to community care. A seasoned speaker and educator, Sharon has coordinated, hosted, and presented numerous workshops and conferences. She is also a skilled curriculum developer, creating engaging learning materials designed to empower individuals and strengthen communities. While her belief in God began in childhood, it is in recent years that Sharon has experienced a deeper, more personal relationship with Him — learning to listen, hear His voice, and live in the joy and love He freely gives. This spiritual transformation has ignited a calling in her heart: to become a facilitator of joy and connection, helping others build their own close and transformative relationship with God. Through her faith and her work, Sharon seeks to inspire others to experience the peace, connection, and fulfillment that come from a life rooted in divine love and purpose.

FAQs

How many days is the intensive?

It is four Saturdays, each six hours long, with lunch included.

Can both men and women attend?

Yes, both men and women are welcome to attend the intensive. Couples are also welcome.

What do I need to bring with me?

Bring a journal, pen, and reusable water bottle.

Can I bring my kids or pets with me?

The intensive is for adults only. Please keep the little ones and furry friends at home :)

Are meals included?

Lunch, snacks, coffee, water, and tea are included.

Is parking available?

Yes, parking is available as the venue has a parking lot.

Letters from Lori

A bi-weekly note, when you need one.

Reflections on retreats, scripture, and community.