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Why Congre Retreat?

At RHC, we believe congregations are a way for us to be cared for by our leaders and to know others in our local church in a smaller setting to be able to sow into each others’ lives more consistently. We desire for our members to belong to and actively participate in a congregation, rather than view church as a service to attend. As a family in Christ, we have a stake in one another’s lives; we also are on a mission to bring the gospel to the world. 

Our theme for our Congregation Retreats is one of our five church values, Community on Mission.

Community on Mission: 
“God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are seeking and saving the lost. He unites us, as a people who have received grace in Christ, to Himself and to one another. Therefore we make Christ known, as a community on mission who belong to Him, by loving and serving those inside and outside the church. This looks like pursuing relationships in and outside of the church in truth and love, engaging humbly and graciously, by pointing one another to God.”

We want each of us to be known and know others in this local church. We want the relationships that we build during this time will help us feel more connected on Sundays, and walk with one another in our daily lives. We want to be intentional about edifying and strengthening the faith of those around us with a desire to present everyone mature in Christ. Furthermore, as we have first experienced God’s love and mercy, we want to share our faith with those around us. 

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Register

EARLY BIRD:
17 November - 8 December 2024

STANDARD:
9 December 2024 - 12 January 2025

Please see the details for each Congre Retreat below. We encourage you to attend the Congregation that you belong to. If you are unsure, please refer to our FAQs below for more details.

Location

Our retreats will be at three different hotels in Batam, Indonesia.

1st Congre: Radisson Golf & Convention Center Batam

2nd Congre: Wyndham Panbil Batam

3rd Congre: Aston Batam Hotel & Residences

Serve at Congre Retreat

We depend on a whole team of volunteers to ensure that our Congretreats run smoothly—including activities and games ICs, logistics, Kids Ministry, and admin.

Please take a moment to fill in our volunteer form, and the Retreat Committee will be in touch with you soon!

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 FAQs

Please reach out to us at events@rhc.org.sg, or at our Congre Retreat Info Desk on the dates/time stated in this FAQ should you have a question that is not covered here.

Why Congregations?

 
  • We desire for RHC to be a place where each of us grows to love God and become connected to his people in a greater way. We want to be a church that knows one another. Because Jesus has saved us, we are "no longer strangers and aliens," but have been given a new identity, and placed into a family where we are "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God". (Eph 2:19). We are therefore now the body of Christ and individual members of it! Practically, we believe congregations are a way for us to be cared for by the leaders and to know others in our local church in a smaller setting to be able to sow into each others’ lives more consistently. We desire for our members to belong to and actively participate in a congregation, rather than viewing church as a service to attend. As a family in Christ, we have a stake in one another’s lives; we also are on a mission to bring the gospel to the world. The stakes are high because, through this family, Christ will be magnified and the gospel put on display!

    • We encourage you to choose the congregation that you want to be a part of, where you can have deep meaningful relationships! We understand that timing of the service is a practical factor, especially in certain seasons of life. This is absolutely okay! We encourage you to feel the freedom to choose the congregation that suits your needs, and we ask that you do so thoughtfully and prayerfully. If you’d like to chat more with one of our elders, drop us a note at events@rhc.org.sg.

    • Yes, all are welcome! Find out more about why we value membership in our Why Membership resource.

 

Congre Retreat Info Desk

 
  • Our Info Desk (located on Level 5, Foyer) is available on the following Sundays and time slots for each respective congregation after our services:

    • Dates in Nov: 3, 10, 17 & 24 Nov

    • Dates in Dec: 1 & 8 Dec

    • Dates in Jan: 5 & 12 Jan

    Respective Time Slots for each congregation:

    • 1st Congre: 10.30am - 11.15am

    • 2nd Congre: 1.00pm - 1.45pm

    • 3rd Congre: 4.00pm - 4.45pm

    • A free T-shirt is included in every retreat pack! Here’s a size chart to help you choose the right size on the registration form.

    • Toddlers and Infants 24 months and under will receive a romper. You do not need to choose a t-shirt size for them

    • Alternatively, you can check out the t-shirt sizes at our Info Desk after services on Sundays in November-January.

 

Registration

Information on the Congre Retreat location, dates, and registration fees are available at each congregation’s Eventbrite Registration Page.

 
    • You can register for the retreat online on Eventbrite via our website. We are unable to process any registration other than through Eventbrite.

    • Registration for the Early Bird Rates will commence on 17 November (Sunday) at our registration launch, and will end on 8 December (Sunday), 11.59pm.

    • Please note that the Early Bird Rates are only applicable to the ‘Adult - Double Occupancy (Sharing)’ tickets as the fees under the various children-ticket categories have been subsidised by the church throughout the registration period.

    • Registration closes on 12 January 2025, 11.59pm. We’d like to encourage everyone to register early to avoid disappointment and to take advantage of the discounted Early Bird Rates (Adult - Double Occupancy tickets only). We have factored in the school holiday periods for local and international schools during this registration. 

    • Payment is available with a credit/debit card via the Eventbrite platform.

    • Upon the completion of your registration on Eventbrite, attendees will receive an email with the registration confirmation for your order.

    • Full payment is required to be processed at the end of the Eventbrite form to be successfully registered.

    • Please email events@rhc.org.sg with your first and last name, as well as the congregation you registered yourself under, and we’ll assist you with the amendments.

 

Sponsorship

 
    • We want to help you! We are committed to making sure that cost is not a barrier to attending. You may reach out to us via email at events@rhc.org.sg and the retreat committee will be in touch with you.

    • Thank you for your generosity! You may reach out to us via email at events@rhc.org.sg and the retreat committee will be in touch with you.

Refunds & Cancellations

 
 
    • Please email events@rhc.org.sg in order to start the process of your cancellation request.

    • Registration fee refunds would be subjected to the following criteria in order to determine the eligibility and amount:

      • Cancellations made before 21 January 2025: 100% Refund (less Eventbrite Processing Fees incurred: (4% + $1.00)

      • Cancellations made before 7 February: 50% Refund (less Eventbrite Processing Fees incurred: (4% + $1.00)

      • Cancellations made from 7 February 2025: No Refunds

    • The church absorbs the Eventbrite processing fees (4% + $1.00) for registrations. However, in the event of a cancellation, the Eventbrite processing fees will be passed on to you.

    • The total amount received would be the eligible refund payable, with Eventbrite processing fees subtracted from it.

    • Please note that the refunds received will be through the reversal of the amount with the credit/debit card used for your registration. There will not be refunds provided in cash, or in any other forms.

    • Refund transactions will require about 3 to 7 business days for credit cards, and about 7 to 10 business days for debit cards, depending on the bank issuing the refund. Thereafter, please check on your credit/debit card statements to ensure the refunds have been received.

    • Cancellations made before 26 March, 12.00pm: 100% Refund (less Eventbrite Processing Fees incurred: (4% + $1.00)

    • Cancellations made after 26 March, 12.00pm: No Refunds

    You would be required to provide formal medical proof to get a refund should you be unwell due to COVID-19 or MPox. Please reach out to us at events@rhc.org.sg if you need any assistance.

    • It is possible but priority will be given to anyone on the waitlist first. Please write to events@rhc.org.sg by 21 February 2025 as we need to finalise the details with various external parties. If there are any changes to roomings, it may incur additional costs and your friend would need to cover the difference.

 

Rooming for Families

We strongly encourage families to reach out to us at our Info Desk on Sundays should you have any of the following requests prior to registering on Eventbrite for us to assist you with a smoother registration process.

 
    • Yes. The request for an extra bed is based on availability and priority would be given to families who need it most at the Retreat Committee's discretion.

    • Please note that an extra bed request for a child, regardless of the age, would be required to pay the ‘Child - Bed+Meals’ rates.

    • Please note that each room can only accommodate 1 extra bed.

    • Yes, you may indicate your preference in the registration form, but please note that there are limited cots available, so you are strongly encouraged to bring your own travel cot.

    • Yes. The request for a pair of connecting rooms is based on availability due to the hotel’s limited pairs of connecting rooms. 
      However, please note that each room has a minimum occupancy requirement of an 1 “Adult - Single Occupancy” or 2 “Adult - Double Occupancy” regardless of age of your children. Hence you would be required to purchase adult tickets for your children should they be occupying a room on their own.

    • For further questions about your family’s rooming, please reach out to us at events@rhc.org.sg.

 

Rooming for Individuals

 
    • Unfortunately, we would not be able to extend requests for connecting rooms or an extra bed to those not registering as a family due to limited quantity.

    • Connecting rooms and extra beds made available to us will be extended to families in order to better support and care for the children in our congregation.

    • No. However, you’d be required to indicate in your registration if you have a roommate and his/her name, if you are registering under the ‘Adult - Double Occupancy (Sharing)’ ticket. Only same-gender rooming arrangements are allowed for singles.

    • The retreat committee will assign a roommate of the same gender for you at their discretion.

    • We appreciate your understanding that requests for any changes after registration are subjected to the discretion of the retreat committee.

    • In the event your roommate pulls out for the retreat, you will be reassigned to another roommate of the same gender by the retreat committee. This reassignment is also applicable to your roommate should you pull out.

    • Unfortunately, no. We understand that you would like to, and we would be happy to discuss this with you. 

    • Due to the backend administrative planning and liaison with the ferry companies and hotels, we are currently unable to extend the registration deadline.

    • In the event your roommate missed the registration deadline, you will be reassigned to another roommate of the same gender by the retreat committee. This arrangement is also applicable to your roommate should you miss the deadline.

 

Kids & Infants

 
    • Please bring along some stationery including pencils, scissors (for children who are 7-12 years old), glue sticks, and water bottles. Please ensure that your children's belongings are all labelled with their names.

    • Snacks and drinks will be provided during the sessions for the children. If your child has dietary restrictions, you may want to bring additional snacks. Please indicate it at the point of registration at the end of the form.

    • During the main sessions, there will be programmes run for children aged 3 to 12 years old. The programmes will be aligned to the theme of the Congre Retreat with fun games, story time and discussion that will be different from a typical Sunday service.

    • There is a night session on Day 2, and children are welcome to attend with their family. As there will be no children's programme during this time, you may want to bring along activities such as books or toys during the session.

    • During the night session on Day 2, the team may use one of the rooms to play a movie. Please note that no childcare will be provided during this time.

    • There will be dedicated separate meeting rooms provided for the Kids' programme to be conducted. For more information, please refer to the pre-retreat pack that will be sent prior to Congre Retreats.

    • Crèche is not available at Congre Retreats. However, there will be a space at the back of the ballroom set aside for an Infant & Toddler Care Corner for parents with children aged 0-35 months old, so you can be a part of the sessions.

    • A play mat will be provided in the Infant Care Corner. Please bring along toys and items that are necessary for your child. 

    • There will be a variety of activities planned and some are available for families.

    • Please note that we will be engaging a vendor for bouncy castles and toys that the children can enjoy during the free and easy time. At least one parent / adult must be present to accompany your child in this play area as there would not be any staff and/or volunteer present.

    • Please reach out to us at events@rhc.org.sg and we will ask someone from your congregation to help you.

 

Travel

Please note that travel insurance is not included in the registration fee for Congre Retreats. 

Immigration

COVID-19 Vaccinations are no longer a requirement to enter Batam, Indonesia.

 
    • Passport, with minimum 6 months validity from date of entry

    Other documents (covered by Retreat Committee):

    • Ferry Boarding Pass

    • Visa on Arrival - Batam (if applicable)

  • Other documents (covered by Retreat Committee):

    • Ferry Boarding Pass

 

Visa on Arrival

RHC will be liaising with the ferry service provider to purchase the Visa on Arrival on your behalf for a quicker and smoother immigration process. There are some nationalities where you are required to apply for a visa through your respective embassies and you may not qualify for a Visa on Arrival. If there is any doubt, please write in to Events@rhc.org.sg.

 
    • Please click here to find the list of countries that may enter into Batam visa-free.

    • To find out if the Visa on Arrival requirement applies to you, please click here.

      • If you are unable to locate the country of your citizenship, in this list, you are likely required to apply for a visa through your own country’s embassy.  

    • Singapore Permanent Residents with citizenship outside the “visa-free countries” listed above are allowed to enter Batam Visa-free for a 4-day period (Link)

      • You will be required to bring along the physical card when visiting

    • Yes. A visa is required for each person, including children and infants, to enter Batam, Indonesia.

    • It is available as an add-on at the bottom of the ticket selection page - you would just need to add it to cart, together with your ticket.

    • The church has partially subsidised the cost for Visa on Arrival per pax to make the Congre Retreats more accessible for expats and families.

Baggage Capacity

 
 
  • For Hand-Carried items allowed through Departure Gate:

    • Maximum 10kg per person

    • Maximum dimensions of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm

    Free Baggage Check-in Allowance:

    • Maximum 20kg per Boarding Pass

    • Not transferable nor for use together with other Boarding Pass

Others

  • Yes, if you would like to go to Batam earlier or depart later outside the Congre Retreat dates, you can either indicate it in the registration form or email us at events@rhc.org.sg. Please do so by 28 February 2025. If done by 28 February,

    • You will need to cover the accommodations at your own cost and this can be handled directly with the hotel when you arrive in Batam.

    • There will not be any additional cost for the ferry booking. 

    • If we inform the hotel on your behalf, you would get to enjoy the corporate rate which includes accommodations and breakfast but if you would like to make your own booking online, you are welcome to do so.

  • Yes, it will likely be crowded at both Singapore and Batam customs, especially since we're travelling during a public holiday. We appreciate your patience, as this is beyond our control. While not all congregations will use the same terminal in Batam, Batam Centre Ferry Terminal has made upgrades, including automation, to ease the process. We are also working with the terminal to prioritise families and new policies have been introduced to limit ferry departures, which should help manage the crowds.

  • You may book the next available ferry from Singapore to Batam, unfortunately, it will be at your own cost and you will need to arrange your own transportation to the hotel.

  • We will be departing from Singapore on the morning of Saturday, 29 March, and departing from Indonesia in the afternoon of Monday, 31 March. If you are not able to join the main group for their set departure timings, please write to events@rhc.org.sg, and we will be happy to help you. 
    If you need to make any amendments, please do so by 28 February 2025 without any additional cost. If there are any amendments from 1 March 2025, additional costs for the ferry will be incurred.

  • No, please do not drink the tap water in Batam

    • Yes, you may do so at your own expense. Popular food delivery apps in Batam include GrabFood and Gojek. 

    • All meals will be provided, including snacks and tea breaks during the Main Sessions.

 

 Contact us

Please reach out to us at events@rhc.org.sg, or at our Info Desk should you have a question that is not covered here.