Scheduled Retreats

2006 - 2007 Program Year

September 22-24, 2006 at Woolman Hill
”Fruits of Worship.”  The theme for this retreat comes from a topic listing in FGC’s Worship In Song.  As fall approaches, we are mindful of the bounty of our lives and all that we receive through God’s love and presence in worship, thought and deed.  This retreat will explore what we may experience in meeting for worship, the do’s and do not’s of Quaker practice in meeting and what we carry into the world at the rise of our worship together.  Think of it as Quaker Worship 101 if you will!  Sign-up begins August 20^th.

November 17-19, 2006, at Westport Friends Meeting
Theme: "Tending the Hearth"
Yeast is the miraculous life that gives rise to bread, but it needs – or kneads! – The baker’s mindful tending.  Join us for a spiritual romp through sacks of flour and wafts of warm loaves.  As we joyfully make bread, we will consider what it means to pay attention and be fully present to each moment of God’s Love and Grace – the ultimate yeast.  Children will go home on Sunday with their own tended loaves. Our theme exploration and actual bread making will be led by, who else?  Gretchen Baker-Smith! Sign-Up begins October 15th. 

January 26-28, 2007, at Wellesley Friends Meeting
”With These Hands” This retreat, which is also our beloved annual Sculpey retreat,  will focus on what we make and do with our hands as we travel through life.  We may be carpenters, jewelry makers, surgeons, landscapers, healers or musicians. But how might skill-building over time also join with the Grace and presence of the Holy Spirit so that our hands become God’s instruments as well in all that we do? Sign-up begins December 15^th.

March 2-4, 2007 at Westport Friends Meeting
”Body Works!” (This retreat sponsored jointly by JYM and JHYM Retreats. Gretchen Baker-Smith, co-leader.) Our annual retreat for 6th graders only! A smaller transition retreat designed just for 6th graders with special games, foods and discussions. Our “Bodyworks” small group workshop will tenderly and playfully explore what’s going on with changing bodies and emotions and how to keep these precious gifts from God, safe. Sign-up is open anytime for this special retreat. Parents are especially encouraged to speak with Kevin and/or Gretchen in advance to obtain additional special info regarding this retreat.

May 18-20, 2007 at Woolman Hill
“Quiet Lights and Thunder”    “This will be a retreat about the variety of ways that God speaks to us and prompts us into action. Some people respond to the Spirit’s Call by becoming healers, teachers, leaders, artisans, writers and scientists. Some, including many of our earliest Quakers, seem to really stir things up while other Friends follow spiritual leadings in quiet, almost unnoticeable ways. How does this happen? Are there Friends in your meeting and beyond who fit these descriptions? What Friends who lived long ago come to mind?“  Sign-Up begins April 15.