Red Moon Rising Book Group (Copy)
Feb
21

Red Moon Rising Book Group (Copy)

Red Moon Rising Book Group Red Moon Rising Book Group Red Moon Rising Book Group
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Red Moon Rising Book Group
$0.00

Prayer is one of the pillars of Retreat House. Therefore, we are delighted to offer a book discussion of

Red Moon Rising: How 24-7 Prayer is Awakening a Generation by Pete Greig & Dave Roberts (2015 Edition)

Led by trained spiritual director, Barry Williams, this hybrid format (at Retreat House and on zoom) begins Friday, February 14 from 10 to 11:30 am. The study will last 8 weeks. There will not be a meeting 3/21 due to a previosly scheduled event at Retreat House. In lieu of the study, we will offer you a time of prayer and contemplation.

For additonal information, contact Barry.

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Feb
26

Soulful Art with Joanna Clifton: Playing & Praying with Color

Join us as Joanna Clifton guides us in playing and praying with color. Joanna’s workshop is inspired by Sybil Macbeth’s book Praying in Color. We will have opportunities to create in the morning and the afternoon - choose one or both of the sessions. And don’t forget to join us for Souper Soul lunch in between. Cost is $10 (for as much or as little of the day that works for you)

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Feb
26

NEW DATE FOR FEBRUARY: Harp and Prayerful Meditation

Join us on the THIRD Wednesday of each month, as we welcome Patsy to lead us in harp meditation and prayer at noon.

Settle into a mid-week break as we come together on THIRD Wednesdays at Noon, for a delightful harp-meditation-prayer gathering at RH. Patsy Sadowski, our resident harpist, creates a peaceful setting for us to quietly sit and reflect on poems and prayers selected for this particular day. When we finish, stay a while and enjoy the delicious Souper Soul soup and conversation that happens every Wednesday.

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Mar
5

Flute Meditation and Prayer (at Noon)

At noon on the first Wednesday of the month, Judy Annis brings flutes and an assortment of other beautiful instruments to Retreat House. Together we share special time in prayerful meditation, with poetry, other writings, and music that accompanies the contemplative themes of the day. After, we join together for Souper Soul lunch. No cost.

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Mar
6

Spirituality of Aging: From Role to Soul

Join Sherry Ward and Nancy Kate Dunkerley in this small group four-part series, Thursdays, March 6, 13, 20, 27.

Throughout our adult lives, we have different roles. Our personal journeys through life can be similar to a tree's maturity. In this four-week series, Sherry and Nancy wil guide participants in small group discussion and other learning modalities, discussing the spirituality of aging, from role-to-soul. Sherry and Nancy's program is adapted from the Oblate School of Theology's Forest Dwelling: Examining Spirituality as We Age.

We will explore how we are rooted in the ground, perhaps stunted at times, watered, nourished and growing into the mature stage of our life. 

Class size is limited to 8 participants.
Price $60 for the series

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Wild Spirituality and Conversation on Racism Meet at Sister Grove Farm on March 15
Mar
15

Wild Spirituality and Conversation on Racism Meet at Sister Grove Farm on March 15

Wild Spirituality and Conversation on Racism Meet at Sister Grove Farm Wild Spirituality and Conversation on Racism Meet at Sister Grove Farm
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Wild Spirituality and Conversation on Racism Meet at Sister Grove Farm

Hello friends in compassionate conversation,

I am participating in a year-long Wild Spirituality program, learning how to be a Wild Guide. As a Wild Guide, I believe we find healing and guidance by spending time on the land.  I believe a deep connection to the land is the way forward for our human species to survive.

               As part of this Wild Spirituality program, I am inviting people onto the land to discover healing with the land, with their own lives, with each other and with God.  Below is my first attempt at an offering.  I am looking for participants who can come and learn with me and move toward healing. The area of healing I want to address is racism. 

 I have done work in racism for the last 10 years.  I hear from white bodies that we wish it would just go away.  I hear from black bodies that they deal with racism every day, and they wish white bodies would do the deep soul work that is needed for healing.  

The fear, defensiveness and desire for racism to go away, is evidence of the deep soul work that needs to be done by white bodies. 

As a Wild Guide, I want to bring these two together – white bodies out on the land doing some deep soul work around racism.  

We will spend some time listening to one another, 

asking hard questions about whiteness,

walking the land, 

being present to what is, 

seeing what rises up. 

With the land’s help, we can build our capacity to be present in this difficult issue. 

 I will have this first-time offering Saturday, March 15 at Sister Grove Farm in Van Alstyne from 2-6. There will be a $20 entry fee per person into Sister Grove Farm. You will want to bring this payment with you.

If you are interested, please email Clay Brantley or complete the registration below.

Clay Brantley continues to keep the Conversation on Racism current. This is a next step for those who have participated before. Check out other offerings Clay has offered at Retreat House.

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Mar
20

Common Ground: Interfaith Conversation and Lunch

Mark your calendar for Third Thursdays each month where we gather over a delicious lunch and share stories, insights and traditions around a theme - through the lived experiences and teachings of various faiths. In March, we will be discussing how fasting is part of many religious practices and cultures. We will explore stories, experiences and questions. As one of our regular programs, Common Ground speaks to our Core Values of Brave Vulnerability, Cultivation, Chesed, Cross Pollination and the sharing of Sacred Stories.

This month, Anisa Adem will be preparing a very special lunch for our community. Many will be observing Ramadan and while fasting during the day, they will have opportunity to take this homemade meal home for breaking of the fast at sundown.

No Cost - Please let us know you’re joining us with your  RSVP .here.

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Mar
21

Stepping into Spring: Stillness Retreat

Half-Day Stillness Retreat, Crossing the Threshold from Winter to Spring

Join us for a special Friday, as we welcome the first day of Spring at Retreat House. Sherry Ward and Karen Hoffman will be guiding you through a half-day retreat as we cross the threshold from Winter to Spring. We will have time to pause, reflect and refresh for the new season. Patsy will be joining us for a special day of playing harp with our theme of Stepping into Spring. Advanced registration is required. Your day includes activities, stillness, reflection time, sharing, creative arts time and lunch. $30 registration fee.

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Apr
15

Grateful Gathering with Richard Mickelson

Retreat House is thrilled to begin offering Grateful Gatherings, facilitated by Richard Mickelson. We will gather on Tuesday mornings, from 10:30 until Noon, in person at Retreat House. Sharing and discussion will take place in a sacred circle of community.

What are Grateful Gatherings?
Grateful Gatherings are an opportunity to join others as we explore the transformative possibilities of grateful living, and discover greater meaning, purpose, and joy in our lives. Informed by spiritual wisdom, scholarship, and scientific research, the Gatherings provide community connection, invigorating reflection and conversation, and practical tools for living a meaningful and flourishing life.

When Will They Take Place?
Grateful Gatherings will take place every month on the third Tuesday or the month, from 10:30 - noon, at Retreat House.

Why Grateful Gatherings?
Living gratefully helps you navigate the joys and difficulties that accompany life. This is not an exercise in avoiding the hard stuff you experience by pretending things are okay when they are not. Instead, living gratefully is being fully present to your life so that your perspective can be expanded, your compassion enhanced, and your purpose discovered in this moment. This is what makes every day more meaningful.

Tell Me More:
The Gatherings will be hosted by Richard Mickelson, a trained facilitator in Grateful Gatherings, by Grateful Living organization. We will utilize robust materials provided by the Grateful Living organization (grateful.org). The gathering is open to anyone seeking inspiration, resources, and fellowship for living life with purpose and joy.

About Grateful Living
The Grateful Living organization supports daily life during challenging and joyful time with programs, resources, and skills for being more fully alive. They have a revolutionary spirit like their founder, the internationally beloved “Grandfather of Gratitude,” Br. David Steindl-Rast. They are a global nonprofit organization that empowers people to live meaningful lives through the transformative practice of grateful living.

For additional information, contact Richard at 123ramick@gmail.com on inquiry@retreathousecommunity.org

Gratefulness Gatherings
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Feb
20

Common Ground: Interfaith Conversation and Lunch

Mark your calendar for Third Thursdays each month where we gather over a delicious lunch and share stories, insights and traditions around a theme - through the lived experiences and teachings of various faiths. This month we will be discussing how various faith traditions welcome new babies into their communities. As one of our regular programs, Common Ground speaks to our Core Values of Brave Vulnerability, Cultivation, Chesed, Cross Pollination and the sharing of Sacred Stories.

No Cost - Please et us know you’re joining us with the RSVP below

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Feb
14

Writers' Gathering - (Online - Open to All)

Have you been wondering what it feels like to be a published author? Have you wondered how to tap into your own writing super powers? Do you have something you’ve written that you’d like to share in a special supportive and beautiful community of writers just like you? Join us for this month’s Writer’s Gathering. We are starting to prepare for our November 22 due date for submissions to House of Wonder, our next book. We’d love you to be part of it!

We all have a story to share. As writers of stories, we enjoy sharing our journeys, thoughts, ideas, struggles, and “aha"s. Writers often compose in solitude but get energy, inspiration, and insight when we meet in community with other writers. In this special gathering, we have the opportunity to discuss what we are writing, why we are writing, where our hopes and struggles are, and who we are when we write. No experience is necessary to join us. This Writers’ Gathering is for all writers in all genres - beginner, novice, experienced. It is not the intent of this gathering to offer criticism but a holy space of giving and receiving. Contact Gretchen Martens, our facilitator, for more information.

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Red Moon Rising Book Group
Feb
14

Red Moon Rising Book Group

Red Moon Rising Book Group Red Moon Rising Book Group Red Moon Rising Book Group
Quick View
Red Moon Rising Book Group
$0.00

Prayer is one of the pillars of Retreat House. Therefore, we are delighted to offer a book discussion of

Red Moon Rising: How 24-7 Prayer is Awakening a Generation by Pete Greig & Dave Roberts (2015 Edition)

Led by trained spiritual director, Barry Williams, this hybrid format (at Retreat House and on zoom) begins Friday, February 14 from 10 to 11:30 am. The study will last 8 weeks. There will not be a meeting 3/21 due to a previosly scheduled event at Retreat House. In lieu of the study, we will offer you a time of prayer and contemplation.

For additonal information, contact Barry.

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Feb
12

Journey to Self-Love: A Day for Authentic Expression and Connection

Immerse yourself in a transformative experience that celebrates the beauty of authenticity and self-love. Inspired by the spirit of fearless expression, join us to embrace your unique journey, connect with like-minded souls, and discover the vibrant masterpiece that is you! 

 What to Expect:

 Self-Exploration: Dive deep into your innermost thoughts and feelings as you engage in reflective writing exercises. We’ll guide you through prompts that encourage you to honor your true self and uncover your passions.

Creative Expression: Bring your insights to life by creating a self-portrait that captures the essence of who you are. No artistic experience is necessary—this is about expressing your spirit and celebrating your individuality!

 Community Connection: Connect with fellow spiritual seekers who share your desire for growth and authenticity. Build meaningful relationships as you share your stories, insights, and creations in a safe and supportive environment.

 Mindfulness Practices: Immerse yourself in mindfulness and meditation sessions designed to ground you in the present moment and foster a deeper connection with yourself and others.

 Celebrate Your Journey: At the end of our time together, we will host a joyful gathering where everyone can share their self-portraits and the stories behind them. Witness the vibrant masterpieces that emerge when we embrace our true selves!

Join Michele and Sandy for this empowering experience where you will rediscover the vibrant masterpiece that is you! Let’s celebrate our unique journeys together and inspire one another to live fearlessly and authentically.

Space is very limited to reserve your spot today and step into a world of self-love and expression.

 For more information, please contact Sandy Centeno at sandy@retreathousecommunity.org ].

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Feb
9

InterSpiritual Meditation | A Monthly Gathering

Jackie Linden Schade, pastor, spiritual director and trained ISM facilitator joins Fran Shelton, author, pastor and spiritual director, bringing InterSpiritual Meditation to our Retreat House community monthly.

ISM brings ancient teachings to modern day, allowing individuals space for personal practice.
Open to all. There is no cost to participate, though we do suggest a donation which can be made when you attend; your generosity allows us to continue offering programs like these.


We will gather in person at Retreat House, 2nd Sunday of each month, 5-7 p.m.

Our next gathering is Sunday, December 7. Questions or RSVP here.

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Feb
5

Souper Soul Wednesday

Join us Wednesday for soup at 12:30 - following noon-time Prayerful Meditation and Flute with Judy. This is a great opportunity to share time in community, have some homemade soup, and enjoy some special time together. Open to all.

Join us on Wednesdays at 12:30 for soup and friendly conversations. There is no charge for this weekly gathering. If you would like to volunteer to make soup for an upcoming week, please contact Morgan here. Donations can be made in person to help defray the cost of ingredients.

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Feb
5

Flute Meditation and Prayer (at Noon)

At noon on the first Wednesday of the month, Judy Annis brings flutes and an assortment of other beautiful instruments to Retreat House. Together we share special time in prayerful meditation, with poetry, other writings, and music that accompanies the contemplative themes of the day. After, we join together for Souper Soul lunch. No cost.

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Feb
5

Meditation with Sandy: Nurturing Inner Peace and Spiritual Growth

 Sandy will guide you through meditations crafted to awaken your soul's unique path to spiritual growth. As we gather in sacred unity, let the divine energies elevate our spirits and illuminate the boundless potential within each of us.

Following the meditation with Sandy, we will gather in Thurman’s Threshold for prayerful meditation with Judy guiding us with flute and other instruments. Information or RSVP directly to Sandy here.

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Jan
29

Souper Soul Wednesday

Join us Wednesday for soup at 12:30 - this is a great opportunity to share time in community, have some homemade soup, and enjoy some special time together. Open to all.

Join us on Wednesdays at 12:30 for soup and friendly conversations. There is no charge for this weekly gathering. If you would like to volunteer to make soup for an upcoming week, please contact Morgan here. Donations can be made in person to help defray the cost of ingredients.

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Jan
29

Mystery BOX Wednesday

When a month has a fifth Wednesday, we know how to celebrate at Retreat House, after a warm bowl of delicious soup.

Join us Wednesday, January 29 after Souper Soul lunch - We will have Mystery Box Day in our art studio. We are excited to see mysteries unfold right before you - all that’s missing is your creative Self. Stop by any time from 1-3 and we’ll have supplies available for some fun and contemplative creating time.

At RH, we know that inside each individual is an Artist Within. That’s one of the reasons we love our special atherings in our Artist Within art studio. Beginning in 2025, we will offer Mystery Box Wednesday in months that have a 5th Wednesday. Join us for soup at 12:30 and then pop into the art studio with us for the afternoon. We suggest a $10 donation, which helps offset our supply cost.

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Jan
22

Souper Soul Wednesday

Join us Wednesday for soup at 12:30 - this is a great opportunity to share time in community over homemade soup.
Open to all.

Join us on Wednesdays at 12:30 for soup and friendly conversations. There is no charge for this weekly gathering. If you would like to volunteer to make soup for an upcoming week, please contact Morgan here. Donations can be made in person to help defray the cost of ingredients.

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Jan
22

Soulful Art

We love expressing ourselves through artistic creativity - even those of us who don’t consider ourselves “artists.” As the name of our art studio expresses, it’s all about The Artist Within. That’s why people love our Soulful Art monthly gathering. Join us as we play, pray and create together.

Join us Wednesday, January 22. NEW for 2025: Soulful Art will take place 10-12 and 1-3. You can come before or after lunch and stay for as long as you’re able.

This month, Mara Bim will guide us as we create 3D Collage, with stories and items of meaning.
. RSVP so we know you’re coming and we will provide you with a suggestion of items you can bring to make your collage more meaningful. Questions? Contact Karen here.

At RH, we know that inside each individual is an Artist Within. That’s one of the reasons we love this special gathering on 4th Wednesdays, where we have different facilitators introduce us to various forms of art-making in our Artist Within art studio. Beginning in 2025, we will offer this in the morning (10-12) and afternoon (1-3). Come for one or both sessions; don’t miss soup at 12:30. We suggest a $10 donation, which helps offset our supply cost. RSVP here so we have supplies for you and so that we can give you some suggested items you can bring from home to make your project even more meaningful..

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Jan
15

Souper Soul Wednesday

Join us Wednesday for soup at 12:30 - right after our beautiful noontime Harp Meditation by Patsy. Open to all.

Join us on Wednesdays at 12:30 for soup and friendly conversations. There is no charge for this weekly gathering. If you would like to volunteer to make soup for an upcoming week, please contact Morgan here. Donations can be made in person to help defray the cost of ingredients.

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Jan
15

Harp and Prayerful Meditation

Join us on the THIRD Wednesday of each month, as we welcome Patsy to lead us in harp meditation and prayer at noon.

Settle into a mid-week break as we come together on THIRD Wednesdays at Noon, for a delightful harp-meditation-prayer gathering at RH. We are happy to welcome back Patsy Sadowski, starting in September and going forward on 3rd Wednesdays. When we finish, stay a while and enjoy the delicious Souper Soul soup and conversation that happens every Wednesday.

View Event →
Jan
12

InterSpiritual Meditation | A Monthly Gathering

Jackie Linden Schade, pastor, spiritual director and trained ISM facilitator joins Fran Shelton, author, pastor and spiritual director, bring InterSpiritual Meditation back to Retreat House this fall. We had a fabulous turnout in October and look forward to even more people joining us in November.

ISM brings ancient teachings to modern day, allowing individuals space for personal practice.
Open to all. There is no cost to participate, though we do suggest a donation which can be made when you attend; your generosity allows us to continue offering programs like these.


We will gather in person at Retreat House, 2nd Sunday of each month, 5-7 p.m.

Our next gathering is Sunday, December 7. Questions or RSVP here.

View Event →
Jan
10

Writers' Gathering - (Online - Open to All)

Have you been wondering what it feels like to be a published author? Have you wondered how to tap into your own writing super powers? Do you have something you’ve written that you’d like to share in a special supportive and beautiful community of writers just like you? Join us for this month’s Writer’s Gathering. We are starting to prepare for our November 22 due date for submissions to House of Wonder, our next book. We’d love you to be part of it!

We all have a story to share. As writers of stories, we enjoy sharing our journeys, thoughts, ideas, struggles, and “aha"s. Writers often compose in solitude but get energy, inspiration, and insight when we meet in community with other writers. In this special gathering, we have the opportunity to discuss what we are writing, why we are writing, where our hopes and struggles are, and who we are when we write. No experience is necessary to join us. This Writers’ Gathering is for all writers in all genres - beginner, novice, experienced. It is not the intent of this gathering to offer criticism but a holy space of giving and receiving. Contact Gretchen Martens, our facilitator, for more information.

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Jan
8

Souper Soul Wednesday

Join us Wednesday for soup at 12:30 - this is a great opportunity to share time in community, talk with RH board members, and enjoy some special time together. Open to all.

Join us on Wednesdays at 12:30 for soup and friendly conversations. There is no charge for this weekly gathering. If you would like to volunteer to make soup for an upcoming week, please contact Morgan here. Donations can be made in person to help defray the cost of ingredients.

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Jan
8

Flute Meditation and Prayer (at Noon)

Join us on Wed, January 8 at Noon, as Judy Annis brings flutes and an assortment of other beautiful instruments to Retreat House. Together we will share special time in prayerful meditation, with poetry, other writings, and music that accompanies the contemplative themes of the day. This week, our theme will be greeting the new year.
After, we join together for Souper Soul lunch. No cost.

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Threshold into the New Year
Dec
29
to Dec 30

Threshold into the New Year

  • Retreat House Spirituality Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Release 2024 and welcome 2025. Threshold into the New Year is designed for those creating a new vision board/rule of life and for those who are updating one.

Part one is spent in reflection of 2024 and beginning to discover words and images that have meaning to crossing the threshold into a new year.  Part two is spent creating a visual and/or written desire for relationship with the Holy in 2025.  You will work on your own project and be blessed with the community that surrounds you.  

This is the seventh year for this workshop.  The house is transformed into a creative studio with several rooms set aside for wondering and imagining.  We provide all of the tools.  You just need to show up.

If you have an existing vision board or rule of life from another year, you are welcome to bring it with you.  You are welcome to bring any of your own supplies.

Instruction will be given by Lil Smith each day at 10:00 am.  You may come as early as 9 am to get coffee, get settled into your creative station, and have some breathing room.  Lil will be available during the day to help you reflect and imagine.  On Monday at 2 pm, there will be a group sharing and blessing of the visions.  

Cost $60 for two days 
Supplies and lunch included each day
Limited to 20 participants; ages 17 and up

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Dec
18

Souper Soul Wednesday

Join us Wednesday for soup at 12:30 - this is a great opportunity to share time in community, talk with RH board members, and enjoy some special time together. Open to all.

Join us on Wednesdays at 12:30 for soup and friendly conversations. There is no charge for this weekly gathering. If you would like to volunteer to make soup for an upcoming week, please contact Morgan here. Donations can be made in person to help defray the cost of ingredients.

View Event →
Dec
18

Harp and Prayerful Meditation

Join us on the THIRD Wednesday of each month, as we welcome Patsy to lead us in harp meditation and prayer at noon.

Settle into a mid-week break as we come together on THIRD Wednesdays at Noon, for a delightful harp-meditation-prayer gathering at RH. We are happy to welcome back Patsy Sadowski, starting in September and going forward on 3rd Wednesdays. When we finish, stay a while and enjoy the delicious Souper Soul soup and conversation that happens every Wednesday.

View Event →
Dec
11

Souper Soul Wednesday

Join us Wednesday for soup at 12:30 - this is a great opportunity to share time in community, talk with RH board members, and enjoy some special time together. Open to all.

Join us on Wednesdays at 12:30 for soup and friendly conversations. There is no charge for this weekly gathering. If you would like to volunteer to make soup for an upcoming week, please contact Morgan here. Donations can be made in person to help defray the cost of ingredients.

View Event →
Dec
8

InterSpiritual Meditation | A Monthly Gathering

Jackie Linden Schade, pastor, spiritual director and trained ISM facilitator joins Fran Shelton, author, pastor and spiritual director, bring InterSpiritual Meditation back to Retreat House this fall. We had a fabulous turnout in October and look forward to even more people joining us in November.

ISM brings ancient teachings to modern day, allowing individuals space for personal practice.
Open to all. There is no cost to participate, though we do suggest a donation which can be made when you attend; your generosity allows us to continue offering programs like these.


We will gather in person at Retreat House, 2nd Sunday of each month, 5-7 p.m.

Our next gathering is Sunday, December 7. Questions or RSVP here.

View Event →
Dec
4

Souper Soul Wednesday

Join us Wednesday for soup at 12:30 - this is a great opportunity to share time in community, talk with RH board members, and enjoy some special time together. Open to all.

Join us on Wednesdays at 12:30 for soup and friendly conversations. There is no charge for this weekly gathering. If you would like to volunteer to make soup for an upcoming week, please contact Morgan here. Donations can be made in person to help defray the cost of ingredients.

View Event →
Dec
4

Flute Meditation and Prayer (at Noon)

At noon on the first Wednesday of the month, Judy Annis brings flutes and an assortment of other beautiful instruments to Retreat House. Together we share special time in prayerful meditation, with poetry, other writings, and music that accompanies the contemplative themes of the day. After, we join together for Souper Soul lunch. No cost.

View Event →
Dec
4

Stillness Retreat: Navigating Darkness

December’s Stillness Retreat will delve into the theme of darkness from a different perspective than we have in the past. We will offer a variety of opportunities about different ways we navigate darkness in our lives - whether it’s seasonal darkness, or any other type of darkness we experience.

Participants will have time to explore individually as well as to share in community. Activities will include creative art projects, readings, writing prompts, time for personal stillness, refreshment, and more. At noon, we will experience the relaxing combination of musical instruments Judy Annis brings to Retreat House, along with prayerful meditation, followed by lunch and more time after lunch to reflect.

In her book, Wintering, Katherine May teaches that winter is a time of laying fallow, a period of time to turn inward and pause from the busyness of life. When life is moving along smoothly, we often miss the seasonal changes around us. However, in darker times, like “seasons of wintering,” we are acutely aware that something is amiss. How do we navigate our way from darkness back into light? What do we do in these darker times of life? We will have the opportunity to explore some of May’s concepts around wintering and how they might apply to whatever darkness we are experiencing.

Register Here.

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Nov
21
to Nov 22

DEADLINE: 11/22: Writing & Artwork for House of Wonder Now Being Accepted

  • Retreat House Spirituality Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Your writing and artwork for our December, 2024 book, House of Wonder, is now being accepted for submission to Gretchen Martens, our Editor Extraordinaire. If you’ve always wanted to be a published author and didn’t know what to do next, or if you’ve been included in our House of…” books in the past, or even if you’ve never imagined yourself as an author - but you have something to. share about WONDER, you’re in the right space.

All submissions are due no later than November 22 to be considered for this new book.Here is more information and you can always contact Gretchen here with any questions or for more information.

House of Wonder Accepting Submissions through Friday, November 22, 2024
Reveal and Holiday Celebration at Retreat House : Friday, December 13, 2024

Can you believe we are publishing our 19th book? Submissions may speak to one or more themes.
Essays are limited to 2700 words. Artwork is limited to high-resolution (600 dpi) grayscale photographs or photographs of original artwork. Full color photo submissions for cover art are welcome.

  • House and Home: What does it mean to feel at home? Is home a building, a place, a community? Is it a relationship with God or Self or the natural world? What is the relationship between house, home, and faith? In what ways are you grateful for this sense of house and home?

  • Wonder: What does wonder mean to you? Why does wonder matter? How does wonder manifest in your life—connection to your body, to Self, to others, to the natural world, to God?

  • Wonder and the Natural World: When do you experience wonder in the natural world? Is there a difference between the majesty of the Tetons and the daisy that has poked her up among the gravel on your driveway?

  • Wonder and God or Spirituality: What causes wonder in your spiritual life? Is wonder different from awe? Is wonder the same in group worship and private prayer?

  • Wonder and Family: Do you have a story about a child, spouse, parent, or other relative who inspired awe in you? Perhaps it was finding out you were pregnant, meeting your newborn, or watching a loved one draw their last breath. 

  • Photos: We love family or personal photos that relate to your stories! We can do some basic retouching for old photos, and we’ll send you a copy. We can’t use photos from the internet because, as published books, we have to be careful with copyrighted works.

 Author Fee of $100 defrays the publication cost and entitles authors and artists to up to 10 books; additional books may be pre-ordered at the author rate of $5 per book. After the initial print run, books are $10. Discount for first-time authors: $50 fee.

 Scholarships are available on a first come-first served basis by contacting Lil Smith (lil@retreathousecommunity.org). Scholarships must be approved before you submit. Receiving a scholarship in the past does not guarantee receiving a scholarship for this book. Donations to the scholarship fund or full author sponsorships are gratefully accepted.

 Ready to submit? Questions on submitting? Nervous as a first-time author? Want to be taken off the list? Contact Gretchen Martens, our friendly editor, at GretchenMartens@gmail.com.

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Nov
21

Common Ground Interfaith Discussion: Navigating Darkness

Whether it’s the seasonal change to shorter days, or grief of any kind, we know that our faith traditions often provide a source of comfort and guidance through dark times in our lives.

You’re invited to bring your favorite poems, scripture, or any other writings and objects that help you navigate darkness in your life. Whether it’s favorite Psalms, a belief that Divine light will vanquish darkness, or the Qur'anic revelation itself as a source of Divine light that guides humanity from darkness to light (e.g., Surah Ibrahim 14:1) - these are some of the examples we will discuss at our lunch conversation. RSVP here

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