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Fall Church Retreat
September 17-19, 2010
Mapping Our Spiritual Autobiographies
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Friendly Crossways Retreat Center
247 Littleton County Road
Harvard, MA 01451-1445
(Near intersection of Routes 2 and 495, about 50 minutes from Needham, click here for a map and to generate directions)
Click here to download a registration form.
Information:
Mapping Our Spiritual Autobiographies
One of the biggest and hardest spiritual questions is this:
- Where is God when we need the most help?
But the answer of the Bible and of our ancestors faith is very clear, that God is always with us, whether we know it or not. Therefore, the task of the spiritual life is not to find God, but to learn to recognize God, who is already there.
As a spiritual exercise during this retreat, we will start with the story of Naomi, in the book of Ruth, and study her life to see how God was present to her. Then, using the same tools, we will turn the spotlight inward, to map out our own Spiritual Autobiographies, as we seek to trace God's hand and work in our lives as well.
This will be a simple, informal weekend. No pressure, but lots of enjoyable time together to make new friends, get to know one another better, and grow closer to God.
During our study time, there will be fun activities for the children, as they also come to see God's blessings in their lives.
Food
To Keep down the cost, we will be bringing our own food, cooking our meals, and cleaning up afterward. If you are able to help with meal planning and buying food, please let the organizers know. We will be asking attending to sign up for preparing and cleaning up a meal. Also, please let us know of any special food restrictions and allergies.
Lodging
There are private and family bedrooms as well as a main dormitory. Rooms will be assigned to accommodate individuals' and families' needs.
Possible Free-time Activities
One option for a group activity on Saturday afternoon is a trip to a local orchard, where apples, raspberries and other fruits will be available for picking. In addition, there are historical sites, hiking trails, antique shops, and museums (Fruitlands and the DeCordova Museum) in the area.
Registration
As soon as possible, please complete a registration form and give it to one of the organizers (Elliott Hipp, Harriet Laing, or Carol Patey) along with a deposit of $20 per person (3 or older) who will be attending.
Costs, including food, are as follows:
Per adult for 2 nights
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$115
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Per adult for 1 night
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$75
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Per child, age 3 to 18
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$20 |
(if the cost is a problem, please speak with Elliott)
Tentative Weekend Schedule
Friday evening, 9/17
6:00 - 9:00 pm
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Arrival
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Get room assignments; unpack.
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Games and snacks.
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Saturday, 9/18
7:00 am
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Morning devotions
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8:00 am
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Breakfast
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9:00 am
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Opening |
9:30 - 11:30 am
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Spiritual Autobiographies I
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Children's Activities
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Noon
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Lunch |
1:00 - 4:30 pm
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Free time
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4:30 - 5:30 pm
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Spiritual Autobiographies II
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Children's Activities
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| 6:00 pm
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Dinner |
7:30 pm
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Campfire |
8:30 pm
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Games or Movie
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Sunday 9/19
7:00 am
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Morning devotions
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8:00 am
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Breakfast
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10:00 am
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Worship |
11:30 am
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Lunch
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12:30 pm
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Cleanup; pack
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1:30 pm
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Depart |
How can you help?
Before:
- Sign up early. Invite friends and family!
- If you can't come both nights, consider coming for just one night or just for Saturday or worship on Sunday.
- Volunteer to help with sign-ups, food purchasing, food preparation, bringing food for snacks, and welcoming.
- Pair up with others and think up some good campfire entertainment.
During:
- Sign-up for preparing or cleaning up after a meal
- Help with general clean-up
Other info
The facility is wheel chair accessible. It has free wireless Internet service.
Questions?
Contact any of the organizers (Elliott Hipp, Harriet Laing, Carol Patey) or the church office (781-444-3728).
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