The Nurtured Soul:
 A Journey of Spirituality and Friendship for Women

Friday, April 11 to Sunday, April 13, 2008

The Country Place Retreat and Conference Center

White Haven, Pennsylvania

www.retreatpa.com


Join us for a weekend retreat to explore ways of deepening your spirituality and to connect with other women through shared experiences and fellowship.




“When we deliberately leave the safety of the shore of our lives, we surrender to a mystery beyond our intent.”
Ann Linnea, “Deep Water Passage”



Program


Friday, April 11

Check-in and Appetizer Buffet

Welcome Activity

Worship Service

Free Time and Fellowship

Saturday, April 12

Breakfast

Joining Together, by Gwen Bihn.

Opening Up to Intent

Spirituality through Self-Discovery, by Judy Dwyer. “God loves stories — that’s why He created us!” Elie Weisel. In many circles, spirituality is the “s” word. The mere mention of spirituality often invokes suspicion and confusion, yet in our hearts we hunger for God. Spirituality recognizes this yearning. An excellent way to connect with our spiritual selves is by way of our stories, our spiritual autobiographies.

Session I: Where Did I Come From? Community Lifeline. Our church community is only one of several communities that may have shaped our experiences. Developing our own “Community Lifeline” is the first step in understanding our spiritual roots so we can grow from them.

Session II: Who Made Me? Spiritual Genogram. The spiritual genogram helps us explore the stories of our family members and their connections to each other. Our unique genogram gives us insights into how we became who we are, and points us toward where we may want to be.

Lunch

What’s Your Spiritual Style?, by Julie Donahue Wamser. Everyone’s connection to God is unique and individual. In this workshop, we will explore different styles of spirituality and you will discover the approach that is most natural for you. You will gain a better understanding of your personal spirituality and begin to explore new spiritual paths and options to enable you to deepen your inner experience of God and of yourself.


Elective Time: Attend one, two, or all three of these sessions, or use the time for a nature walk, reading, rest, journaling, fellowship, or a visit to the spa (spa treatments must be arranged in advance).

Journaling from the Heart, by Jocelyn Canfield. Each of us is a creative, spiritual being, alive with thoughts and ideas that can be captured for reflection and to gain a deeper understanding of our selves. Learn to use journaling — occasionally or even daily — to hear your inner voice more clearly and to discover more about your true self.

Labyrinth Walk, by Alice Price. The labyrinth is an ancient symbol of wholeness, a metaphor for life’s journey. Learn how to enrich your own journey through this very moving form of prayer. Walk the labyrinth, and feel your prayer become one with you in your steps.

Meditation and Yoga, by Kate Garza. Meditation is a process of learning both concentration and mindfulness. Through meditation, we discard the habit of living our days mechanically, unaware, disconnected, and driven primarily by our conditioning. Learn to use yoga to quiet the body and meditation to invite the mind to do the same. Experience your own Self and discover tools to help you develop an ongoing meditation practice in your life.



Dinner

Worship

Free Time and Fellowship

Sunday, April 13

Breakfast

Joining Together

Something to Think About

From Pieces to Peace, by Donna Hoffman. The many demands of our busy lives often leave us feeling fragmented. How can we grow as individuals — spiritually and otherwise — if we can’t find a way to create a peaceful space in our lives for our own nurturing? An interactive session where you will gain, share and practice ideas to help you attain greater joy and deeper spirituality within your real life.

Our Parting Thoughts

Worship

Lunch

Departure


For Your Information


Location: The Nurtured Soul will be held at The Country Place Retreat and Conference Center in White Haven, PA (www.retreatpa.com), on 450 acres of rolling woodlands and meadows in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains, under 2 hours away from Abington.

Accommodations: The rooms are attractive and comfortable. A small number of semi-private rooms are available at an additional cost of $50 per night. Healthy, gourmet meals are included for Saturday and Sunday; an appetizer buffet will be available Friday night until 8:00.

Cost: While we recommend staying Friday and Saturday nights, it is possible to arrive early Saturday (the program begins promptly at 9:00 AM; please plan to arrive no later than 8:30 AM) and stay overnight. The cost for Friday night is $125; Saturday night is $140. The registration fee includes lodging, meals, the retreat program, materials and use of the retreat facilities. Payment in full is due Sunday, March 16.

Scholarships: A limited number of partial scholarships are available. Contact Gwen Bihn (215-628-0547)ASAP for more information.

Spa Services: Spa services will be available Saturday and Sunday afternoon, for an additional charge. These services MUST be booked and paid for in advance. See registration form for more information.

Suggested Attire: To optimize your retreat experience, you will want to wear comfortable clothes that you can easily move around in. Very casual attire is appropriate for all elements of the retreat. Please bring slippers or socks, as we will need to remove our shoes in the main gathering room.

Schedule: You can check in between 6:00 and 8:00 PM on Friday night; the program begins at 8:00 PM. If you are arriving on Saturday, please be there by 8:30 AM. The program will conclude at 12:00 noon on Sunday, followed by a casual lunch.

Join us for

The Nurtured Soul: A Journey of Spirituality and Friendship for Women

Friday, April 11 to Sunday, April 13

...Take time to focus on your relationship with God and the world around you… Learn ways to find stillness in the midst of your action-oriented life… Share ideas and laughter with other inspiring women… Nurture yourself… Experience a sense of renewal...

The Nurtured Soul is sponsored by Abington Presbyterian Women, but ALL women are invited/encouraged to attend, and to invite a friend.

 Click here for registration form Due March 16