“We bear witness to the long Quaker tradition of seeking and being sought. We offer space, resources and companions for people who are seeking a deeper experience of the Divine. We celebrate the fact that each Friend is on a unique journey. We invite F/friends to a feast, trusting Spirit to lead us to what we need.” (Minute of purpose – original NYM Spiritual Nurture Program)
The Spiritual Nurture Program for Northern Yearly meeting is intended to aid those who feel a longing to live a life more centered in the Spirit and who want to experience deeper spiritual community. A program of two retreats will be offered September 9-11, 2011 and March 23-25 2012. Weekends begin Friday at 7 p.m. (no meal provided) and end at noon Sunday (breakfast and brunch provided). The ‘feast’ this program offer includes:
Formation of small groups – As the core purpose of this program, those coming to join new spiritual nurture groups are given priority in registration. Groups will be guided to develop a format for meetings built on spiritual listening. Participants will be encouraged to adopt a spiritual discipline to assist in their deepening, and share the fruits/struggles of their practice with their group. Participants should plan to meet monthly in their groups through June of 2012 at minimum. Groups are formed by geographic area where possible, and dispersed groups communicate by letter. Group members will learn to listen to one another as spiritual nurture, share spiritual disciplines and journeys, pray for one another, and share readings or queries. New group members are expected to attend both retreats.
Spiritual Nurture group members seeking renewal – In a retreat setting, members of spiritual nurture groups can come together for a weekend of renewal and sharing. Those seeking to form groups in their home Meeting are welcome as space is available. In addition to large group activities, these F/friends will participate in and reflect on recommended group practice/formats.
QUERIES for helping you decide if you should participate in this program at this time:
- What are your spiritual hungers? Will they be fed by this program?
- Are you able and willing to make time for full participation in retreats and monthly gatherings?
ACCOMODATIONS: The Christine Center is located 40 miles north of Black River Falls, WI. Double rooms are in the Guest House and modern hermitage cabins. Tent and RV camping is available, or double occupancy in rustic hermitage cabin (heat & electric but no water – shower house nearby). Meals are vegetarian. Photographs/ directions available at www.christinecenter.org
TO REGISTER: Questions and a request for the registration form can be directed to elizabevans@gmail.com. Registration deadline is August 1.
Cancellations: Because of retreat center requirements, refunds cannot be made after August 6th.
Scholarships are available, and support for them is encouraged. Please indicate any special needs, including dietary requirements or scheduling issues of arrival and departure. Participants are asked to use fragrance free personal products.
