Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Fire in the Belly!

Well, I've had a chance to reflect on the weekend retreat and I've just got to echo Matt's comments - wow! What a gathering!

Thanks to all who attended and brought their music, their voices, their stories, their laughter, and their spirits. I have never had more fun singing than I did last weekend! And the connections that were forming...again, wow!

And we've got some great energy moving forward. There's plans in the works for a follow up meeting for those who took the "Women as Life Partners" workshop, and we've got a list full of other great ideas for men's programming.

What did you enjoy most about the weekend? Post it here!

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Wow - What a Retreat!


All I can say is, 'Wow'. We had an amazing retreat. Beyond all expectations! We had 55 men present, some awesome programming, games, singing, x-c skiing in sunny and warm mid-20s weather, some inspirational worship, and good community.

Justin and I are just now getting back into the swing of things, unpacking, looking through the evaluation forms, reviewing what you wrote on the posters, and reflecting on what you said to us. We'll be posting here, as things come together. And, if you have reflections you want to share publicly, send them to us, and we may be able to post them, too.

In the meantime, Michael Orange sends the group photo, which I've posted. He notes it is a bit grainy due to lighting, but I'm glad we have it. Click in to enlarge.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Retreat - More Details

Looking forward to seeing you - just days away!

By now, most of you should have received a packet of information by email. Some went out by US mail also. Many of you have asked good questions, so here is some further information from the camp.

In your free time, these activities are possible: you can hike, cross-country ski, sled, play broomball, or snow volleyball. The basketball court is open, but may be icy. The camp has a few adult cross country skis available by advance arrangement; let me know.

Do bring blankets as well as sheets, or a sleeping bag. The cabins are heated, but bring what you need to be comfortable!
You may want to bring earplugs. We'll have some available, too.

There is one other small group meeting at the camp.

Dinner is at 6:00 to 6:45 Friday night, and won't be available after that. If you are coming later, you might want to grab something beforehand.

Matt

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Ready to Go!

We've had a flurry of responses at deadline, and now have 46 men signed up for the retreat, which is just awesome! We'll be emailing all of you a PDF packet with more details of the retreat on Wednesday: what to bring, directions, a camp map, roster, etc. Please let us know when you receive it, so we won't have to send a paper copy by snail mail.

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Spiritual Direction with David Rothstein

David Rothstein will be available to talk about spiritual direction at the Men's Retreat. He will have an early morning session before breakfast on Saturday, and will be available for individual conversations at various times that day.

Spiritual Direction is a way for people to obtain support and encouragement for their spiritual growth, and avoid losing focus and getting discouraged. The chance to talk with someone about one's spiritual life can make all the difference. David Rothstein is a former Benedictine monk and university teacher.

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Looking forward to retreat...how about you?

Hello all,

I'm starting to really look forward to this retreat. There's a great line up of workshops and offerings, but what I'm really excited about is spending some time with you all, whether that's playing cards, going to workshops, or sitting around the campfire. I can't wait to have a sustained chunk of time together.

What are you looking forward to?

Monday, February 4, 2008

Men's Retreat Deadline - Next Week!

The Men's Retreat sign-up deadline is Monday, February 11. This is primarily so we can give Camp St. Croix the information they need for their scheduling (such as dietary requirements).

But you can register right now on-line! Here's how:
Go to the Unity Church main page: Click on the link labeled Make an Online Payment, in the middle column, under Donations. This will take you to a secure payment site.
Enter $80, select One-Time Only, and Apply My Payment to Other - Note in Comments box below, and type Men's Retreat in the comment box. You know what to do with the rest.

If you have dietary restrictions or other questions, please send me an email at the church: Matt@Unityunitarian.org