St. George’s 2018 Parish Retreat: Rooted in Wholeness
Oct. 5-7, 2018
Shrine Mont is a place where people are more important than things; where prayer and reflection, rest and recreation are more important than appointments and tasks. Shrine Mont is where we connect as a community and finally have time to meet each other, laugh together, and share stories of difficult commutes and…set life down for a while. Shrine Mont is a place where kids play out in God’s own creation and we all give thanks for streams and flowers and ponds full of fish. Shrine Mont is marshmallows and memories—a place where we celebrate being part of the family of God.
The Program…Rooted in Wholeness
Adults: Our keynote speaker is Cynthia Armbrister. We will begin by sharing some of her story, how she came to healing work and chaplaincy, and how she has integrated the two. She wrote her masters in theological studies thesis on “integrative chaplaincy”. Then she will lead us into three practices of wholeness:
- Breath prayer: using the breath as a vehicle for prayer and letting the breath connect us with the Spirit and all creation.
- Aromatherapy: Cynthia has researched how smells play an important role in the Bible. She’ll explore how aromatherapy is a way that we accept the gifts of creation for healing and openness.
- Mindful self-compassion: She has been trained to lead people into practices of self-compassion which then help us to extend compassion to others. After her presentation, we’ll move into small groups with questions for reflection as we have done some in the past.
The Accommodations
The Shrine Mont retreat facility is owned and operated by the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia. Lodging is in a quaint old hotel and nearby cottages, all with private baths. Meals are served in the large dining room of Virginia House, the main conference facility. Tips are appreciated by the dining room staff.
Free time activities
Shrine Mont has something for everyone – unless you are looking for a TV! Activities include fishing, hiking, porch sitting, sleeping, playing music with friends, crafts, reading, playing bridge, HAYRIDES, games, wading in the lake…
Our own great NURSERY comes with us for childcare during adult programming and Saturday afternoon relaxation. It is a tradition that we have a BONFIRE on Saturday evening and we WORSHIP on Sunday morning in the beautiful open air shrine – the Cathedral Shrine of the Diocese of Virginia.
Also…Please don’t let cost keep you from attending this important St. George’s Community event. Scholarships are available for funding; speak to any of our clergy. Remember both sharing and receiving are nurturing elements in our Community growth. Funding requests will be held in confidence. If resources permit, please consider contributing to our scholarship fund. Donations will be cheerfully accepted and greatly appreciated. Questions or more info? Contact Jan Meredith at jan.meredith@stgeorgesepiscopal.net or 540-373-4133.