October 2010 Retreat a Rousing Success!
The Theme Within: Remarks
Despite (or because of?) a much smaller than anticipated enrollment, JPD W & R facilitators Randa, Laura, Alix and Margaret, two presenters and 14 other women took part in one of the most fulfilling, engaging, bonding retreats in current memory.
From Helen Popenoe, Germantown, MD
My expectation was to find enough healing to be able to face [a] problem when I returned home. I ended up coming home with much more positive energy and healing than I could’ve dreamed would be possible. The after-glowing I feel is blessing me with new lightheartedness and peace in a continuing undercurrent for my daily life, now.
The emotional climate, easy schedule and the content were exactly what I needed. A highpoint was Heather’s “just-right” service she gave us Sunday morning (especially the story about the shards of glass.) I’ve heard that story before and never quite got it until Heather put it into words.
From Alexa Fraser, Rockville, MD
I had a wonderful time. I felt welcomed by a new group of women – I only knew 2 before arriving. I think I know all now. … the sisters and cook were wonderful, the tofu was the best I EVER ate, and I loved the facility. I enjoyed learning about the women in religion movement. I really got a lot out of the workshop. I think I will use Soul Collage through the rest of my life as a tool to access those often hidden emotions!
From Pamela Mann, Pottstown, PA
The women's Retreat was an absolute, positive experience for me. The "belonging to the community" started even before we got there. My friend and I were running late because we got lost and we received a warm phone call of concern and were asked if we still wanted dinner - that some would be saved for us. I connected with every person in the group through Soul Collage and personal experiences. There was an excellent balance between structured "learning" and free time. I can honestly say that I would return in the future searching for the women I met on this special weekend and in hopes of finding new women to meet and connect through the UU faith! Thank you for a wonderful experience!
From Dana Wiley, Ardmore, PA
What a great weekend -- so glad to meet you all and share in the whole juicy, intense, and gratifying Soul Collage experience!
From Cindy Neff, Churchville, MD
I had a wonderful time and am so glad I made the effort to attend. At first I was a little nervous about fitting in, but by the end of the weekend I felt right at home! I loved the Soul Collage theme and look forward to continuing to participate in our local area. The opportunity to be in the company of such wonderful strong women...truly a sisterhood that is so valuable for making this journey through life...and such a source of encouragement and strength!
Thank you so much for the opportunity! I really look forward to the next one at the Claggett Center
The Theme Within: Remarks
Despite (or because of?) a much smaller than
anticipated enrolment,JPD W & R facilitators Randa,
Laura, Alix and Margaret, two presenters and 14
other women took part in one of the most fulfilling,
engaging, bonding retreats in current memory.
From Helen Popenoe, Germantown, MD
My expectation was to find enough healing to be able
to face [a] problem when I returned home. I ended
up coming home with much more positive energy and
healing than I could’ve dreamed would be possible.
The after-glowing I feel is blessing me with new
lightheartedness and peace in a continuing
undercurrent for my daily life, now.
The emotional climate, easy schedule and the content
were exactly what I needed. A highpoint was
Heather’s “just-right” service she gave us Sunday
morning (especially the story about the shards of
glass.) I’ve heard that story before and never
quite got it until Heather put it into words.
From Alexa Fraser, Rockville, MD
I had a wonderful time. I felt welcomed by a new
group of women – I only knew 2 before arriving. I
think I know all now. … the sisters and cook were
wonderful, the tofu was the best I EVER ate, and I
loved the facility.
I enjoyed learning about the women in religion
movement. I really got a lot out of the workshop.
I think I will use Soul Collage through the rest of
my life as a tool to access those often hidden
emotions!
From Pamela Mann, Pottstown, PA
The womens' Retreat was an absolute, positive
experience for me. The "belonging to the community"
started even before we got there. My friend and I
were running late because we got lost and we
received a warm phone call of concern and were asked
if we still wanted dinner - that some would be saved
for us. I connected with every person in the group
through Soul Collage and personal experiences.
There was an excellent balance between structured
"learning" and free time. I can honestly say that I
would return in the future searching for the women I
met on this special weekend and in hopes of finding
new women to meet and connect through the UU faith!
Thank you for a wonderful experience!
From Dana Wiley, Ardmore, PA
What a great weekend -- so glad to meet you all and
share in the whole juicy, intense, and gratifying
Soul Collage experience!
From Cindy Neff, Churchville, MD
I had a wonderful time and am so glad I made the
effort to attend. At first I was a little nervous
about fitting in, but by the end of the weekend I
felt right at home! I loved the Soul Collage theme
and look forward to continuing to participate in our
local area. The opportunity to be in the company of
such wonderful strong women...truly a sisterhood
that is so valuable for making this journey through
life...and such a source of encouragement and
strength!
Thank you so much for the opportunity! I really
look forward to the next one at the Claggett Center
2010 Retreat Registration Form
The Theme Within
JPD W & R Retreat 2010 Registration
Register early: space is limited!
Please PRINT FORM, FILL IN SPACES, MAIL W/CHECK to Anne (see below)
Name (please print)
____________________________________________________________________
Address_____________________________________________________________
Phone (home) _____________________(cell) ______________________________
Email _______________________________________________________________
Your Church _________________________________________________________
Roommate(s) name(s) (roommates must be listed on each other’s registration forms)
I can bring a drum/other musical instrument (just for fun!) _____________________
Please indicate here _____ if you require first-floor accommodation.
I am/am not (circle one) a vegetarian.
Special dietary circumstances? (Example: gluten or lactose intolerant; specific allergies)
_____________________________________________________________________
The Money Part: Retreat Rates and Opportunity
Rates for food and lodging are what the site charges
Commuter meals include Friday supper, Saturday lunch and supper, Sunday lunch
Resident $140 (includes two nights and 6 meals ) $_________
Commuter $105.00 (includes 4 meals) $_________
Registration: $60.00 (our costs) $___60____
My gift to help another woman attend $_________
GRAND TOTAL (add lines above)…………………… $_________
Please make your check payable to: Joseph Priestley District,
marking in the memo section “W & R Retreat”
*******Payment must be received by September 25th, 2010******
Mail to: Anne Slater, 2753 Morris Road, Ardmore, PA 19003
I will acknowledge receipt of your registration and check via email
2010 Fall Retreat!
Joseph Priestley District
Women & Religion Fall Retreat
October 1-3, 2010
at St. Raphaela Center, Haverford, Pa.
for pictures and directions, go to www.acjusa.org
The Theme Within:
an experiential weekend of self-discovery.
Intuitively access your inner wisdom through the process of collage.
Facilitated by Dana Knighten and Nancy Evans,
certified Soul Collage facilitators
For Women 16 and older
10% discount for those under 25
3 nights, 6 meals (Friday Dinner through Sunday Lunch) $200.
Commuters (includes 4 meals) $165
Please print out and post/share flyer! (PDF)
For further information contact:
Anne Slater, Registrar
610-896-6468
slater.anne [at] gmail.com
Print and mail Registration Form! (PDF)
Sister to Sister
Have you read a book or seen a movie which touched you, entertained you, nourished your spirit? Tell us about it.
Have you or your congregation's Women's Circle scheduled an event that is open to women in your area? Tell us about it.
Under Sister to Sister, you will find Books and Movies and Places to Go, Dates to Keep.
B & M should include the title and author of the book or primary actors in the movies. Give us a couple of lines , your name, congregation, and geographic location if that is not clear from the name of your congregation.
PTG, DTK should include Date, Event name, location (including church web site if possible), a contact person with email address. Please substitute [at] for @ in the address to avoid potential problems
Please send your submissions to slater.anne[at]gmail.com
Places to Go Dates to Keep
2010
Wheel of the Year Beltane (May Day) ritual 5 PM on Sunday May 2, 5pm, in the Fireside Room of the River Road UU Church, Bethesda. MD.
(www.rruuc.org/Directions.html) May pole, other circle dances and the sharing of thoughts. Longer days, shorter nights--as Earth rushes toward the longest day of the year, how do we re-balance our own lives? Bring a treat &/or drink to share and your own cup. Contact:: Helen Popenoe
Alcoholism & Addiction Awareness, Prevention & Recovery Fair, Saturday August 28, 9 am to 5:30 pm, Unitarian Church of Harrisburg, PA. Go to http://www.harrisburguu.org/ and scroll down in the Upcoming Events list for further information
Recommended Books and Movies
The Full Cupboard of Life remains my favorite of Alexander McCall Smith's books. It is philosophical, a "glass half full" story that I expect to read as often as I read The Secret Garden. (see below)-- I love books that make me cry with happiness and with the realization of just how full of peace and plenty my life really is.
The Secret of Roan Inish by Rosalie Fry is a modern day fairy tale, a great read-to-your-child story (target audience 9 and up). Fiona yearns for the peace of the island life that she and the island’s inhabitants were forced to leave, and for her baby brother, whose cradle floated away as they were leaving. As I said, a fairy tale. With a happy ending. Both book and the movie that was made of it are charming. No violence.
Night Gardening by E. L. Swann centers on the romance between an aging woman recovering from a stroke and the landscape architect who is working next door. Lots of great gardening factoids. If this had been "One Woman's Garden Journal" I would have liked it better.
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett: an unhappy little girl, her invalid cousin, and the healing power of friendship and love. How can anyone NOT love this book? It has mystery, sadness, a nasty little girl, a couple of sympathetic secondary characters and one whiney spoiled (abandoned at home) child who gently teach Mary Lennox how to be a human being.
Submitted by Anne Slater, First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia
Role of Women's Spirituality in Creating a Sustainable Future
At the JPD Spring Conference (April 16-17) JPDWR's Laura Myers-Paligo will present a workshop titled The Role of Women's Spirituality in Creating a Sustainable Future. (Saturday April 17 from 11 am to 12:15 pm.)
Laura, a member of the UU Fellowship of Harford County, MD, has a Master of Science degree in Environmental Studies. She is an engaging speaker whose message will engage people of all ages.
In order to build a sustainable future, we will need to redefine "a good life" to include honoring the earth and its inhavbitanets... Women's rights are human rights, which in turn reflect our caluing of the planet .
See http://jpduua.org/ for more on the whole conference)