When the midwest snow gets just so deep, Friends in these parts gather for Winter Retreats!

Western Yearly Meeting’s Winter Retreat will be on February 14th in Plainfield, Indiana (just west of Indianapolis). This is a day retreat, from 9am to 4pm (registration begins 8:30). The topic is “Understanding Friends Discernment"; the morning session will focus on discerning God’s call in your life; the afternoon, myths about Quaker decision-making and discerning God’s will for the church. The retreat will be led by Bruce Bishop, Northwest Yearly Meeting’s Communication Director and co-author of the book, Practicing Discernment Together, Finding God’s Way Forward in Decision Making. The cost is $10, which includes lunch. Children are free and there is a children’s program. They’d like to hear from you by February 1st. For more information, see: http://www.westernym.net/pdf/2009WYMWinterRetreat.pdf

Illinois Yearly Meeting’s Winter Retreat will be on the following weekend, February 21-22, at Menno Haven, near Tiskilwa, Illinois (near I-80 in the middle of Illinois). This retreat begins Saturday 10am and ends Sunday afternoon. The topic is “Nonviolent Communication.” It will be a training (no lectures) led by Myra Walden, a Nonviolent Communication (NVC) facilitator trained by Marshall Rosenberg. The cost for the retreat, 4 meals, and Saturday lodging is $120. You can choose options including lodging for Friday night also, no lodging at all, or a lodging upgrade, all for adjusted prices. If cost is a problem, you are asked to assess yourself what you can afford to pay. Children are free and there is a children’s program. They’d like your registration by February 2nd. For more information, see: http://www.ilym.org/tiki-read_article.php?articleId=42