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

Follow up:

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