Park View Mennonite Church Retreat
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So what’s it about?
Our fall retreat is time for us to practice “slow church” — just being together for a few days without a heavy agenda — spending time together in God’s good creation, conversing, relaxing, playing games, eating together, singing, laughing, and more. Fun for all ages! About our theme Our theme this year — “Love thy neighborhood” — is a slight play on words based on one of Jesus’ Great Commandments to “love our neighbors as ourselves.” We are called to love in context. The people who live near us are not isolated and abstract individuals, they are part of the social fabric and neighborhood structures we all inhabit together. So the question to ponder is how we are doing as a congregation as we inhabit our changing neighborhood of north Park View. The main focus will be on this neighborhood our meetinghouse occupies, a neighborhood of diverse needs and gifts. But the obvious next step is to consider the varied neighborhoods our households inhabit and the people who live near us that God calls us to love. Food We have contracted with Brethren Woods to prepare our meals this year, so we can all be involved in our church retreat experience. We will STILL need volunteers to help with bringing snacks, cleaning up, and various other light duties. You just come and enjoy! The costs for the food will need to be covered by your generous donations given toward the retreat. Childcare We have childcare activities during the Saturday morning session. What should I bring? Here’s a short list of things to remember to bring for the retreat this year: • water bottle (with your name on it) • your own coffee mug • bug spray • swim suits and beach towels • personal hygiene items for the shared showers • your OWN bedding/towels/pillows (this is true for all lodging options) • flashlight(s) Cost of Retreat
Retreat costs are covered entirely by your generous donations. We want this event to be for everyone regardless of ability to pay. We will provide you an estimated cost for your registration, based on your lodging choices and number of meals. Give what you are able. If you can give more than your estimate, please do! The need will be greater this year since we removed retreat subsidy from our 2019 spending plan in order to balance the budget. Even if you can't attend, feel free to donate, and help out those who can't give as much. Donations can be put in the bucket in the foyer on Sunday mornings, or at the retreat itself, or using this donate button. Thanks for your support! |
Guest speakers
Andrew and Karen Suderman will share on Saturday and Sunday. They have a passion for social justice and mission, serving in a variety of locations in North America and around the world, most recently in South Africa. They are both employed at Eastern Mennonite University. Andrew is Assistant Professor in Theology, Peace, and Mission, and Karen is Director of the Intensive English Program. SCHEDULE Friday 6:00 - 8:00 check-in 7:30 informal fireside, singing & s’mores Saturday 7:30-9:15 - breakfast 9:30-11:30 - Input/conversation: “Love thy neighborhood” 11:30-noon - free time noon-1:00 - lunch 1:30-5:00 - options
7:00 - PVMC variety show 8:30 - board games, campfire, snacks 9:00 - late night activity Sunday 7:30-9:15 - breakfast 10-11:30 - worship service 12:00 - lunch 1:00 - clean-up Getting There
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