Springtime of Soul Retreat

Registration ends April 26.

“See! The winter is past. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come; the cooing of doves is heard in the land.”

Those verses from scripture are akin to the ones penned by America’s beloved poet, Mary Oliver. She listens to birds, reverences the perennial bleeding heart in her garden, and even sees in her faithful canine reasons for hope and joy. Whether, for you, the winter has been a season of pandemic weariness, personal grief, or simply the chill of cold temperatures, this contemplative reflection day in the beauty of Rader Park includes space for solitude as well as small group sharing in an atmosphere resonant with springtime.

The retreat will be held indoors at Rader Park, part of Church of the Apostles UCC. The adjoining outdoor park is also available to retreatants, featuring walking paths, pond, gazebos, butterfly garden, pine grove, beekeeping, stream, and community gardens. Retreat registration includes a box lunch.

Ellie Stratton, MDiv, is an ordained minister in Presbyterian Church (USA) and a spiritual director with over 25 years of experience offering companionship to individuals and groups, in addition to supervision. She is a graduate of the Forest Dwelling Program at Oblate School of Theology, which educates in the wisdom and spirituality of aging.