Lakeland Women's Ministry Contemplative Retreats
Your packing list
What to bring for your Away retreat
LOCATION & DIRECTIONS:
SPRING:
Conception Abbey
37173 State Highway W
Conception, MO 64433
FALL:
Mount St. Scholastica
801 S 8th St, Atchison, KS 66002
CARPOOL:
For Awayers, meet at Lakeland Friday at 4:30. Contact Carpool Coordinator TBD.
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DINNER: Friday night, bring money for dinner on the way up in St. Joseph.
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LOST OR LATE?
If you are lost or will be late please contact Laurie Wilburn (816-807-2268).
CHECK IN: TBA
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WHAT TO PACK:
• Comfortable clothes/jackets, umbrella
• Flashlight
• Good walking/hiking shoes to enjoy the outdoors
• Towel and pillow ARE provided but bring shampoo, soap and other toiletries
• Colored pencils or markers for some artist activities
• Bible, journal, pen, your two assigned books and your reflection papers
• Snack (food or drink or both-wine permitted) to share with the group. We will provide some wine and water.
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BOOK REFLECTION - Bring your short written book reflection about what stood out to you most from your reading.
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RETURN: As always, we will be back to Lakeland no later than 4:30 Sunday afternoon.
Guidance for spiritual reading
Readings for the year
Away Book List
"Reading a spiritual book brings to bloom the good seeds within me; it expands my vision like an orchard that is full of life; it fills up my storehouse with ideas, ideals, and new spiritual practices; it often is the best party around with large reserves of joy and celebration; it offers an infinite variety of companions on the spiritual path; and, last but not least, it introduces me to new spiritual teachers (living and dead) who lift my spirit up and send me on my way rejoicing." -- Frederick Brussat
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The books will be purchased FOR you, and are included in the retreat pricing.
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SPRING
Read in preparation for the retreat:
1. Way of the Heart by Henri Nouwen
2. Atchison Blue by Judith Valente
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FALL
Read in preparation for the retreat:
1. Mudhouse Sabbath by Lauren Winner
2. The Critical Journey by Robert Guelich and Janet Hagberg
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Helpful things to know
Some notes + resources
Guidance for Reading and Writing Your Book Reflection
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Spiritual reading is different from reading for information. Don't try to absorb everything the author is saying. We promise you won't be tested on it. :)
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The purpose of reading in a spiritual sense is to glean insights from fellow pilgrims and saints. Approach your reading like lectio divina, where you read a passage and listen for what stands out to you for the moment. Highlight or underline what resonates with you, make notes when something confuses you or when you notice an inner "resistance." Be aware of God's presence and talk with him/pray about your responses. Ask him what he has for you in the process of reading.
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Choose one or two key take aways and focus on those in your reflection.
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Writing your reflection out helps you to slow down. Slowing down helps you notice, listen, become more aware and absorb the process.
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There is no right or wrong way to do this.
Everything we do in our retreats is an invitation to a journey, or a process, designed to help you continue to grow in your relationship with Christ. We provide the environment for you to experience and respond in your own way.
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