Whispering Winds Retreat Haven

A place to be still and be renewed by the Spirit of God

RETREATS OFFERED BY WHISPERING WINDS


Do you ever feel the need for rest, spiritual renewal, and time apart? Would you like to join others in learning ways to find balance in your life, or in experiencing Christian meditation? As you look through our retreat offerings, we hope you will feel moved to set aside some time to "be still and be renewed by the Spirit of God."

In 2011, Whispering Winds is offering to the public two types of retreats:
 
  • Day-Long Retreats on selected Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
  • Evening Mini-Retreats ("Spiritual Desserts") from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

 We invite you to expand upon the scheduled retreat time by staying for a night or two at Whispering Winds either before or after the retreat. See the Rooms and Rates page for details.

Day-Long Retreats

WOMAN ACCORDING TO JESUS


June 18, 2011
Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Led by Joan Gunderman
$50. Includes lunch.

What did Jesus really think of women? What clues do the Gospels give us? How did he treat women? How did he talk to them? To what extent was he a product of the culture of his day? Or did he follow different patterns?

Through presentation, discussion and reflection we will examine these and other questions and learn more about what Jesus thought about women, and what that means for us today.

MONASTIC MINDFULNESS:

FINDING BALANCE IN YOUR LIFE


July 16, 2011
Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Led by Beth O'Brien
$50. Includes lunch.

The monastic term for mindfulness is "memoria" - the "memory of God." Becoming mindful of God's presence as it permeates our daily lives is what monks have sought to do for centuries. Moving through the monastic rhythm of prayer, work, study, and holy leisure, this day of reflection provides an opportunity to bring balance into your life as you experience the "memory of God."

Individual Spiritual Direction will be available, if desired, for an additional charge of $30 for an hour-long session.

MEDITATION AND

PRAYER PRACTICES


September 10, 2011
Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Led by Joan Gunderman
$50. Includes lunch.

Many of us were taught to pray with the "bow your head, fold your hands, and close your eyes" ritual. Then you, or someone else, spoke a formal or informal prayer. When the "Amen" came at the end, you could open your eyes, unfold your hands, and engage with your surroundings again.


For many, that becomes the only way we know how to pray, almost reflex. On this retreat, we will learn and practice, individually or together, a wonderful variety of meditation and prayer practices which believers have used for centuries - many of which we never learned about in church.

Evening Mini-Retreats

THE SPIRITUALITY OF PARENTING


June 20, 2011
Monday evening, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Led by Joan Gunderman
$10
Parenting our children (and grandparenting our grandchildren) is one of the greatest spiritual challenges we deal with in life. Is there more to nurture in a child's life than good minds, good grades, and a promising career? And isn't it up to the church or other center of worship to be sure our kids "get religion"? Why is it as important to nurture their spiritual health as it is their physical health? And how do we do that, especially if we didn't have much of that as children ourselves, or we just feel inadequate?

We'll have a great conversation exploring this topic, and learn of resources and simple ways to weave together daily life and faith with our children (grandchildren).

TALKING WITH GOD

THROUGH MUSIC


July 12, 2011
Tuesday evening, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Led by Marian Korth
$10

 When I'm sad, nothing provides relief better than going to the piano and praying an expressive song with my fingers lingering on the keys. Or, when I'm happy, nothing makes me happier than playing a lively song of praise to God.

Maybe David, the composer of many Psalms, was onto something really profound. Music enables us to express our feelings more deeply than words alone can ever do. Whether it's singing, playing an instrument, or sometimes simply listening to someone else pray in the language of music, we can communicate more deeply with God. The church has recognized this over the centuries, as sacred music has evolved to reflect the culture and spiritual needs of the time.

In this "Spiritual Dessert" we will gather around the piano and explore how the gift of music can help us in our own prayer lives.

THE MINISTRY OF

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION


August 9, 2011
Tuesday evening, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Led by Beth O'Brien
$10

Have you ever wondered what "Spiritual Direction" is all about? Is it something you may want to explore personally? How could it be beneficial for your own spiritual growth?

The evening will include a meditative reflection on the history, practice, and gifts of Spiritual Direction - followed by a casual time to ask questions over coffee and dessert.

PRAYING WHEN THE WELL

RUNS DRY


September 13, 2011
Tuesday evening, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Led by Joan Gunderman
$10

 All of us have experienced times when we struggle with prayer. Our prayer life can become unsatisfying for all kinds of reasons: we pray much like we go through a drive-thru, giving God our "order" (wants/needs, complaints, thanks) and then off we go; we're in a situation where we simply don't know how to pray, or what to pray for; we're flat-out angry with God; we are in such pain or grief that, even when we try to pray, there simply are no words. This retreat is for those who are struggling, and for those who want to go deeper in their prayer life.

ADVENT BY CANDLELIGHT


December 6, 2010
Tuesday evening, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Led by Beth O'Brien
$10

What does the Advent season call us to? As we enter the season of Advent, let us take time to pause and ponder the meaning of the season. This evening gathering will include an Advent Reflection as well as an opportunity to share time with other spiritual seekers over coffee and dessert.