Retreats...

Every year, usually in the spring, MCCNOVA has its retreat. The retreat always has a central theme and includes group time, private time, and worship time, all in a safe space for the participants. The event can last from 2-3 days but no more than this and occurs at a specific place (typically, an hour or two from the church). The cost typically includes all lodging and meals and there are scholarships available (if you are low on cash). Everyone is welcome!!!

MORE INFO ABOUT MCC NOVA'S RETREATS

Read About the 2006 Retreat Here>>

Read About the past 2005 Retreat>>

 

 

2005 Retreat

Living Waters: Catch the Wave!

This is the theme of MCC Nova's spring retreat - a time to step away from routine and make space for God to come in fresh ways in the midst of supportive community.  As we settle into the charming campus surrounded by Virginia 's rural hills, we will be offered a variety of opportunities: small and large groups, free time, worship, and playtime, even a fire circle and of course drumming!  Registration forms are available on the information table.

Dates :        May 6-8 (Friday dinner through Sunday brunch)

Place :         Sevenoaks Pathwork Center in Madison , VA    www.sevenoakspathwork.org

Cost :          $160.00 (some scholarships available)

Designed specifically for adults.

Living Waters: Catch the Wave! RESPONSES

On May 5-7, 34 MCCer’s gathered at the beautiful SevenOaks Pathways Center in Madison , VA for our 3 rd annual Spiritual Retreat. Below, a number of participants from this year’s gathering share their experiences and perspectives.

I loved the retreat. It was more than I expected. I learned some new things, made deeper friendships, and also renewed my spirituality. I appreciated the fact that everything was well coordinated, everything ran smoothly, and all the details were handled so we could enjoy this experience more deeply and meaningfully.

JB

I thought the retreat was very well done.  The logistics, the programming, the music, the environment, the activities and on and on and on.  Very well done.  It exceeded my expectations because I was so use to Claymont, so the facilities alone were over the top.  I love the idea of focusing on a topic (like mangroves) and being able to draw similarities to life.  What was especially wonderful was the pace. There really was time to sit and ponder, to connect, to not feel rushed or hurried.  Well done! I am looking forward with much anticipation to next year's retreat.  Sarah and the team, you all did a superb job .

Gail M.

The retreat far exceeded my expectations.  It was similar in that I expected the group sessions and dissimilar in the results of the exercises.  I appreciated the freedom to participate in sessions that I felt comfortable with and not participate where I didn't feel comfortable. (My favorite part was) spending time exploring the grounds of the retreat center.  I was very relaxing and I was able to connect with the reasons I was at the retreat in the first place.  The small Sanctuary was fabulous.

Kathy F.

The thing I enjoyed most was the second time our little groups met and we wrote things we think we bring and would like to bring to MCC NOVA and then having others doing the same for each of us.  It is interesting to learn what others think of us. My favorite parts were the opening exercise with the yarn and the free time on Saturday afternoon to walk down to the river.

Kim H.

The venue was great, the food was great, and the people were great.  Worship was a highlight for me and I believe the opening ritual of asking people to share out of their own experience with God really set the tone for an entire weekend of authenticity and vulnerability in sharing/connecting with the real.  The value of creating our sacred space from the bits of our lives can't be overstated.  I loved the fact that we had one song that was our time of "going deeper" and have heard many folks talk about still ‘having that song stuck in their heads’ (in mostly a good way, I think).

Rev. Kharma

It was a lot better than I had originally anticipated. The facility was wonderful and people were great.  I really enjoyed the small groups and getting to know a little bit more of the few people that were in my group. I also really enjoyed the music and felt as if I could feel the spirit moving through me as I was playing and singing. It was much different than on a normal Sunday. And the Healing Rain song brought tears to my eyes almost every time that we played it.

Kelli B.

I really enjoyed it and the scheduling was GREAT! I really liked having ‘free’ time to ponder what we were doing in our groups. The music was great as was the breaking into small groups.  I enjoyed getting to know folks better.

Jane B.

An excellent retreat.  One with enough small group time and individual reflection time.  Great accommodations and the perfect scenery and solitude I was looking forward to. Many thanks to the people who made the retreat possible and positive experience for all who attended.

Joyce R.

Everything was really great. Sevenoaks was outstanding in every way.  Accommodations were good; staff were excellent; grounds were awesome; and the food was phenomenal.  I would definitely go back.  My least favorite part:  having to dodge poison ivy -- I guess I'm resigned to that on the east coast!

K ala P.