Silent reFresh

Silent reFresh retreats (stay tuned for upcoming dates)

It is hard to leave our people, our job, and the hectic places where we are needed in order to be with the One from whom all good things come. [But when we do we] can unmask the illusion of busyness, usefulness, and indispensability. It is a way of being empty and useless in the presence of God and of proclaiming our basic belief that all is grace and nothing is simply the result of hard work.”  Henri Nouwen, The Living Reminder

Needing some extended unhurried space, stillness, and clarity for your life/soul?

How about undisturbed time to study, read, pray, nap, enjoy creation?           

Sound good?

Consider participating in a reFresh silent retreat... that's right...silent...well, mostly.

 A silent retreat is an opportunity for you to slow down, re-center, rest, play, perhaps even be graced with a greater clarity and lean more deeply into your relationship with God and self. There's no one to take care of...except yourself. There are no demands on your life to produce, perform or be "useful." 

There are only 3 participants at a time - set in a beautiful private home, with territorial views, you will have your own private room and own private bath. There is a garden in which you can sink your hands into the soil ...or just sit and enjoy. Walk on the country roads past horse farms and country estates. Linger in the hot tub...go say hi to the horses...nap to your hearts content...build a campfire under the stars (weather permitting) :) and lean in to listen...listen to your heart, soul, mind and strength in the generosity of God's lavish love.

Spacious home, spacious property, spacious schedule...in hopes that God will open up spacious places in your own soul as you journey with Him and toward His heart. 

A reFresh silent retreat has a perfect blend of "facilitated" time (purely optional), alone time, and time to process (you'll get to speak during this time to process what's going on in your soul as you're in this space) with a Spiritual director.

What's included:

• 3 nights with comfy and spacious private room and bath
• 3 healthy meals/day with snacks and ongoing beverage service
• 2 Spiritual Direction appointments
• 3-4 optional facilitated daily times together as a group for prayer/worship
• Spacious time for your soul to saunter, linger, frolic, study, nap, pray etc.

Sample daily schedule:

• Early morning Centering Prayer (optional)
• B-fast on your own
• Morning Lauds worship (optional)
• Free space and/or meet with Spiritual Director for an hour
• Lunch
• Free and/or meet with SD
• Dinner
• Compline (end of the day) worship (optional)

 Interested? Here are some more details...

The cost is $379/person. A non-refundable deposit of $79 (payable on Paypal, cash or check) holds your spot.

And because rooms and bathrooms are private, men and women are equally welcome!

Please register online (after you get to the registration page, scroll down to get to the silent reFresh registration form). Registrations are considered "received" and your slot secured when the deposit is received and the form is filled out. First come, first serve.

After you pay the non-refundable deposit, remaining funds are payable by Check or cash only and full payment is due one month before the retreat.

Please make the check (for either the non-refundable deposit or remaining payment) payable to reFresh/A.C.T. Intl and mail it to me at Paula Gamble/reFresh * 4594 SW Comus PL * Portland, OR. 97219. Please write "silent reFresh" and the date of your retreat in the memo.

"Silent" includes - cell phone usage in "airplane" mode - please no calls, texts, or internet or games. (You may use the house phone upon arrival and let your family/friends have the facilitator's phone number in case of emergency.) No internet or TV. If you'd like to use a personal mp3 player for music, feel free, but consider how a reliance on that might be keeping you from hearing your own heart. You will also be asked to stay on the retreat property or walking in the surrounding area during your entire retreat. 

Once accepted/registered, I will email you with more specifics including directions, what to expect, what to bring etc. Also note: You will be asked to sign a liabilty waiver and medical release form before attending the retreat.