Fall Theological Retreat

Workshops

Sabbath Walk: Meditations in Nature
with Rev. Matt Larson
In Judaism, nature and the outdoors play a significant role in one’s practice of Sabbath. We will gather a group to go on a slow, contemplative walk outdoors (weather and grounds permitting). We ask participants to deliberately walk slow and in silence for about 45 minutes while listening and observing the natural world around us, paying attention to our bodies. Together, the group will process the experience afterward.

Sabbath as Play: Improv and Ministry
with Angela Craig Donovan of Matchbox Children’s Theater (Austin, MN)
Christians can sometimes do a good job of ruining the Sabbath with rules about not playing or having fun. But the Sabbath was intended to cultivate joy, delight, and community! Drawing on improv games, we will create space for creativity, laughter, and play.

Writing the Sabbath: The Prayers and Poems of Wendell Berry
with Rev. Elizabeth Hermeier
We will immerse ourselves in Sabbath poetry and prayers of Wendell Berry. After reading and meditating on selections, there will be a guided space for you to write your own sabbath prayer or poem. (Sharing: optional.)

Practicing Sabbath While Raising Kids: Can it really work?
with Dr. Ryan Bonfiglio
Hear from Dr. Bonfiglio as he shares about his life as a father of a 7-year old and a pastor’s spouse (yes, his wife is a minister). It will be a conversation shaped by the questions and thoughts of those attending. We will think about what it means to put Sabbath into practice while surrounded by the complexities of family life.

Art as Sabbath Practice
with Rev. Lisa Janke and Richard Bruxvoort Colligan (Limited attendance, sign-up will be available Monday morning)
Throughout the pandemic, Olive Branch (a ministry of Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Rochester) has been creating art in community as a way to quiet our minds and make space for emotions to be both felt and set free. Art is a wonderful way to practice accepting things as they are without judgment. Lisa Janke and Richard Bruxvoort Colligan will lead us in creating abstract designs with alcohol inks that can be made into greeting cards or framed art. No experience is required to walk away with something unique and beautiful.

Creative Open Space
There will be a space available that is full of creative supplies, prompts, and possibilities. Feel free to drop in and explore, grab some supplies, stay and play, or take them to a comfy spot. Be creative together or solo. This is a space of infinite possibilities to explore and practice creative sabbath.

Event Details

• Expectations: Our expectation is that all event participants will be vaccinated and masked. If you are unable to be vaccinated, then you are expected to receive a negative COVID test no more than 72 hours before it begins.
• COVID Preparedness: The planning team is monitoring the pandemic situation in La Crosse and southeastern Minnesota. We will follow the most current requirements and expectations and adjust plans accordingly.
• Active pastors and deacons are expected to attend. If you are an active rostered leader in this synod and cannot attend, please contact Bishop Hassanally to have a conversation. Other synod ministry leaders* and retired rostered leaders are welcome to attend. (*Ministry leaders can include SAMs, TEEMs, and worship and faith formation professionals.)
• Lodging: You are responsible for lodging which is not included in event registration. There are rooms reserved for this event at a special rate of $92/night. Mention this event when making your reservation. The rooms will only be held until October 7. Stoney Creek Reservations: 800-659-2220
• Please book your hotel room ASAP. Due to other events happening in the area, the hotel has requested that reservations be made as soon as possible. It is very likely there will be no rooms available after October 7. We have been told that the cancellation policy for Stoney Creek Hotel is that a full refund will be offered if a cancellation is made up until 24 hours prior.
• Registration cost: $165 by Oct. 20; $190 on Oct. 21-29. Register by clicking here.
• Event registration cancellation policy: If you cancel for any reason by Thursday, November 5, at 11:59 PM CST, you will receive a full refund. If the event is canceled or significantly altered at any time before it begins, you will have the option to receive a full refund.
• Child care or a play area will not be provided this year. This decision was made intentionally in light of the fluctuating pandemic situation.