A pause, a breath, a moment to reflect… Selah.
Join fellow rostered ministers of our synod for a sabbath-focused retreat that will prioritize rest and renewal. Designed with Covid safety at the forefront, this retreat to the woods will allow us to process the past year and a half through a mix of solitude and solidarity with worship, prayer, the outdoors, and freedom from the need to do it all.
Activities will include Ignation Spirituality exercises and workshops led by Rev. Jeff Eddings, morning tai chi, hymn sings, camp fires, and nightly prayer.
Two Options to Attend:
CAMPER
Stay on-site at Camp Lutherlyn in a private room.
Breathe easy in your own private space with a private bathroom. All meals are included.
Cost: $100 with discount code: camper (Actual cost: $350)
Shared Cabins: $75 each with discount code: roommate (Actual cost: $325)
COMMUTER
No need to stay the night, you can come and go as you please.
Lunch and dinner is provided each day. Those wishing to bring a tent or camper/RV may also use the commuter price.
Cost: $50 with discount code: commuter (Actual Cost: $200)
See FAQ below for questions about price.
If you have an additional question not addressed,
contact Pastor Melissa Stoller at melissa.stoller@elca.org.
Registration
Register is now closed. If you have any questions about your registration, contact Lauren Wolcott at lauren.wolcott@swpasynod.org.
FOMO-Free Zone
There is no Fear Of Missing Out when every activity is entirely optional for you to take only if it enriches your spirit. All we ask is that we all join together for evening prayer.
Feel like skipping a speaker in favor of an afternoon nap? Great choice! Want to miss a meal and opt for fasting? Do what nourishes you! Tempted to spend the whole day wandering in the woods? Have fun, we’ll see you at evening prayer!
Since we will all be on our own journeys, please respect those who are spending their time differently than you. We will have designated conversation/social spaces where no one need be lonely, and will resist the urge to “rescue” colleagues enjoying blissful solitude.
Covid Safety
We understand the dilemma… I really need time away, but do I feel safe enough to take it? You should feel empowered to make the decision that is best for you and your household, and our planning team is taking every possible measure to mitigate risk. In the end, it is your choice to make, but here are the precautions we are putting in place:
Outdoor Activities
We will plan for all possible activities to take place outdoors where risk of transmission is minimal. In the event of rain, there are some covered gathering spaces; if an activity must be moved indoors, masks are required.
Masks Required
Anytime we are indoors together, masks are required. Compliance is a requirement to attend.
Private Cabins
All campers will be assigned private cabins unless otherwise requested.
Unless you already share a household or exist in a “pod” together, we highly discourage sharing rooms.
Mealtimes
Masks are required while going through the Dining Hall. There is plenty of outdoor seating available.
You are permitted to sit inside the Dining Hall and remove your mask to eat, but we encourage you to take your tray to an outdoor option. If you choose to stay inside, please leave plenty of distance between yourself and others.
Mutual Care
If you feel unwell, stay home for the sake of your colleagues. Please do not infringe on others’ personal space. Agreeing to these protocols is a requirement to attend.
FAQ
Is this the new “Convo”?
No. Theological Convocation, which has its own separate goals in regards to theological education, is a separate event and is not taking place in 2021. This retreat has a different focus on rest and relaxation, and as of right now may be a one-time event.
What should I pack?
Campers should bring bed linens (twin size), pillows, and toiletries.
Everyone should bring a mask and whatever else will make your experience more enjoyable: camp chair, books, headphones, portable charger, musical instrument, hiking boots, etc.
Most activities will take place outdoors, so remember to bring warm layers, an umbrella, raincoat, and appropriate footwear for rain.
When should I arrive?
The choice is yours. The retreat will run from 11 AM on October 11 to 2 PM on October 14, you can choose anytime in that range to arrive.
I only want to attend part of the retreat, can I pay per day?
You may take advantage of as much or as little of the retreat as you like! The choice is entirely yours, but the price is the same. This gives you the option, even if you intend to only stay a day, to return again for the rest of the retreat without additional charges.
Can I bring my family?
This retreat is for rostered ministers only. (With the exception of nursing infants, who are not charged and do not need to register.)
Can I choose to share a cabin with a friend?
Unless you already share a household or exist in a “pod” together, we highly discourage sharing rooms. In your cabin is the only time you will likely be unmasked indoors, exposing yourself to higher Covid risk if you opt to share. We will trust your judgement of this risk if you request to share a room.
Is there a reduced rate to share a cabin?
Yes, there is a slight discount for sharing. It is intended to lower the burden of double-clergy households, not to incentivize sharing germs.
Can I really bring a tent?
Yes! You can pitch your tent in the field around Wallace Hall where there are shower and restroom facilities. Only pay the commuter fee to cover your meals.
Can I really bring a camper?
Yes… though there are no electric, water, or sewage hookups available. Park your camper in the Shaulis Field area and only pay the commuter fee to cover your meals.
Am I required to be vaccinated?
We hope you are vaccinated! But we also know that not everyone is able to be, and so it is not a requirement to attend.
The Delta Variant has taught us that breakthrough infections are still possible in vaccinated persons, so our safety efforts will not be lessened under an assumption of vaccination.
Where can I find the schedule?
Details are still being refined, a schedule will be emailed in advance and a hard-copy provided at check-in. Plan to flow through your days at whatever pace feels best to you, all we ask is that you join evening worship.
Who is leading worship?
Details are still being refined, we will let you know when we email out the full schedule. The synod staff is working to make evening worship the cornerstone of each day we are together.
Does this retreat qualify as continuing education?
Yes. In additional to the recreational and restful elements this retreat, there will also be educational options to participate in. Care for your health and wellness is in itself professional development, so this retreat can qualify for continuing education budgets.
Is financial assistance available?
Yes. If the cost of this retreat creates a financial obstacle to you, please contact Bishop Kusserow.
Can I bring a beverage to share?
Lutherlyn permits alcohol only at designated times and spaces. Please leave the bottle at home, we will provide drinks when appropriate.
Why is the registration deadline September 26?
We need to provide Lutherlyn with meal information two weeks in advance.