Join us for our first ever community retreat! The theme is "Wisdom Within, Wisdom Among" and we'll be focused on uncovering our inner wisdom found in the contemplative life as we continue cultivating our rich and meaningful Open Door community.
Location: Fall Creek Falls State Park
Dates: Friday, Nov. 6 - Sunday, Nov. 8
Lodging: Book on your own (there are a variety of cabins, villas, lodge rooms, and camp sites available, but they fill up fast so book now if you want to stay on site. Otherwise feel free to check out vrbos, airbnbs, or hotels in the area).
Retreat Cost:
Supported - $150 (if you can’t cover the whole cost right now)
Actual - $250 (The actual cost)
Pay-it-Forward - $350 (if you can support someone else)
(covers supplies, 3 group workshops/sessions, and 30 minutes of spiritual direction)
FRIDAY — ARRIVE & EXHALE
4:00–6:00 PM — Arrival /Check-in
Settle into your space, unpack, explore, etc.
6:00–7:30 PM — Fireside Chat
Welcome and casual conversation.
What made you say yes to this retreat?
What are you carrying into this weekend?
What are you hoping to receive?
Where in your life are you longing for wisdom right now?
8:30 PM onward — Free time
People can stay around the fire, walk, talk, read, journal, go to bed.
SATURDAY — WISDOM WITHIN
8:00–9:00 AM – Breakfast on your own
9:00–9:30 AM – Morning Centering (Gilbert Gaul Room)
9:30–11:00 AM – WORKSHOP 1: Wisdom Within
11:00-11:30 AM – Break/Spaciousness/Stations
11:30-12:30 PM – Hike #1: Listening Walk
12:30-2:00 PM – Lunch on your own/rest
2:00-4:00 PM – WORKSHOP 2: Wisdom Among
4:00-6:00 PM – Free Time
Options include opportunities for community and solitude depending on your need.
7:30–9:00 PM – Fireside Circle
Evening Circle — Wisdom Among Us
What have you heard this weekend that you needed to hear? What wisdom do you hear emerging among us?
SUNDAY – WISDOM BEYOND
8:00–9:00 AM - Breakfast on your own
9:00–9:45 AM - Morning Contemplation
What Is Asking to Emerge?
10:00–11:30 AM - WORKSHOP 3 — Wisdom Beyond
“What kind of community do we want to become?”
Explore questions like:
What does a wise community look like?
How does a contemplative community make decisions?
How do we create spaces where people can hear their own wisdom?
How do we recognize wisdom in people who don't usually get heard?
What practices might keep Open Door from becoming another organization that simply tells people what to believe?
What would it mean for Open Door to be a community of shared discernment?
If Open Door is becoming a community shaped by wisdom within and wisdom among, what needs to be true about the way we gather?
11:30 AM–12:00 PM – Closing Practice: A Blessing for the Road
We look forward to being with you at this first community retreat!