Online Morning Meditation & Prayer
Morning meditation and prayer is open to all who wish to pause and connect with God and/or your name or understanding of God. The offering is up to the morning leader. It could be poetry, sacred text, silence, breath prayer, etc. Prayer requests are invited.
If you have questions, please reach out to Tammy@retreathousecommunity.org
Retreat House is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9727077591?omn=87338760602
Meeting ID: 972 707 7591
Exploring Your Spirituality with Paint (4-week series)
Tap into your own creativity; abandon all judgement; and experiment with childlike wonder in this exciting four-week series. Exploring Your Spirituality with Paint will open your heart and your imagination in new ways. With Joanna as your instructor and guide, you will be invited to experiment with different techniques and supplies that will all be provided.
Everyone is welcome - no matter your previous experience with paint. We will gather in The Artist Within studio, and with Joanna’s guidance, participants will each explore their own paths.
Joanna Clifton has been an art teacher for over 20 years; she is also a graduate of Heart Paths and is a spiritual director.
SouperSoul Lunch
Each Wednesday soup’s on at RH as we gather lunch (12:30 pm) and a contemplative practice (check the calendar each week). If you have time to pre-plan, please sign up. If you come at the last minute, this is okay, too! We hope to see you soon at RH.
Volunteers bring a vegan soup with bread options including GF. Soup makers are always needed. You are welcome to cook at the house or bring it by Noon. To sign up for a day to make soup, please email us.
Flute Meditation with Judy Annis
At noon on the first Wednesday of the month, Judy Annis brings flutes and an assortment of other beautiful instruments to Retreat House. Together we share special time in prayerful meditation, poetry, other writings, and music that accompanies the contemplative themes of the day. We hope you will stay for a bowl of soup for Souper Soul lunch.
SouperSoul Lunch
Each Wednesday soup’s on at RH as we gather lunch (12:30 pm) and a contemplative practice (check the calendar each week). If you have time to pre-plan, please sign up. If you come at the last minute, this is okay, too! We hope to see you soon at RH.
Volunteers bring a vegan soup with bread options including GF. Soup makers are always needed. You are welcome to cook at the house or bring it by Noon. To sign up for a day to make soup, please email us.
Weekday Wander with Regina & Clay
As temperatures finally cool down, and autumn hits us in North Texas, it’s a great time to go on a Weekday Wander with Regina & Clay. Following their beautiful experience offered last spring during Wild Week at Retreat House, Regina Hunt and Rev. Dr. Clay Brantley will guide this meaningful morning experience, taking participants on a wander at a nearby nature reserve.
Reserve your space in advance so we have supplies and so we know you’re joining us.
MORE DETAILS FORTHCOMING upon your registration - or Contact Regina with questions.
Family Forte
The mission of Family Forte is to build stronger family systems through education and compassionate listening, to improve interpersonal relationships, and to enhance mutual cooperation contributing to communal strength.
This workshop is for adults who would like to learn what are the essentials of creating a harmonious family system and community. We will explore through the lens of the Redwood Family, roles of family members, respect, boundaries, provisions, and other topics that arise. Facilitated by Shazia Anwar and Lil Smith
Awaken to Gratitude
Awaken to Gratitude: A Stillness Retreat in November
As we approach Thanksgiving, you’re invited to spend a day with us as we explore gratitude through prayer, poetry, practice and presence. We will have creative activities as well as quiet time to contemplate all the things we can and may be grateful for. Limited space so please register in advance. $30 and lunch is included.
Welcoming Winter: A Stillness Retreat
Approaching winter, we will have our seasonal stillness retreat on Wednesday, December 17, with opportunities to share thoughts about the upcoming season, including guided activities, independent creating and simply being in community. Lunch is included.
Together at the Table
Are you looking for . . . .
a caring, inclusive community committed to a world that works for everyone?
a place you feel welcomed and safe to share your story?
a reminder that peace of mind is possible, even in our complicated world?
Join us for Together at the Table, a gathering to build community and provide support for diverse, open-minded people in troubled times. We’ll meet, greet, and share food. Then we’ll have a group conversation based on ideas submitted by those who attend.
Bring a small plate (finger food, tapas) to share if you are able; and know you are welcome whether or not you bring food! Coffee, tea, and water provided.
2025 Dates: October 25 - November 22 - December 20
2026 Dates: January 24 - February 28 - March 28
Questions? Want to volunteer to help out? Contact Gretchen Martens
Family Forte
The mission of Family Forte is to build stronger family systems through education and compassionate listening, to improve interpersonal relationships, and to enhance mutual cooperation contributing to communal strength.
This workshop is for adults who would like to learn what are the essentials of creating a harmonious family system and community. We will explore through the lens of the Redwood Family, roles of family members, respect, boundaries, provisions, and other topics that arise. Facilitated by Shazia Anwar and Lil Smith
SouperSoul Lunch
Each Wednesday soup’s on at RH as we gather lunch (12:30 pm) and a contemplative practice (check the calendar each week). If you have time to pre-plan, please sign up. If you come at the last minute, this is okay, too! We hope to see you soon at RH.
Volunteers bring a vegan soup with bread options including GF. Soup makers are always needed. You are welcome to cook at the house or bring it by Noon. To sign up for a day to make soup, please email us.
Soulful Art
Soul Cards: Your Collage, Your Creation, Your Story
Join us on October 22 for a day of Soulful Art. This month, we will be given some thoughtful prompts, all kinds of collage materials, and tranquil music to guide us in creating special collage cards that will each have a special story, unique to you. We will have time for some writing, reflections and sharing, in addition to plenty of time to create. Come for one session - or come to both; the more you lean into this contemplative practice, the more you get from the experience. Our approach to this exploration is loosely based on Seena Frost’s original Soul Collage® approach to intuitive art for transformation and community.
This popular gathering offers anyone in our community an opportunity to spend a couple of hours in the morning, or a couple of hours in the afternoon - or BOTH sessions - with a delicious Souper Soul lunch in between sessions. Suggested donation of $10 covers the replenishing of supplies. Let us know you’re coming.
Gratefulness Gatherings
Join others as we explore the transformative possibilities of grateful living, and discover greater meaning, purpose, and joy in our lives. Grateful Gatherings will take place every month at Retreat House. We will gather every third Tuesday from 10:30 to noon.
Informed by spiritual wisdom, scholarship, and scientific research, the Gatherings provide community connection, invigorating reflection and conversation, and practical tools for living a meaningful and flourishing life.
Living gratefully helps you navigate the joys and difficulties that accompany life. This is not an exercise in avoiding the hard stuff you experience by pretending things are okay when they are not. Instead, living gratefully is being fully present to your life so that your perspective can be expanded, your compassion enhanced, and your purpose discovered in this moment. This is what makes every day more meaningful.
The Gatherings will be hosted by Richard Mickelson, a trained facilitator. We will utilize robust materials provided by the Grateful Living organization (grateful.org). The gathering is open to anyone seeking inspiration, resources, and fellowship for living life with purpose and joy.
The Grateful Living organization supports daily life during challenging and joyful times with programs, resources, and skills for being more fully alive. They have a revolutionary spirit like their founder, the internationally beloved “Grandfather of Gratitude,” Br. David Steindl-Rast. They are a global nonprofit organization that empowers people to live meaningful lives through the transformative practice of grateful living.
Contact Richard at 123ramick@gmail.com; or contact inquiry@retreathousecommunity.org
Consider making a donation to Retreat House to help us tend spaces for little to no cost.
Pop Up Friday: Create in Community
Everyone is welcome. Bring your own project or start something new.
House of Creativity submissions are due October 26. Have you created something - in writing or other medium that you’re waiting to submit? Have you been putting off the final touches? Now is the time and Retreat House is the place.
Join us Friday, any time between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Your hosts for the day are Karen Hoffman and Sandy Hammond. We will have writing materials in the Library and art supplies in The Artist Within. We’ll provide snacks; you provide creativity. Bring a project from home that you’ve been working on - or create something new.
Cultivate your own creative flow in our contemplative space, as you prepare for your weekend.
Common Ground: Interfaith Conversation and Lunch
Join us 3rd Thursdays of each month for community-wide interfaith and multicultural conversations, sharing stories around various themes from our different faith and cultural experiences and traditions. Complimentary lunch for all participants. Bring your ideas and questions to this warm gathering. Let us know you’re coming so we save you a space at the table.
This month, we will be discussing various facets of PEACE - in our own lives and practices, our faith and cultural traditions, through prayer and action. We welcome conversation, questions and insights from participants as we discuss questions such as:
How do our traditions include prayers for peace in liturgy?
How do we move from prayer to action in securing peace?
How do we engage in conversation with or about people, values or topics that are not in alignment with our own beliefs?
What tools do our faith traditions give us to work toward peace in our lives, our homes and family, our community and the world?
Write-In with Gretchen
Feeling stuck writing for House of Creativity?
Still not happy with your final submission?
First time author with the jitters?
Join us for a Write In with Gretchen, our friendly editor, and other Retreat House writers, for a fun jump start on your writing! You’re sure to leave feeling confident and inspired. And if you’re attending in person on a Wednessday, consider joining us for Souper Soul Luncheon to fuel your body as you get ready to fuel your mind! Everyone is welcome!
A donation of $10 is suggested but not required to participate. If you aren’t able to donate $10, please contact Gretchen directly to register here.
SouperSoul Lunch
Each Wednesday soup’s on at RH as we gather lunch (12:30 pm) and a contemplative practice (check the calendar each week). If you have time to pre-plan, please sign up. If you come at the last minute, this is okay, too! We hope to see you soon at RH.
Volunteers bring a vegan soup with bread options including GF. Soup makers are always needed. You are welcome to cook at the house or bring it by Noon. To sign up for a day to make soup, please email us.
Interspiritual Meditation
Jackie Linden Schade, pastor, spiritual director and trained ISM facilitator joins Fran Shelton, author, pastor and spiritual director, as they bring InterSpiritual Meditation back to Retreat House this fall. ISM brings ancient teachings to modern day, allowing individuals space for personal practice.
We will gather in person at Retreat House, 2nd Sunday of each month, 5-7 p.m.
Open to all. Questions or RSVP here.
Writer's Gathering online
We all have a story to share. As writers of stories, it is good to join with others to share our journeys, thoughts, ideas, struggles, and “aha"s. Writers often compose in solitude but get energy, inspiration, and insight when we meet in community with other writers. In this online gathering we discuss what we are writing, why we are writing, where our hopes and struggles are, and who we are when we write. No experience is necessary to join in the fun. Writers’ Gathering is for all writers in all genres - beginner, novice, experienced.
This gathering is a sacred space of giving and receiving. Facilitated by Gretchen Martens
Have you considered sharing your writing more widely? This fall you have a special opportunity to submit your poetry, prose or any style of writing for our upcoming book entitled, House of Creativity. For more information, contact Gretchen.
Family Forte
The mission of Family Forte is to build stronger family systems through education and compassionate listening, to improve interpersonal relationships, and to enhance mutual cooperation contributing to communal strength.
This workshop is for adults who would like to learn what are the essentials of creating a harmonious family system and community. We will explore through the lens of the Redwood Family, roles of family members, respect, boundaries, provisions, and other topics that arise. Facilitated by Shazia Anwar and Lil Smith
Write-In with Gretchen
Feeling stuck writing for House of Creativity?
Still not happy with your final submission?
First time author with the jitters?
Join us for a Write In with Gretchen, our friendly editor, and other Retreat House writers, for a fun jump start on your writing! You’re sure to leave feeling confident and inspired. And if you’re attending in person on a Wednessday, consider joining us for Souper Soul Luncheon to fuel your body as you get ready to fuel your mind! Everyone is welcome!
A donation of $10 is suggested but not required to participate. If you aren’t able to donate $10, please contact Gretchen directly to register here.
SouperSoul Lunch
Each Wednesday soup’s on at RH as we gather lunch (12:30 pm) and a contemplative practice (check the calendar each week). If you have time to pre-plan, please sign up. If you come at the last minute, this is okay, too! We hope to see you soon at RH.
Volunteers bring a vegan soup with bread options including GF. Soup makers are always needed. You are welcome to cook at the house or bring it by Noon. To sign up for a day to make soup, please email us.
Story Kitchen
Now that Gretchen is back in Dallas, we’re excited to spend more time in person with her at Retreat House!
Beginning October 8, Gretchen will be offering free “drop-in” office hours for all your writing questions and concerns before Souper Soul Lunch.
2nd Wednesdays of each month, from 10:00 a.m. until Noon, you have the opportunity to come by Retreat House and join Gretchen in the kitchen. While making soup for our Souper Soul Lunch, Gretchen will offer her expertise as a writer, editor and creator of Village of Care Press, the publishing company for all our “House of…” books.
Virtual Write-In Workshop for House of Creativity
ZOOM SESSION ONLY - On Friday, October 3, Gretchen will offer a writing workshop on Zoom, at no cost, from 4:00-5:30 p.m. If you can’t join us in person - or Wednesdays don’t work for you - join us on Friday. (No cost to join).
Email Gretchen for details and log in.
Write-In with Gretchen
Feeling stuck writing for House of Creativity?
Still not happy with your final submission?
First time author with the jitters?
Join us for a Write In with Gretchen, our friendly editor, and other Retreat House writers, for a fun jump start on your writing! You’re sure to leave feeling confident and inspired. And if you’re attending in person on a Wednessday, consider joining us for Souper Soul Luncheon to fuel your body as you get ready to fuel your mind! Everyone is welcome!
A donation of $10 is suggested but not required to participate. If you aren’t able to donate $10, please contact Gretchen directly to register here.
SouperSoul Lunch
Each Wednesday soup’s on at RH as we gather lunch (12:30 pm) and a contemplative practice (check the calendar each week). If you have time to pre-plan, please sign up. If you come at the last minute, this is okay, too! We hope to see you soon at RH.
Volunteers bring a vegan soup with bread options including GF. Soup makers are always needed. You are welcome to cook at the house or bring it by Noon. To sign up for a day to make soup, please email us.
Flute Meditation with Judy Annis
At noon on the first Wednesday of the month, Judy Annis brings flutes and an assortment of other beautiful instruments to Retreat House. Together we share special time in prayerful meditation, poetry, other writings, and music that accompanies the contemplative themes of the day. We hope you will stay for a bowl of soup for Souper Soul lunch.
Falling into Autumn: A Stillness Retreat
Even if it’s still hot, and we’re not seeing the fall colors quite yet, this week has been the first week of Autumn. People love sharing these seasonal changes with us at our stillness retreats. Join us as we cross the threshold from summer to fall. We’ll spend time reading, writing, playing and creating with nature and the stunning colors of autumn. There will be plenty of time for you to have personal time to contemplate what you’re preparing to release this season - and we’ll enjoy time together as well, including a catered lunch. Register in advance - you don’t want to miss this Friday opportunity to be with us.
Soulful Art: Tizheb - Geometric Art Technique
Learn more about our instructor here.
From her site, “…I use geometric patterns and abstraction to transcend the physical world and create a space for spiritual reflection. By balancing visible form with hidden meaning, I aim to craft artworks that reveal deeper truths and invite viewers to explore the mysteries beneath the surface.” Sharmeen Ugali, MFA.
SouperSoul Lunch
Each Wednesday soup’s on at RH as we gather lunch (12:30 pm) and a contemplative practice (check the calendar each week). If you have time to pre-plan, please sign up. If you come at the last minute, this is okay, too! We hope to see you soon at RH.
Volunteers bring a vegan soup with bread options including GF. Soup makers are always needed. You are welcome to cook at the house or bring it by Noon. To sign up for a day to make soup, please email us.
Common Ground: Interfaith Conversation and Lunch
This month’s Common Ground coincides with North Texas Giving Day. We are going to be celebrating in community over a delicious traditional Ethiopian meal being prepared by Anisa Adem, to honor Ethiopian New Year. Our theme on North Texas Giving Day is GENEROSITY! Your RSVP will help us know how many people to expect for this exceptional lunch and learn. Bring your appetites, your thirst (she brings special teas and coffee) and your questions or ideas about how generosity is expressed and honored by our faith traditions.
Mark your calendar for Third Thursdays each month where we gather over a delicious lunch and share stories, insights and traditions around a theme - through the lived experiences and teachings of various faiths. As one of our regular programs, at Retreat House, Common Ground speaks to our Core Values of Brave Vulnerability, Cultivation, Chesed, Cross Pollination and the sharing of Sacred Stories.
No Cost - Please let us know you’re joining us with your RSVP .here.
SouperSoul Lunch
Each Wednesday soup’s on at RH as we gather lunch (12:30 pm) and a contemplative practice (check the calendar each week). If you have time to pre-plan, please sign up. If you come at the last minute, this is okay, too! We hope to see you soon at RH.
Volunteers bring a vegan soup with bread options including GF. Soup makers are always needed. You are welcome to cook at the house or bring it by Noon. To sign up for a day to make soup, please email us.
Harp Meditation with Patsy
On the third Wednesday of each month, our local harpist, Patsy Sadowski, fills our souls with the sound of contemplative harp at noon. Accompanied by poetry, prayers and other meditative readings, you won’t want to miss this experience. Then stay for soup and conversation. Let us know you’re coming so we set up space for you.
Gratefulness Gatherings
Join others as we explore the transformative possibilities of grateful living, and discover greater meaning, purpose, and joy in our lives. Grateful Gatherings will take place every month at Retreat House. We will gather every third Tuesday from 10:30 to noon.
Informed by spiritual wisdom, scholarship, and scientific research, the Gatherings provide community connection, invigorating reflection and conversation, and practical tools for living a meaningful and flourishing life.
Living gratefully helps you navigate the joys and difficulties that accompany life. This is not an exercise in avoiding the hard stuff you experience by pretending things are okay when they are not. Instead, living gratefully is being fully present to your life so that your perspective can be expanded, your compassion enhanced, and your purpose discovered in this moment. This is what makes every day more meaningful.
The Gatherings will be hosted by Richard Mickelson, a trained facilitator. We will utilize robust materials provided by the Grateful Living organization (grateful.org). The gathering is open to anyone seeking inspiration, resources, and fellowship for living life with purpose and joy.
The Grateful Living organization supports daily life during challenging and joyful times with programs, resources, and skills for being more fully alive. They have a revolutionary spirit like their founder, the internationally beloved “Grandfather of Gratitude,” Br. David Steindl-Rast. They are a global nonprofit organization that empowers people to live meaningful lives through the transformative practice of grateful living.
Contact Richard at 123ramick@gmail.com; or contact inquiry@retreathousecommunity.org
Consider making a donation to Retreat House to help us tend spaces for little to no cost.
Interspiritual Meditation
Jackie Linden Schade, pastor, spiritual director and trained ISM facilitator joins Fran Shelton, author, pastor and spiritual director, as they bring InterSpiritual Meditation back to Retreat House this fall. ISM brings ancient teachings to modern day, allowing individuals space for personal practice.
We will gather in person at Retreat House, 2nd Sunday of each month, 5-7 p.m.
Open to all. Questions or RSVP here.
Writer's Gathering online
We all have a story to share. As writers of stories, it is good to join with others to share our journeys, thoughts, ideas, struggles, and “aha"s. Writers often compose in solitude but get energy, inspiration, and insight when we meet in community with other writers. In this online gathering we discuss what we are writing, why we are writing, where our hopes and struggles are, and who we are when we write. No experience is necessary to join in the fun. Writers’ Gathering is for all writers in all genres - beginner, novice, experienced.
This gathering is a sacred space of giving and receiving. Facilitated by Gretchen Martens
SouperSoul Lunch
Each Wednesday soup’s on at RH as we gather lunch (12:30 pm) and a contemplative practice (check the calendar each week). If you have time to pre-plan, please sign up. If you come at the last minute, this is okay, too! We hope to see you soon at RH.
Volunteers bring a vegan soup with bread options including GF. Soup makers are always needed. You are welcome to cook at the house or bring it by Noon. To sign up for a day to make soup, please email us.
SouperSoul Lunch
Each Wednesday soup’s on at RH as we gather lunch (12:30 pm) and a contemplative practice (check the calendar each week). If you have time to pre-plan, please sign up. If you come at the last minute, this is okay, too! We hope to see you soon at RH.
Volunteers bring a vegan soup with bread options including GF. Soup makers are always needed. You are welcome to cook at the house or bring it by Noon. To sign up for a day to make soup, please email us.