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
Click to:
Join RH Prayer Circle
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Remaining 2025 Dates:December 20
2026 Dates: January 24 - February 28 - March 28
Questions? Want to volunteer to help out? Contact Gretchen Martens
2026 Threshold into the New Year
Release 2025 and welcome 2026!
Threshold into the New Year is designed for those creating a new vision board/rule of life and for those who are updating one.
Part one is spent in reflection of 2025 and beginning to discover words and images that have meaning to crossing the threshold into a new year. Part two is spent creating a visual and/or written desire for relationship with the Holy in 2026. You will work on your own project and be blessed with the community that surrounds you.
This is the eighth year for this workshop. The house is transformed into a creative studio with several rooms set aside for wondering and imagining. We provide all of the tools. You just need to show up.
If you have an existing vision board or rule of life from another year, you are welcome to bring it with you. You are welcome to bring any of your own supplies.
Instruction will be given by Lil Smith each day at 10:00 am. You may come as early as 9 am to get coffee, get settled into your creative station, and have some breathing room. Lil will be available during the day to help you reflect and imagine.
The format this year will be three days. You may come one day or all three.
Cost $30 each day includes supplies, snacks, drinks, and lunch
Limited to 20 participants each day (ages 17 and up)
December 9, 9 am to1:30 pm
December 31, 10 am to 3 pm
January 8, 10 am to 3 pm
To register for multiple days, please add additional registrations to the cart and select the dates in the registration form
2026 Threshold into the New Year
Release 2025 and welcome 2026!
Threshold into the New Year is designed for those creating a new vision board/rule of life and for those who are updating one.
Part one is spent in reflection of 2025 and beginning to discover words and images that have meaning to crossing the threshold into a new year. Part two is spent creating a visual and/or written desire for relationship with the Holy in 2026. You will work on your own project and be blessed with the community that surrounds you.
This is the eighth year for this workshop. The house is transformed into a creative studio with several rooms set aside for wondering and imagining. We provide all of the tools. You just need to show up.
If you have an existing vision board or rule of life from another year, you are welcome to bring it with you. You are welcome to bring any of your own supplies.
Instruction will be given by Lil Smith each day at 10:00 am. You may come as early as 9 am to get coffee, get settled into your creative station, and have some breathing room. Lil will be available during the day to help you reflect and imagine.
The format this year will be three days. You may come one day or all three.
Cost $30 each day includes supplies, snacks, drinks, and lunch
Limited to 20 participants each day (ages 17 and up)
December 9, 9 am to1:30 pm
December 31, 10 am to 3 pm
January 8, 10 am to 3 pm
To register for multiple days, please add additional registrations to the cart and select the dates in the registration form
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.
Upcoming Dates: January 24 - February 28 - March 28
Questions? Want to volunteer to help out? Contact Gretchen Martens
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.
Upcoming Dates: February 28 - March 28
Questions? Want to volunteer to help out? Contact Gretchen Martens
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.
Questions? Want to volunteer to help out? Contact Gretchen Martens
Holiday House Party and House of Creativity Celebration
You won’t want to miss this afternoon of celebration as we release our newest Retreat House book, House of Creativity!
We've seen the preview copy and we can't wait to reveal the newest RH book, House of Creativity!
Together we will celebrate our RH authors and celebrate the season of light.
There will be tasty bubbles and nibbles, author readings, and books for sale.
*New this year, RH is honoring authors in the RH community who have new books published. Some of our authors will be present to sell and sign their books.
Karen Hoffman: Beyond the Pages: 100 Short Stories with Life Lessons
Gretchen Martens: Happiness
Check back with this page to see other authors who will be attending.
And there will be RH Book specials:
*Special Promotion for the House of Creativity Book Launch
It’s the winter holiday season, which often means giving gifts. We have a special December promotion for our House of Creativity book launch—buy House of Creativity and two books of your choosing for $25, which includes a beautiful organza gift bag ready for giving or mailing. Gretchen Martens, your friendly book concierge, is also happy to ship books for you for an additional $10 to cover postage. She will need orders by December 15.
Creative ideas for the holidays
Save time and gift all of your arty friends a copy of House of Creativity.
Buy House of Creativity and send it with art supplies to a friend or relative.
Host an art event for friends at your home or rent the Retreat House art room and use House of Creativity as inspiration to create art.
**Buy One, Give Two (or more)
As part of the launch of House of Creativity and our commitment to supporting our community, we are asking members of our Retreat House community to consider sponsoring books for donation to community partners on behalf of Retreat House. Gretchen Martens, House of books publisher (Village of Care Press) and author of Happiness, will match all donations
Buy One, Give Two ($20): Buy a copy for yourself and donate two copies (one book match)
Donate a Mini-Library ($50): Sponsor a 10-book mini-library, which will include a nameplate acknowledging you as the sponsor, if desired (two book match)
***And, don't forget!
E-books can be purchased on our website or on Amazon.
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.
Feeling Jolly? Paradox of the Holidays
Are you actively grieving a loss or change this holiday season?
Does celebrating feel out of sync with your heart this year?
Do you want to hold space for those who aren’t feeling jolly, merry, and bright?
Do you long for a place where you don’t have to pretend?
Join us for this special gathering and discussion. There is no cost to participate, but please RSVP below.
The holiday season can amplify our feelings of grief and loss, stir up old memories, and cause even the simplest of moments to feel especially heavy. Many of us are struggling with financial pressures, health issues, dismay at the state of our country, and fear for loved ones. Even “happy” events like marriage, a promotion, a move, or the birth of a baby mark change that can entail loss for the sake of moving forward.
During this season we find ourselves just going through the “motions” and then begin to feel overwhelmed. Whether you’re grieving a recent loss, carrying a long-held sorrow, or simply struggling with expectations of joy, you are not alone.
Please join Rev. Nancy Sherman Carter and soul doula Gretchen Martens in a compassionate, restorative gathering where all feelings are held and validated
space for brave vulnerability and sacred storytelling
time for reflection
tools for grounding, comfort, and self-care while navigating this season of celebration
Join this community that understands the courage it takes to show up as you are—with your authentic emotions, your tenderness, and your truth. Let this be a moment of connection, comfort, and quiet hope.
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.
Want more information? Contact Gretchen here.
2026 Threshold into the New Year
Release 2025 and welcome 2026!
Threshold into the New Year is designed for those creating a new vision board/rule of life and for those who are updating one.
Part one is spent in reflection of 2025 and beginning to discover words and images that have meaning to crossing the threshold into a new year. Part two is spent creating a visual and/or written desire for relationship with the Holy in 2026. You will work on your own project and be blessed with the community that surrounds you.
This is the eighth year for this workshop. The house is transformed into a creative studio with several rooms set aside for wondering and imagining. We provide all of the tools. You just need to show up.
If you have an existing vision board or rule of life from another year, you are welcome to bring it with you. You are welcome to bring any of your own supplies.
Instruction will be given by Lil Smith each day at 10:00 am. You may come as early as 9 am to get coffee, get settled into your creative station, and have some breathing room. Lil will be available during the day to help you reflect and imagine.
The format this year will be three days. You may come one day or all three.
Cost $30 each day includes supplies, snacks, drinks, and lunch
Limited to 20 participants each day (ages 17 and up)
December 9, 9 am to1:30 pm
December 31, 10 am to 3 pm
January 8, 10 am to 3 pm
To register for multiple days, please add additional registrations to the cart and select the dates in the registration form
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.
Music & Meditation with Judy
Start your month with a meditative music practice on the First Wednesdays at Noon. Judith Ritchie-Annis, certified music practitioner, brings us an array of musical instruments that we use with accompanying poetry, texts or themes each month. Then, join us for lunch at Souper Soul Wednesdays at 12:30
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 November 22 - December 20
2026 Dates: January 24 - February 28 - March 28
Questions? Want to volunteer to help out? Contact Gretchen Martens
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; catered lunch is included.
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.
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
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.
Want more information? Contact Gretchen here.
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.
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.
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.
Music & Meditation with Judy
Start your month with a meditative music practice on the First Wednesdays at Noon. Judith Ritchie-Annis, certified music practitioner, brings us an array of musical instruments that we use with accompanying poetry, texts or themes each month. Then, join us for lunch at Souper Soul Wednesdays at 12:30
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.
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.