Online Morning Meditation & Prayer
Join us Weekdays Monday-Friday at 9:00 a.m. (Central Time)
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
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.
The group 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.
Upcoming opportunities for group session opportunities are
Thursday, June 11
Saturday, June 13
A minimum of four (4) participants is needed for the Circle to make. The maximum is twelve (12).
Facilitators:
Dr. Shazia Anwar: Listening to the Redwoods:
Shazia was born in Karachi, Pakistan. She was trained as an OB/GYN in Karachi. She has lived in Chicago for more than 20 years where she did Academic research in psychiatry. To incorporate the spiritual component in her work, she obtained a degree in Islamic Sciences, with special interest in Islamic Psychology and Counseling. Her husband is a Physician, they are blessed with three children and a grandchild.
Dr. Lil Smith: Compassionate Listening:
Lil was born in Nashville, TN and is the granddaughter of the first licensed psychiatrist in the state of TN. Frank Luton is her mentor in ministry as he knew deeply the interconnectedness of mental health and the family. As a co-founder of Retreat House, Lil’s passion is holding space for compassionate listening to self, others, and communities. Her husband is an entrepreneur, they are blessed with three children and two grandchildren.
Why Family Forte?
Lil and Shazia have been working on this project for more than a year. It started with a discussion on how we can bring compassion into our family systems. Something that would feel more like a gentle breeze and opens our minds for higher perception.
We had our first pilot session within the RH community .The second one with community leaders who brought in their expertise in various professional backgrounds.
Check out some of our reviews:
The comparison of human family systems to the redwood forest is excellent, nature has so much to teach us’
Sherry
spiritual director
retired RN, retired minister
This knowledge is so valued and has been missing from my experience as a young parent. This concept is so wonderful, so needed in our world and community!
Kasey
executive director nonprofit for moms
Well thought out and very thought provoking.
Gavin
ministry leader, youth impact leader
spiritual director
Very excited about possibilities in my family. This is so appropriate for family discussion, regardless of religious tradition.
Arva
a devoted grandmother
I think this is very helpful for our country not just families in this time of polarization and loss of compassion era.
Robin
hospice chaplain
writer
Wonderful thought provoking content, it inspires a necessary conversation for families.
Sheeza
executive coach, trainer, counselor
This will be very helpful for the people I work with who are out of crisis and need of building back their family systems.
Mona
nonprofit CEO, works with trauma- culture-women
In addition to our group sessions at RH, private family sessions (adults and their children) are available by contacting Shazia directly at Shazia@retreathousecommunity.org
Reach out to Shazia for available days and times.
Private Individual 75 minute session: $65 base fee plus a $10 materials fee per person.
More information about Family Forte can be found here. Facilitated by Shazia Anwar and Lil Smith.
House of Becoming - Book Release & Celebration
Book Release and Celebration: House of Becoming and Meet and Greet with Aaron Manes
Join us as we celebrate the release of the newest Retreat House book, House of Becoming and the New RH Executive Director: Aaron Manes
Friday, June 12, 2026
4 to 6 pm
Author readings begin at 4:30 pm
Meet and greet with Aaron Manes, newly established Executive Director for Retreat House.
Filled with prose and poetry, heartfelt writings by members of our RH community, you won’t want to miss reading - and gifting - this book. Our in-house editor extraordinaire, Gretchen Martens, will be with us as we eat, drink and read together.
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.
The group 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.
Upcoming opportunities for group session opportunities are
Thursday, June 11
Saturday, June 13
A minimum of four (4) participants is needed for the Circle to make. The maximum is twelve (12).
Facilitators:
Dr. Shazia Anwar: Listening to the Redwoods:
Shazia was born in Karachi, Pakistan. She was trained as an OB/GYN in Karachi. She has lived in Chicago for more than 20 years where she did Academic research in psychiatry. To incorporate the spiritual component in her work, she obtained a degree in Islamic Sciences, with special interest in Islamic Psychology and Counseling. Her husband is a Physician, they are blessed with three children and a grandchild.
Dr. Lil Smith: Compassionate Listening:
Lil was born in Nashville, TN and is the granddaughter of the first licensed psychiatrist in the state of TN. Frank Luton is her mentor in ministry as he knew deeply the interconnectedness of mental health and the family. As a co-founder of Retreat House, Lil’s passion is holding space for compassionate listening to self, others, and communities. Her husband is an entrepreneur, they are blessed with three children and two grandchildren.
Why Family Forte?
Lil and Shazia have been working on this project for more than a year. It started with a discussion on how we can bring compassion into our family systems. Something that would feel more like a gentle breeze and opens our minds for higher perception.
We had our first pilot session within the RH community .The second one with community leaders who brought in their expertise in various professional backgrounds.
Check out some of our reviews:
The comparison of human family systems to the redwood forest is excellent, nature has so much to teach us’
Sherry
spiritual director
retired RN, retired minister
This knowledge is so valued and has been missing from my experience as a young parent. This concept is so wonderful, so needed in our world and community!
Kasey
executive director nonprofit for moms
Well thought out and very thought provoking.
Gavin
ministry leader, youth impact leader
spiritual director
Very excited about possibilities in my family. This is so appropriate for family discussion, regardless of religious tradition.
Arva
a devoted grandmother
I think this is very helpful for our country not just families in this time of polarization and loss of compassion era.
Robin
hospice chaplain
writer
Wonderful thought provoking content, it inspires a necessary conversation for families.
Sheeza
executive coach, trainer, counselor
This will be very helpful for the people I work with who are out of crisis and need of building back their family systems.
Mona
nonprofit CEO, works with trauma- culture-women
In addition to our group sessions at RH, private family sessions (adults and their children) are available by contacting Shazia directly at Shazia@retreathousecommunity.org
Reach out to Shazia for available days and times.
Private Individual 75 minute session: $65 base fee plus a $10 materials fee per person.
More information about Family Forte can be found here. Facilitated by Shazia Anwar and Lil Smith.
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.
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 Lunch & Learn
You’re invited to join our multi-faith community on 3rd Thursdays of the month We gather from 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. with participants sharing their own faith and cultural traditions, teachings, and practices on various themes. All are welcome and we offer a delicious lunch that meets dietary needs.
Common Ground is a special gathering that touches on many of our Retreat House Core Values: Brave Vulnerability, Chesed, Sharing Sacred Stories, Cultivation and Cross Pollination. We hope you’ll join in our community sharing. There is no charge for participation and all are welcome.
In June, our theme is Immigration: How our faith traditions teach us about immigrants, with special guest Kim Verriere, RH Covenant Partner, Spiritual Director and active member of the multi-faith organization, CLEAR, Clergy League for Emergency Action and Response.
Summer Solstice - Stillness Retreat
Join us as we approach the Summer Solstice, for our quarterly stillness retreat. Facilitated by Karen Hoffman and Sherry Ward, this special day will include contemplative time as community and individually, with opportunities to explore the role of water in our lives. We will create with water in different ways, in addition to nourishing ourselves with lessons from sand and sea. Refreshments throughout the day, including lunch, are included with registration.
Vedic Fire Ceremony: Commemorating Summer Solstice
The Vedic fire ceremony is an instrument that harnesses the purification quality of fire.
This ancient ritual is performed at precise times depending on celestial events. Daily sunrises and sunsets, monthly lunation cycles or major planetary transits are used as guides for timing. In daily life they are used in celebration or as an auspicious offering to bring about peaceful change and abundance.
A “kunda,” a square pit that faces all four directions, is used to contain the fire where gifts of grains, ghee, herbs and seeds are offered and specific mantras are repeated.
This sacred fire coupled with prayerful intention removes fear, spreads joy, purifies the environment and creates conditions for peace and prosperity.
Join Retreat House Covenant Partner, Lavanga Schlette from 4-6 p.m. Registration includes Fire Ceremony and Dinner.
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.
Questions? Want to volunteer to help out? Contact Gretchen Martens
Saturday (usually 4th Saturday) at Retreat House from 4 to 6 pm
2026 Dates: May 30, June 27, July 25, August 29, September 26, October 24, November 21, December 19.
Kirtan Meditation and Dinner
The central component of Bhakti, the yoga of devotion, kirtan (keer-tahn) is a heart-centered mantra meditation practice where we experience the Divine via sacred sound. Through simple call-and-response chanting, live music, and community connection, kirtan creates space for inner stillness, reflection, and spiritual connection.
After the meditation, we will have a short discussion on the practice followed by a vegan/gluten free dinner.
Bring an open heart so we can fill it up — no musical experience needed, come as you are.
Spiritual Work of Getting Curious about Emotional Reactions
Are you curious about why you react so strongly? Do you want to learn practices that can help you use your emotional reactions for spiritual growth? This workshop is designed to teach you how to turn emotional reactions, that use to leave you feeling unspiritual and guilty, into fuel for deeper connections to God, yourself, and others. You will learn tools that can help you:
Determine if an emotional reaction is more about what just happened or your underlying beliefs.
Understand how reactions are tied to beliefs.
Dig Deep to identify the beliefs that fueled the emotional reaction.
Shine the Light of God’s Truth on any false beliefs.
Come learn how your emotional reactions can fuel your spiritual transformation.
Facilitated by Catherine Weiskopf, Author and Spiritual Companion
Spiritual Work of Getting Curious about Emotional Reactions
Are you curious about why you react so strongly? Do you want to learn practices that can help you use your emotional reactions for spiritual growth? This workshop is designed to teach you how to turn emotional reactions, that use to leave you feeling unspiritual and guilty, into fuel for deeper connections to God, yourself, and others. You will learn tools that can help you:
Determine if an emotional reaction is more about what just happened or your underlying beliefs.
Understand how reactions are tied to beliefs.
Dig Deep to identify the beliefs that fueled the emotional reaction.
Shine the Light of God’s Truth on any false beliefs.
Come learn how your emotional reactions can fuel your spiritual transformation.
Facilitated by Catherine Weiskopf, Author and Spiritual Companion
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.
Kirtan Meditation and Dinner
The central component of Bhakti, the yoga of devotion, kirtan (keer-tahn) is a heart-centered mantra meditation practice where we experience the Divine via sacred sound. Through simple call-and-response chanting, live music, and community connection, kirtan creates space for inner stillness, reflection, and spiritual connection.
After the meditation, we will have a short discussion on the practice followed by a vegan/gluten free dinner.
Bring an open heart so we can fill it up — no musical experience needed, come as you are.
What is Spiritual Direction?
An entry point for curious people - Join trained spiritual director and Retreat House Covenant Partner, Kim Verriere, for a presentation and discussion, addressing the history of spiritual direction, how to find a spiritual director, when & why people seek spiritual direction, what to expect, shared resources and your questions and answers.
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.
Kirtan Meditation and Dinner
The central component of Bhakti, the yoga of devotion, kirtan (keer-tahn) is a heart-centered mantra meditation practice where we experience the Divine via sacred sound. Through simple call-and-response chanting, live music, and community connection, kirtan creates space for inner stillness, reflection, and spiritual connection.
After the meditation, we will have a short discussion on the practice followed by a vegan/gluten free dinner.
Bring an open heart so we can fill it up — no musical experience needed, come as you are.
Kirtan Meditation and Dinner
The central component of Bhakti, the yoga of devotion, kirtan (keer-tahn) is a heart-centered mantra meditation practice where we experience the Divine via sacred sound. Through simple call-and-response chanting, live music, and community connection, kirtan creates space for inner stillness, reflection, and spiritual connection.
After the meditation, we will have a short discussion on the practice followed by a vegan/gluten free dinner.
Bring an open heart so we can fill it up — no musical experience needed, come as you are.
Vedic Fire Ceremony
The Vedic fire ceremony is an instrument that harnesses the purification quality of fire.
This ancient ritual is performed at precise times depending on celestial events. Daily sunrises and sunsets, monthly lunation cycles or major planetary transits are used as guides for timing. In daily life they are used in celebration or as an auspicious offering to bring about peaceful change and abundance.
A “kunda,” a square pit that faces all four directions, is used to contain the fire where gifts of grains, ghee, herbs and seeds are offered and specific mantras are repeated.
This sacred fire coupled with prayerful intention removes fear, spreads joy, purifies the environment and creates conditions for peace and prosperity.
Join Retreat House Covenant Partner, Lavanga Schlette from 4-6 p.m. Registration includes Fire Ceremony and Dinner.
Kirtan Meditation and Dinner
The central component of Bhakti, the yoga of devotion, kirtan (keer-tahn) is a heart-centered mantra meditation practice where we experience the Divine via sacred sound. Through simple call-and-response chanting, live music, and community connection, kirtan creates space for inner stillness, reflection, and spiritual connection.
After the meditation, we will have a short discussion on the practice followed by a vegan/gluten free dinner.
Bring an open heart so we can fill it up — no musical experience needed, come as you are.
Kirtan Meditation and Dinner with a theme of Gratitude
The central component of Bhakti, the yoga of devotion, kirtan (keer-tahn) is a heart-centered mantra meditation practice where we experience the Divine via sacred sound. Through simple call-and-response chanting, live music, and community connection, kirtan creates space for inner stillness, reflection, and spiritual connection.
After the meditation, we will have a short discussion on the practice followed by a vegan/gluten free dinner.
Bring an open heart so we can fill it up — no musical experience needed, come as you are.
Kirtan Meditation and Dinner with Recitation of BhagavaD Gita
The central component of Bhakti, the yoga of devotion, kirtan (keer-tahn) is a heart-centered mantra meditation practice where we experience the Divine via sacred sound. Through simple call-and-response chanting, live music, and community connection, kirtan creates space for inner stillness, reflection, and spiritual connection.
After the meditation, we will have a short discussion on the practice followed by a vegan/gluten free dinner.
Bring an open heart so we can fill it up — no musical experience needed, come as you are.
New Year’s Special Vedic Fire Ceremony
The Vedic fire ceremony is an instrument that harnesses the purification quality of fire.
This ancient ritual is performed at precise times depending on celestial events. Daily sunrises and sunsets, monthly lunation cycles or major planetary transits are used as guides for timing. In daily life they are used in celebration or as an auspicious offering to bring about peaceful change and abundance.
A “kunda,” a square pit that faces all four directions, is used to contain the fire where gifts of grains, ghee, herbs and seeds are offered and specific mantras are repeated.
This sacred fire coupled with prayerful intention removes fear, spreads joy, purifies the environment and creates conditions for peace and prosperity.
Join Retreat House Covenant Partner, Lavanga Schlette from 4-6 p.m. Registration includes Fire Ceremony and Dinner.
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.
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.
Finding the Divine in Nature: Contemplative Prayer in Celtic Tradition
Were you with us during Wild Week, when we explored Finding the Divine in Nature? Do you feel moved by the power of nature and the writings of people like Ray Simpson and John O’Donohue? Are you curious about contemplative prayer and Celtic traditions?
Please join Sharon Hudak, spiritual director, for contemplative prayer in the tradition of Celtic spirituality, drawing on the writings of Ray Simpson, John O’Donahue, and others on the second Wednesdays of every month at 11:45 in St. John’s room, starting June 10.
Please reserve your space and stay for our Souper Lunch afterward.
Were you with us during Wild Week, when we explored Finding the Divine in Nature? Do you feel moved by the power of nature and the writings of people like Ray Simpson and John O’Donohue? Are you curious about contemplative prayer and Celtic traditions?
Please join Sharon Hudak, spiritual director, for contemplative prayer in the tradition of Celtic spirituality, drawing on the writings of Ray Simpson, John O’Donahue, and others on the second Wednesdays of every month at 11:45 in St. John’s room, starting June 10.
Please reserve your space and stay for our Souper Lunch afterward.
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.
Questions? Want to volunteer to help out? Contact Gretchen Martens
Saturday (usually 4th Saturday) at Retreat House from 4 to 6 pm
2026 Dates: May 30, June 27, July 25, August 29, September 26, October 24, November 21, December 19.
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 - May, 2026
You’re invited to join our multi-faith community on 3rd Thursdays of the month We gather from 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. with participants sharing their own faith and cultural traditions, teachings, and practices on various themes. All are welcome and we offer a delicious lunch that meets dietary needs.
Common Ground is a special gathering that touches on many of our Retreat House Core Values: Brave Vulnerability, Chesed, Sharing Sacred Stories, Cultivation and Cross Pollination. We hope you’ll join in our community sharing. There is no charge for participation and all are welcome.
In June, our theme is Immigration: How our faith traditions teach us about immigrants, with special guest Kim Verriere, RH Covenant Partner, Spiritual Director and active member of the multi-faith organization, CLEAR, Clergy League for Emergency Action and Response.
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.
PLEASE NOTE: There will NOT be Harp Meditation on June 17, 2026.
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.
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.
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.
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.
