August 15 - 17, 2008
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Weekend Writers Workshop: Writing for Ourselves and For Others
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Facilitator(s):
| Katerina Whitley
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| Writing for Ourselves and for Others
$140 commuter price for those not staying at Conference Center.
This workshop will focus on writing for personal satisfaction–primarily in the form of the literary essay--and for publication. Katerina will also address the following:
What is poetic writing? What is a query letter and how do we write one that grabs attention? What is the process of submitting writings for publication? How do we move beyond writing for our own pleasure to sharing with others through the printed page? You are encouraged to bring your own questions also.
Katerina is a noted author of many books and a speaker who does workshops, programs and monologues.
This workshop will be limited to the first 14 registrations received so we encourage you to send in your deposit of $50 to hold your space today!
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Cost:
| $180, includes 2 nights lodging, all meals and workshop
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Thursday, September 4, 2008, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
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Program Day: The Enneagram: A Tool for Understanding Myself and Others
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Facilitator(s):
| The Rev. Canon Gus Boone
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| The Enneagram is a helpful tool of universal insight into human nature which offers us a means for deepening our spiritual growth. It is not a spiritual path, but rather a model which helps us better understand ourselves as spiritual presences in the world, individuals made in the image of God. Often our personalities mask the essential qualities God gives us for living and serving in the world. Enneagram training enables us to identify these roadblocks and to develop patterns of awareness for growth and transformation from self-deception to real self-knowledge. The method is neither a quick-fix fad nor a spiritual band-aid. But it does provide us with an important framework for lifelong learning and for living more compassionately with those who differ from us … like a spouse, children, siblings, co-workers, even fellow church members!
All in all, this centuries-old model is being used once again in human history by individuals, churches, corporations, self-help groups, and the businesses the world over as a helpful process in the journey toward self-discovery and strengthening communal life.
The Rev. Canon Gus Boone, diocesan canon for Lifelong Christian Formation and Ministry in the Diocese of Western North Carolina, will facilitate this event. He is an experienced Enneagram teacher, having trained extensively with the Enneagram Institute. His training events focus on both clergy and lay groups, parenting groups and teams in the commercial workplace. He has provided Enneagram training for the Episcopal College of Bishops, teachers, church staffs, diocesan commissions, national church committees, seminarians and others.
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Cost:
| $35, includes lunch
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Friday, September 12, 2008, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
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Program Day: Who Do People Say That I Am?---Jesus Through The Centuries
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Facilitator(s):
| The Rt. Rev. G. Porter Taylor
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| Every generation comes up with its own sense of Jesus. These range from prophet, king, liberator, Prince of Peace, Rabbi, and so on. The program will not only inform participants of the many roles Christians have give to Jesus, but also facilitate a conversation so that we might articulate who he is for us. In the end, the most important question is “Who do you say that I am?”
The presentation will be a series of short talks followed by group discussion. Bishop Taylor will use both poetry and paintings as a way of enhancing the imagination of the participants.
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Cost:
| $35, includes lunch
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Monday, September 15, 2008, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
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Program Day: Embodied Prayer: Living the Resurrection
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Facilitator(s):
| Pierrette R. Stukes, PhD
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| The psychiatrist and spiritual writer, Gerald May, says that “human beings are two-legged, walking, talking desires for God.” Relying on the wisdom of both Western and Eastern faith traditions to guide our practice, we will prayerfully explore the embodiment of the Sacred within us. We will have time for intellectual, emotional, and spiritual contemplation both as a group and individually. Dress casually with comfortable shoes. Our prayer practice will lead us into the body and out into nature.
Pierrette R. Stukes received her PhD in English literature from The George Washington University, specializing in psychoanalysis and cultural theory, in 2002. She taught on the college level for 15 years. She is currently completing a certified Program in Spiritual Direction, at the prestigious Haden Institute, which trains laypersons and ordained professionals to be with others in a sacred space of holy listening for the inner voice of God. Please contact Pierrette at 336-982-2402, or pstukes@skybest.com, with any questions.
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Cost:
| $35, includes lunch
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Monday, September 22, 2008, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
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Program Day: Come Spend a day with our Two Labyrinths
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Facilitator(s):
| Tom Eshelman
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| Have you heard about labyrinths and thought you wanted to know more? Well now is your chance! In this day long retreat you will learn about the fascinating history of this ancient tool of walking meditation and prayer as you spend the day walking our indoor and outdoor labyrinths. Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes and bring a journal. There will be lots of handouts and plenty of time for questions.
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Cost:
| $35, includes lunch
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Friday, October 3, 2008, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
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Program Day: Holy Aging: Embracing the mystery, the wonder and the task of aging
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Facilitator(s):
| The Rev. Jeanne Finan and The Rev. Morgan Gardner
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| What does it mean to come of age in the spirit as well as in the body? Where do we find God as we confront our fears and worries about the aging of our bodies, minds and spirits? How do we honor and celebrate the total life process, which is both a destination and a journey? Come away for an autumn day in the mountains at the Valle Crucis Conference Center to learn more and reflect upon the last, and potentially the richest, chapters of our life. Using scripture, reflection, poetry, music, and film the Rev. Morgan Gardner and the Rev. Jeanne Finan will walk with you on a journey exploring the holiness of aging.
The Rev. E. Morgan Gardner is an Episcopal priest and certified gerontological chaplain living in Asheville where he is Director of Pastoral care Services at Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community. The Rev. Jeanne Finan is an Episcopal priest who currently serves at St. John's Episcopal Church in Asheville. She is also known for her writing and her retreat work.
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Cost:
| $35, includes lunch
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November 30 - December 7, 2008
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Centering Prayer Retreat
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Facilitator(s):
| The Rev. Thomas Morris, Becky Hannah and Joan Ricci
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| Sunday (starts with dinner), November 30 - Sunday (ends after breakfast),December 7, 2008
Due to the nature of this retreat there will be no commuters
This retreat will be limited to the first 20 registrations
Due to the length of this retreat each participant should have an established practice of Centering Prayer for at least a year.
This retreat is designed for those who would like a more prolonged experience of centering prayer and who are interested in entering into the more profound levels of spiritual practice in an atmosphere of silence, solitude and community.
Centering prayer is a silent form of prayer that directs a person’s attention toward God. It is a prayer form with ancient roots in the mystical and monastic tradition of the Christian faith. The retreat is intended to help persons develop and sustain a regular centering prayer practice.
Nine 20- minute periods of Centering Prayer will be offered daily. Retreat participants will also have opportunities for contemplative worship, instruction in contemplative prayer, walks and hiking around the Conference Center grounds, access to two labyrinths, as well as time for solitude and reflection.
The retreat leaders are the Rev. Thomas Morris, Rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Wilkesboro (336-667-4231), Joan Ricci, Presenter of Contemplative Prayer retreats at The Oratory and Becky Hannah . All three teach centering prayer and are involved with Contemplative Outreach founded by Father Thomas Keating as a spiritual network committed to living the contemplative dimension of the gospel in everyday life. Please fell free to call Thomas if you have any questions about this retreat.
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Cost:
| $435, includes 7 nights lodging, all meals and program
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December 7 - 10, 2008
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Advent Retreat: Holy Space, Sacred Emptiness
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Facilitator(s):
| The Rev. Jeanne Finan and artist Danby Ludgate
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| Sunday, December 7 (begins with dinner at 6 PM) through Wednesday,(ends after breakfast) December 10, 2008
Advent is a time of making room, clearing away the clutter and busyness of our everyday life and offering ourselves as empty space to the holy that will come.
Episcopal priest Jeanne Finan will offer meditations, prayers and poetry around the retreat theme of creating holy space and celebrating sacred emptiness.
Participants will also contemplate the dimensional meaning of holy space by creating a simple fabric prayer cloth under the guidance of artist Danby Ludgate. A prayer cloth is a simple square of fabric with symbols meaningful to the creator applied to the surface. No sewing skills are needed. The prayer cloth can be placed on a table or other surface to create a small sacred space to help focus one on the holy.
Each day follows a quiet rhythm of silence, prayer, meditative readings and creative expression. All sessions are optional, offering participants time to focus on what their own holy longing is in this Advent season. Some participants use the time for a silent retreat; most enjoy the conversation and companionship with others.
The holy ground of Valle Crucis offers a place for silence, walks in the woods and on two labyrinths, and the hospitality of simple, delicious meals and comfortable, historic accommodations.
Join us for word and worship, visual art and prayer, as we clear the way for the holy and step into the vast and deep blue sky that is Advent.
Facilitators: The Rev. Jeanne Finan, an Episcopal priest, is the rector at St. John’s in Asheville, and also an author, retreat leader and spiritual director. Danby Ludgate is a fiber artist from Charlottesville, Virginia who has created the many quilted, painted and embroidered hangings that bless the buildings of the Valle Crucis Conference Center.
This retreat will be limited to the first 20 registrations received with a minimum of 10 people. The cut off date for registrations will be Monday, November 10th, 2007!
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Cost:
| $245.00 includes program, all supplies, all meals and 3 nights lodging
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Class Size - We are committed to keeping our class size small as we believe it is in the small group environment that learning and spirituality flourish. Because class sizes are kept small, classes fill quickly. Early registration is encouraged!
Price and Room Policies - Listed prices for programs include room, board, tuition, and materials. Most accommodations are double, triple, or quadruple occupancy. If you prefer a single room, we will try to accommodate you though we cannot guarantee this until check-in when the final availability of single rooms can be determined. Please notify VCCC in advance if you have any medical needs such as diet or disability accommodations. We are unable to accommodate pets or provide childcare. Smoking is not permitted in any building.
Meals - We serve home-cooked, nutritious meals. The fare is hearty. Our kitchen staff will try to accommodate any special dietary needs if they receive 14 days prior notice. If you have any dietary questions, please give us a call.
Timing - Unless otherwise noted, conferences begin with registration and check in at 4:00 pm on opening day, followed by dinner at 6:30 pm They close after the 12 noon lunch on the closing day. To assist our housekeeping staff, we request that you complete your check out prior to lunch on closing day.
To Register - A non-refundable, nontransferable deposit of $50 is required for each course except for single-day programs when a nonrefundable payment in full is required. Please mail your check with the completed registration form. We appreciate the fact that sometime things may come up in your busy life that may prevent your attending one of our programs for which you have paid a deposit. In that case we will consider your deposit a donation to our ongoing ministry of hospitality.
Directions - You will receive directions to the conference center with your registration confirmation. We are easy to find and are located just 9 miles outside of Boone, NC (2 hours from Winston Salem; 2-1/2 hours from Charlotte).
Commuters - A limited number of spaces are available in each program for commuters not requiring lodging. The fee does include three meals per day as mealtime is an important part of the program's fellowship. Those who choose to commute are encouraged to make a commitment to full participation in all meals and community activities.
Scholarships - If you wish to apply for a limited number of scholarships which are offered for some of our programs, please call for more information.
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We have posted a registration form on this website for your convenience. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. You may download Adobe Acrobat Reader free of charge from Adobe's website at www.adobe.com/prodindex/acrobat/readstep.html.
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