2025 Spring Retreat
“I especially appreciated all the activities that led me to feel very connected to Spirit in myself and also in the participants.
Now I know what prayer/Holding In the Light is all about. I’ve had that question finally answered for me.
Both small and large groups worked so well. Very powerful.”
“Conference was what I hoped for and needed. I felt like it met my needs and gave me food for my journey. I appreciated the structure of the weekend that helped us open up and meet each other on a deeper level. And helped us know ourselves on a deeper level.” Sharon
“I loved it . . . what a group! The facilitators were informative, fun and relaxed. I learned so much especially in the small groups–The intimacy was surprising . . . from Friday night right through Sunday noon.
The culmination Holding In the Light exercise was a perfect ending– it kind of gathered all the love, Spirit and authenticity together. Quite miraculous.
Also, being at Pendle Hill made the whole experience warmer, keener, more revelatory. Even feeling the energy of the downed trees–making way for the new.
I feel the power of something coming from the ashes with the spiritual formation of new ways of expressing our spirituality, maybe more expressed revelation – continuing revelation!!!” Peg Smedley [drawing of BIG heart]
“These retreats are always a surprise to me in how deep they go. This was particularly intense thanks to all the group work. Even though they took me beyond my comfort zone, it was engaging and in some ways profoundly moving Thank you.
I think the “counting off” method of making small groups is excellent. We get to sit with a variety of people, not just our friends. (Also–says an insecure person, no one is left standing alone after the cliques all glom together!)
Loved the free time too.”
“Thanks! Rejuvenating. Marcelle was excellent. Everything was well structured.”
“I really enjoyed all the activities at the spiritual formation retreat. I think the program was extremely well (indecipherable word) and organized. I do wish there was a little more time for breaks, although I knew that’s difficult to bale-in (?). I also suggest adding more “mixed-media” elements, for example, I enjoyed the songs, maybe a little art-related activities would be a nice addition. I think the focus being on “listening” was amazing. I got a lot out of focusing on one area of spirituality. I’m so grateful for all the Collaborative has done and continues to do. Thanks for everything.”
“I’m so grateful for this weekend.
I’m resourced, warmed, energized, companioned and strengthened in my sense of what Quakerism has to offer the world right now. Having missed the big downtown protest yesterday at a moment where it was the biggest group of folk in my meeting convened for any political party in my history with my meeting–felt big. (I’m saying big a lot but things feel big right now.) I’m to facilitate a meeting-wide retreat on Spirit-led action on May 3rd and Marcelle’s offerings helped me see how spiritual grounding practices can lead organically to purpose and connection regarding social action. We always need to begin with our communal experience of Spirit if we’re to bring anything distinctly Quaker to this moment where our unique charism–the gifts of our specific lineage– are SOOO needed. This weekend fed my power pack to be able to hold sacred space with clarity and with a sense of being an instrument of service, of acting in keeping with my own specific gifts and calling, rather than being pulled towards the current of action of urgency of DOING, DOING, DOING rather than taking the time/space/effort of deeply grounded and corporate discernment. SO grateful!!! I appreciated the chanting, the walking meditation, the hands-on holding – the inclusion of the body in the work of this weekend. Choosing Marcelle’s ministry of experiential, lived, mystical faithfulness made this particularly possible / whole/ of a piece. I would love to participate again! Whole self opening. Hearts and bodies attuned. Quaker spaces where this is the priority are rare. THANK YOU! I hope in the future to have a chance to contribute my energies to the work of the Spiritual Formation Collaborative. You’re my people [three hearts].”
I loved it! I am touched and impressed with the care, thought and generosity the Collaborative put into this. All of the facilitated activities taught me something or moved me in some way—each was powerful. I loved Marcelle’s teaching and facilitation. She is a powerful and inspiring example. I am so glad to have had this experience as a part of my reintroduction to Quakerism
The pacing was just about perfect. Just enough contact, interaction, soul searching and relaxation. Marcelle was wonderful. I love the” I experience the spirit within” and “Holding in the Light”. Thanks to the Collaborative.
I feel so blessed to have been a part of this amazing weekend and I can’t thank you enough for everything that allowed and encouraged us to share and express our true selves. I felt so intimidated on Friday night but the warmth and kindness I felt quickly made me feel comfortable and at home. Thank you for sharing your time and gifts. It is appreciated more than you will ever know. I am leaving today full of hope, feeling loved and cared for and grateful for the opportunity to share my love and care.
I found the number of small group activities to be great, really enabled me to get to know people and to practice and experience the concepts we were discussing. The facilitators’ energy was very calm and supportive. I loved having free time on Saturday afternoon.
One small suggestion: Meeting for worship actually ran long both days so a bit more cushion between that and the start of the day’s session would be a good idea.
All the exercises were good but I found “Holding in the Light” the most powerful.
The intimacy experienced during the active/passive activities carried me further into “right” relationship with fellow beings-Active listening unselfishly and providing loving support to each other. Ya’ all did good. I will seek more in kind.
I loved the entire retreat. Everything from the exercises to the snacks helped me to grow spiritually and connect with the light within. The retreat fostered a sense of love and openness that I can bring into my daily life and practice.
I wasn’t excited about small circles at first, but they were very powerful and meaningful. ( I always struggle with this).
I met really nice people.
In troubled times it was good to be around powerful, peaceful people.
Marcelle was very thoughtful: good about using different words than God. I struggle with that term.
I have done a prayer circle before; It is always a moving thing.
The leadership group was very helpful and welcoming.
Suggestion: walking in poetry, prayer and peace. Using Lectio Divina;
It was a wonderful escape into a world of inner discovery
Thank you
“This has been an amazing weekend.
I appreciated all aspects and exercises, from the first to the last.
I appreciate the counting out for forming the groups as it gave me an opportunity to meet new people every time. I look forward to the contact list so I can be in touch with some of the fantastic folks I met.
Alternate idea for Saturday night: hone a list of queries and a meeting for worship style gathering and folks can spontaneously respond to any query (and some folks can just sit in worship or hold everyone in the light). I sincerely appreciate all of your work.” Doreen
“This was a groundbreaking experience for me. I’ve been attending Haddonfield meeting for about two years. We’ve not done any of these practices (at least to my awareness). I’m going to make an announcement at Meeting and encourage others to attend next year. The group practices were powerful and something I’d like to share with my fellow friends.
I met so many wonderful Friends here who I hope to meet again. Life has been a bit stressful for me (I’m a federal employee) and the peace and love I felt during this retreat is very restorative.
I’d love to have the SFC come to work with Friends at Haddonfield Meeting. Please let me know how I might work to make that happen.
I’m so very grateful to you and send lots of love!!! Lisa Hibner
“The whole experience was deepening. Somehow time flew by. And the last exercise (holding in the Light) was so deep and moving. Thanks to wonderful facilitators!!”
“This was my second trip to the SF Retreat, and both were on the top of my list. I especially loved the breakout groups, which were very spiritually oriented. This is a meeting? Ministry? Which we all need, but do not get enough of. Walking meditation was very moving.”
“Hard to put into words how wonderfully refreshing this weekend has been for me. Thank you so much for all the work everyone has put into this and for making it affordable for me. I leave feeling full and refreshed and loved!”
“The retreat was very grounded in Spirit.
Marcel’s pace of being very slow was much appreciated.
Her speaking about and organizing repetitive questions was cool and evoking. Each time you had to go deeper–as opposed to answering just once or twice.
Thank you for a lovely retreat.”
“I was looking forward to time away for many weeks–thankful for my meeting’s financial support & and my family’s gift of time.
The pacing of the programs was perfect, and the focus on experiential learning/growing was perfect, too.
Well thought out, well-inspired, well-led.”
“Nourishing (soul)
Encouraging
Fantastic
Community
Powerful
Awesome
Incredible
Enlightening
Motivating
Perfect
Moving
Heart centric
Spiritual
Hopeful
Wouldn’t change a thing
Grateful
Educational spirituality
Thank you thank you thank you
(heart peace signed smiley face)
Side note: lodging perfect
Food tasty Nourishing
Pendle Hill (five hearts)”
“Wonderful open heart surging (?) conference
Much healing and organization
(May recommend too)
Time for “rehaul” at Yardley Mtg.
With my fellow attendees
Thank you for all that great work on before and during this weekend retreat.”
2019 Pre-Annual Sessions Retreat
92% of the participants thought the retreat was extremely or very helpful in guiding them to centering, listening with trust and love, and centering themselves in community.
Here is a sampling of the written responses that were voluntarily added to the questionnaire:
Blessings on you all!
The leadership was excellent, passing the baton from one to another effortlessly, punctuated with music.
I just want to say thank you.
Wonderful!
The retreat was a vessel; it provided the excuse for the Presence to come among us.
Thank you for offering this again!
I was aware of God’s presence. It helped me to be aware of the possibility of transformation. I am prepared for Annual Sessions. I am trusting in God’s leading and am conscious of love of God.
Thank you to the facilitators. This time touched my heart.
Thank you! This is a very important part of the whole Annual Sessions event for me. Now I feel better prepared to participate more fully in Sessions.
Thank you all for the stellar design. It worked.
First retreat. Excellent. Great way to prep for Sessions.
Thank you all. Keep up the good work!!
Very carefully and prayerfully done. Thank you to all who planned and executed the retreat. It met a need I didn’t even know I had on a personal level, and I sense that it will meet an ever greater need for the larger body for grounding in God’s love and care as we move into our gathering at Annual Sessions. Thank you!
Until next year’s retreat, you may wish to think about two opportunities we have for you. One is for you to bring the Spiritual Formation Program to your meeting or quarter: https://www.pym.org/spiritual-formation-program-collaborative/interested-in-sf/.If you’re not ready to make that commitment, perhaps you’d like to join us at our upcoming weekend retreat at Kenbrook Retreat Center in the Fall: https://www.pym.org/spiritual-formation-program-collaborative/2019-spiritual-formation-retreat/.
2018 Pre-Annual Sessions Retreat
A heartfelt thank you if you attended the Pre-Annual Sessions Retreat organized by the Spiritual Formation Collaborative. In my humble opinion, you created an atmosphere in which Sessions was held in Love and Light. But it’s not just me; I heard lots of buzz saying the same kind of thing. Besides attending the retreat, many of you joined others grounding sessions in the plenary space. Both of these actions of yours made sessions a place where you could feel the winds of Spirit blowing.
On preliminary examination of the evaluation you did during the last session of the retreat, you thought it would make a difference by preparing you. When answering the question of whether you thought the retreat prepared you for Annual Sessions, 79% answered “a great deal” and the other 21% answered “a lot.”
Another question on the survey asked how likely you would be to attend a Pre-Annual Sessions Retreat next year and 89% of you thought it was “very likely” with the other 11% saying “likely.” We’re thrilled and have already been scouring the results of the evaluation survey for thoughts on improvement for next year.
In the mean time, you may wish to think about two opportunities we have for you. One is for you to bring the Spiritual Formation Program to your meeting or quarter. If you’re not ready to make that commitment, perhaps you’d like to join us at our upcoming weekend retreat at Kenbrook Retreat Center in the Fall.
