February 19, 2009 Issue
Spring Programs at Valle Crucis Conference Center
Participants in the Valle Crucis Conference Center’s seminars and programs enjoy looking over the valley from the peaceful comfort of the center’s rocking chairs.Located on 448 acres overlooking picturesque Valle Crucis, the Valle Crucis Conference Center regularly features weekday and weekend workshops, seminars and programs that are open to the public.
“We provide a place of retreat for all kinds of groups,” said Tom Eshelman, executive director of the conference center. Programs are primarily targeted for religious, spiritual and nonprofit groups. The conference center is a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina.
Eshelman said the center’s religious and spiritual programs are not limited to the Episcopal tradition but instead are more ecumenical and broad in nature. Participants include a mix of locals and out-of-towners, he said.
Six programs are scheduled for spring 2009 at the conference center. A nonrefundable, nontransferable deposit of $50 is required for each course except for single-day programs when a nonrefundable payment in full is required. A limited number of spaces are available in each program for commuters not requiring lodging, but the commuter fee does include three meals per day. Scholarships are available for some programs.
Brief information about each program is listed below. For more info, call the center at 828-963-4453 or click to www.highsouth.com/vallecrucis.
Experiencing Contemplative Prayer
Monday, March 30, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Facilitator: Jim Banks
Cost: $35, includes lunch
When asked what is prayer, a common response is, “Talking with God.” But what about listening to God or being with God or even experiencing God? Come to experience a variety of Christian prayer forms that disengage the calculating mind. The day will alternate between teaching, discussion and practice in a relaxed setting. Participants will experience praying with scripture, prayer beads and Centering Prayer, concluding with a contemplative form of intercessory prayer.
Our Unique Prayer with God
Monday, April 27, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Facilitator: Pierrette Stukes
Cost: $45, includes lunch
Is there a connection between our individual personality and the way that we each meet God in prayer and meditation? All spiritual traditions teach a variety of methods of prayer and meditation that enable us to experience the presence of God. This day retreat builds on these methods and assists you in becoming aware of your unique path to and with God. The facilitator will use the insights of Carl Jung regarding personality types and the shadow to enable you to meditatively explore your own soulful essence and its connection to God.
Come Spend a Day with our Two Labyrinths
Monday, May 4, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Facilitator: Tom Eshelman
Cost: $35, includes lunch
Have you heard about labyrinths and thought you wanted to know more? Well now is your chance! In this daylong retreat, you will learn about the fascinating history of this ancient tool of walking meditation and prayer as you spend the day walking the center’s indoor and outdoor labyrinths. Please wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes and bring a journal. There will be lots of handouts and plenty of time for questions.
By the Hand of a Woman
Monday, May 11, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Facilitator: The Rev. Pat Grace
Cost: $35, includes lunch
A quiet day celebrating the courage, faith and strength of women. The day will be structured around three reflections on stories of women from the Old and New Testaments. The stories will be told with quiet time for journaling, praying, artwork and contemplation in between. The day will end with a simple Taize prayer service with time for sharing.
The Valle Crucis Writers Group - Claiming Our Voices
Friday to Sunday, May 15 to 17
Facilitator: Katerina Whitley
Cost: $180 with lodging; limit of 14 participants
This workshop will feature returning participants in the writing process. We invite serious newcomers also—people who are committed to writing and who will enjoy being part of a projected, self-published book: Western Carolina Voices. New people will be invited to submit an essay or series of poems to the workshop leader prior to the May deadline. The weekend will be spent in writing and evaluating submissions for inclusion in the book. With your registration, include an e-mail address for updates about this process.
Turning Round Right: Our Life of Continuous Conversion
Friday, May 15, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Facilitator: The Rt. Rev. G. Porter Taylor
Cost: $35, includes lunch
In Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis writes, “Every time you make a choice, you are turning the central part of you … into something a little different from what it was before … all your life long you are slowly turning this central thing into a creature that is in harmony with God … and with itself, or else into one that is in a state of war.” This day will offer an opportunity to examine the turns in our lives as we journey toward God. We will examine what conversion entails at different life stages and especially focus on the difficulty of surrendering our will to God. The format will be presentation and discussion.
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