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Pastors and recorded ministers from the New Association of Friends and both Western and Wilmington Yearly Meetings gathered for food, fun, fellowship, and fulfilling connections at Quaker Haven Camp in Syracuse, Indiana, October 20–23. The organizers of the retreat gave the gathering of around 30 the gift of time and space. With the days lightly structured around a series of small group encounters which anchored the experience in deep reflection and mutual care and support, participants were free to be as present as able.
The small groups operated using an adaptation of the Prayer of Examen. The examen is an invitation to pay careful attention to how the Spirit is moving in each moment of our daily lives, using our attention as a magnifying glass with which to view the seemingly ordinary moments of our lives, seeking to encounter the Divine.
This is the basic pattern of the prayer. 1. Place yourself in God’s presence. Give thanks for God’s great love for you. 2. Pray for the grace to understand how God is acting in your life. 3. Review your day— recall specific moments and your feelings at the time. 4. Reflect on what you did, said, or thought in those instances. Were you drawing closer to God, or further away? 5. Look toward tomorrow—think of how you might collaborate more effectively with God’s plan.
Organizers asked us questions about our spiritual and vocational journey, this current moment among Friends in this current climate, and thinking into the future with concerns for personal next steps.
The Quaker Haven staff cared beautifully for all our meals and room accommodations, helping to set the stage for a peaceful and reflective time for those gathered.—Michael Sherman
