Half-Wild Retreat with Renewal in the Wilderness: September 14

Come explore the confluence of wilderness and spirituality! You are invited to join Renewal in the Wilderness for a morning retreat immersed in Portland’s Presumpscot River Preserve. This experience is designed to make space in a hurried world for us to slow down and heed the simple rhythms of wild nature. We will hike, saunter, converse, celebrate, rest, reflect and ultimately return, with our spirits renewed, to contribute to the shared project of bettering the world.

Renewal in the Wilderness is a nonprofit organization that asks: “Who helps the helpers?” They design programs for groups and communities that are committed to practices and professions of compassion. They focus on creating the space and setting the pace for simple and imaginative encounters with wild nature that provide opportunity for rest, reflection, conversation, and connection.

Our retreat, exclusively for FPC folks, will be led by Renewal’s Executive Director and Guide, Aram Mitchell (who you may remember from our Celtic Spirituality Panel back in March ’19).

What to Expect

– hiking at an unhurried and gentle pace

– terrain that is rugged with some roots, mud, and inclines

– spending time in silence

– sitting on the ground or camp seat for guided meditation

– availability of snacks and encouragement

– opportunity to share your insights and reflections

– we will plan to reschedule in the case of severe inclement weather

Location: Oat Nuts Park & Presumpscot River Preserve. Meet at 9:00 am at Oat Nuts Park trailhead (189 Summit Street, Portland, ME 04103), approximately 30 minutes from First Parish Church, Brunswick. There is street parking on Summit Street (avoid blocking the bus stop) or street parking on Olde Birch Lane (which is one block southeast of the trailhead). Directions on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/13w24111CepKMRrg9

Saturday, September 14, 9:00 am-12:00 pm

This pilgrimage is sponsored by the Adult Education Committee (adults only, please). Space is limited, so advance registration is required.

The cost is $10 (fee required to hold your spot), registrations will be taken starting after worship in the Vestry on Sunday, August 25. Please see Jessie Crabtree in the church office for registrations after August. 25.

**If you would like to attend but the fee is prohibitive, please don’t hesitate to contact Jessie Crabtree at jcrabtree@firstparish.net or 729-7331.**