All Ministers of Word and Sacrament and Commissioned Ruling Elder Pastors – whether actively serving or retired – are invited to join colleagues for a time of refreshment, fellowship, and learning!

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• Relationship-Building • Recreation & Relaxation • Worship & Prayer • Learning Time •

LOCATION

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The Welcoming Place

21 South 12th Street, Akron, PA

30 minutes northeast of Lancaster

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The Welcoming Place is operated by the Mennonite Central Committee. It's designed to represent an international village, reflecting the homes, schools, and churches of MCC’s partner organizations around the world. All buildings are decorated with international art and handicrafts.

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Facilities are modern and wheelchair accessible. Each bedroom has its own private bathroom. The guest houses, dining hall, and meeting rooms are in close proximity and connected by paved paths.

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The beautiful campus features native landscaping, designed to support local ecosystems and provide food and habitat for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. The retreat center is steps away from wooded hiking trails.

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Learn more about The Welcoming Place HERE.

COST

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$50 per person. Includes lodging for two nights, five meals, and all official retreat activities. (Does NOT include the unofficial post-retreat golf outing. Those who wish to play golf are responsible for the additional $75 fee.)

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Payment Methods:

• Pay online HERE.
• Check payable to "The Presbytery of Donegal," P.O. Box 10054, Lancaster, PA 17605.

Put "Pastors Retreat" in the memo line.

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Scholarships: Scholarships are available for pastors with financial need. We do not want cost to be a barrier that keeps anyone from attending! To request a scholarship, contact Acting COM Chair Diane DeSieno at dianedesieno@msn.com.

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Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel your registration due to a family or personal emergency, your payment will be refunded. All other cancellations will be billed for the retreat amount. If you need to cancel due to a pastoral emergency, we ask that your church cover the cost of your registration.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

Check-In – 3:30 PM

Welcome & Introductions – 4:45 PM

Dinner – 5:00 PM

Opening Activities – 6:30 PM

Worship – 7:15 PM

Fellowship, Fun & Fire – 8:00 PM

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

Optional Early Morning Walk/Run

Breakfast – 7:30 AM

Morning Prayer – 8:30

Workshop – 9:00 AM

• “Understanding Christian (Social) Action” by Dr. David Bronkema

Lunch – 12:00 PM

Recreation & Leisure

• Cornhole Tournament
• Nature Treasure Hunt
• Yoga
• Crafts
• Free time to relax

Dinner – 5:00 PM

Worship with the Lord’s Supper – 6:30 PM

Fellowship, Fun & Fire – 7:30 PM

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

Breakfast – 7:30 AM

Morning Prayer – 8:30 AM

Participants may continue to enjoy personal retreat time at The Welcoming Place.

Check-Out – 12:00 PM

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After the retreat concludes, Presbytery Moderator Bob Bronkema is organizing an unofficial post-retreat golf outing at Meadia Heights Golf Club in Lancaster. Those who wish to participate are responsible for the cost, which is $75 per person. This golf fee is NOT included in the retreat cost.

LEARNING TIME

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On Monday morning, Dr. David Bronkema, the Eastern University Templeton Chair for Christian Service through Entrepreneurship, will lead a workshop entitled “Understanding Christian (Social) Action."

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Learn more about our workshop leader HERE.

RECREATION & REST

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For those who wish to participate, organized recreational activities will be offered – including lawn games, board games, a nature treasure hunt (with indoor and outdoor options), crafts, and yoga.

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Or spend time alone exploring the gardens and hiking trails, reading by the babbling brook, or just resting in your well-appointed room.

WORSHIP & PRAYER

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We'll begin our days with Morning Prayer and worship together in the evenings. Stay tuned for details about worship leaders and opportunities to participate in spiritual practices.