Sunset at Earle Rd. Beach
Entry GardenEvensong Community at Worship

 

Whisperings from the Sea

An Electronic Newsletter from
Evensong by the Sea
Ecumenical Retreat & Spirituality Center

326 Lower County Road, Harwich Port, MA 02646
508-432-0027
www.evensongretreat.com

August 2008
Vol. 5 No. 6

 


SUMMER 2008


MASS EVERY SUNDAY AT 10:00 A.M.
ALL ARE WELCOME!

In This Issue..

New Wellness Retreat:
Support in Living with Fibromyalgia

Leaving A Spiritual Legacy:
Writing A Spiritual Will

New Book by
Evensong Co-Director Jim David:
Midnight Mysteries: Reflections on the Nativity

A Poem by A.M.Fletcher

On the Lighter Side


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FROM THE DIRECTORS

Our sixth season came to an end this year later than ever with a retreat in June led by Edwina Gateley and attended by some 30 people. The retreat was entitled "Why the Church Need Rebels," and it spoke to the reality that God is continually doing something new in our midst. Edwina shared her own journey and challenged us all to speak and act from the integrity of our own experience for the good of the whole Church. Edwina's retreat was a great culmination to a year of many and varied guided retreats, private retreats, and group private retreats resulting in Evensong's most active season yet!

As we write this we are well into our summer season when we operate as Allen Harbor Breeze Inn & Gardens as a means to support the work of Evensong during the bulk of the year. Nevertheless, we are at work planning and promoting Evensong's exciting 2008 - 2009 season.

We have some new ventures unfolding for our new season. The year kicks off with a very special offering for people coping with the disease of Fibromyalgia. Marie will be offering a guided Wellness Weekend designed for people who have been dealing with the disease for some time and who have tried a variety of approaches. Marie's approach involves listening to one's body and its story, connecting with the wisdom of one's body, mind, and soul to begin to address the unfinished business of one's life. This retreat will be limited to six participants.

Also at the end of October we welcome guest directors (and Evensong Community Members) Joe & Louise Colletti, who will offer a retreat entitled, "Leaving Your Spiritual Legacy: Writing Your Spiritual Will. They will guide participants in the process of putting into words your lifetime of spiritual experience. Many other retreats will be offered, including one in Lent by guest director Gayle Kerr, called Navigating Life's Transitions. For more information on all our 2008-2009 retreats visit our website at evensongretreat.com.

Our prayer for you all is that the remaining weeks of summer will provide you with some time for rest and recuperation in the warmth of the Lord's love.

Jim & Marie David
Directors

 

Open beginning in October for
Private Individual or Private Group Retreats

Walkers on Labyrinth

This year Evensong will be available for private Individual retreats or private group retreats beginning in October 2008. It is a beautiful month on the Cape, and our gardens are in their autumn splendor.
For individuals considering a personal private retreat it is a perfect time of year to explore our beaches or enjoy the rail trail for biking or hiking.
Evensong is also available for group retreats of up to twenty people -
bring your Church staff or leadership group as you begin the Fall season.


 
Upcoming Retreats

Rev. Marie David
Aching to be Heard:
Support in Living With Fibromyalgia

with Rev. Marie David

October 21 - 23, 2008
Details Below

Joe & Louise Colletti
Leaving A Spiritual Legacy:
Writing Your Spiritual Will Retreat

with Joe & Louise Colletti
October 31 & November 1, 2008
Details Below

Rev. Jim David
An Advent Retreat:
How Jesus Prayed

With Rev. Jim David
December 12 - 14, 2008
Learn more...
     

Aching To Be Heard
Support in Living with Fibromyalgia

A Wellness Retreat with
Rev. Marie David, M.Ed.

October 21-23, 2008

Each person’s body has a story to tell.  In patients with fibromyalgia the body often communicates through pain and challenging sleep patterns.   Aching to be Heard  is a 3 day retreat for individuals with fibromyalgia who are looking to take an active role in their wellness.  Through an in-depth exploration of the physical, psychological and spiritual dimensions of the chakra energy system we will practice listening to our body’s story.  As we connect with the wisdom of our body, mind and soul we can begin to address the unfinished business of our lives that is aching for closure.  This 3 day retreat includes individual and group process, relaxation techniques, envisioning a renewed vision of wellness as well as an energy supportive Reiki treatment with Marie.  Register today, retreat is limited to 6 people. 

Rev. Marie David is a Reiki Master who has been working successfully with fibromyalgia patients for the past 9 years.  She is also certified to implement Peggy Huddleston’s Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster training, a mind/body program designed to envision positive outcomes for surgery and other life processes. 

This wellness retreat will meet on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Oct. 21-23, from  10:00am – 5:00pm each day.  Lunch is included for commuters.  The retreat will be held at Evensong by the Sea Ecumenical Retreat & Spirituality Center in Harwich Port, MA.  Harwich Port is located on Cape Cod, and is a 75 minute drive from the center of Boston.  Commuter fee $750. Overnight $950. Fifty percent non-refundable deposit is required upon registration.  

To register call 508-432-0027.
 or you may contact us by email at info@evensongretreat.com.  To learn more about Evensong by the Sea, an Ecumenical  Retreat & Spirituality Center and our directors, visit our website at www.evensongretreat.com.

 

Coming in October 2008

Leaving a Spiritual Legacy: Writing a Spiritual Will ” Retreat
with Joe & Louise Colletti

Joe & Louise Colletti

            Many people spend a great deal of time and money preparing a financial will to provide for the passing on of their personal material assets. How does a person pass on one’s spiritual legacy that is ultimately more important than anything material ?
     During this retreat you will be introduced and guided through the process of writing a “Spiritual Will” which will capture the gifts of the heart in a form that can be shared with those whom you love.  You will create a personal life map and develop the beginnings of a written will that includes your significant life learnings, core beliefs, values, stories, hopes, dreams and requests of your spiritual legacy. There will also be many opportunities for individual reflection, prayer, the sharing of insights, group discussion and personal writing.  
     Take this opportunity to be inspired to leave a “love letter from your heart” to those who are important in your life.

 

 

Community at Worship
Our Community Identity Statement
We are an ecumenical community,
The Body of Christ at St. Mary of Magdala Chapel.
As the Church in this place at this time,
we are called to:
Gather for worship;
Cherish our living Catholic Tradition;
Witness the Gospel; and
Minister to others as Christians in the world.
All are welcome here.

 

 

 

Community at St. Mary of Magdala Chapel

Ecumenical Catholic Mass
10:00am on Sundays
& Thursdays

The community at Evensong gathers each Sunday to celebrate Eucharist at 10:00 a.m., even during the summer months. All are welcome. For more information on the Community at Evensong visit Evensong's website.

Potluck Supper Picture 1Potluck Supper Picture 2Potluck Supper Picture 3
Pictures from one or our Lenten Pot Luck Suppers

Community Members:
Visit our New Community Website Page
Newsnotes are posted weekly
A great way for seasonal community members
to stay in touch!
Go to www.evensongretreat.com
and select the menu options for
"Join Us For Prayer" and "Community Member Update"


     

 

Midnight Mysteries Cover

Midnight
Mysteries

A collection of
Poetic Reflections on the Nativity
by
J. F. David

Christmas will never be the same again…
and neither will the reader.”
                                                Edwina Gateley

Publications at Evensong Retreat Center announces the release  of “Midnight Mysteries: Poetic Reflections on the Incarnation,” by J.F. David.   This collection of poetry by the Rev. James David includes poetic reflections delivered as Midnight Mass Homilies over the past twenty and more years and sheds soft light on God's Christmas Gift to the world - the Love made real in Jesus Christ. 

In the introduction to the work Rev. David writes,

Since a homily at [Midnight] Mass must speak to and
about mystery it must use instruments able to
communicate beyond face value.  So poetry and story
are placed on the palette, setting becomes the canvas,
and the preacher’s voice the brush.  And the painting
 takes us all in to point feebly but persistently toward
 that which we all know but cannot fully express.

Rooted in the scripture readings used at Christmas Liturgies,  Midnight Mysteries invites the reader to ponder how this two thousand year old event still vibrates with a powerful message for our world today.   Tim Westerhaus, Conductor, Liturgist, and Pastoral Minister writes, “Inviting the Reader to enter the mystery of a nativity full of doubt and courage, hope and disappointment, humility and wonder, [Rev. David] pierces through our apathy with vivid imagery and gentle humor.” 

Midnight Mysteries: Poetic Reflections on the Nativity is available for $11.95 at Amazon.com, and directly from the publisher at Evensongpublications.com

To order visit www.evensongpublications.com

 

 

BEHOLD SOMETHING GREATER THAN YOURSELF
                               A.M. Fletcher
 
In the small beauty
of my porch,
I look out and see
that the grass is
freshly washed
from rain and
the shiny soil
has given birth
to assorted
blossomings.
 
The tree that shades me
holds out its branches
like a peace offering,
and I am overcome
with longing to
climb its height
and to absorb
its colors
into my
blood stream.
 
All this is happening
in the small quiet
of my thoughts,
accompanied by
the soft beating
of my heart and
there is whispering
within that says
that my soul
believes in me
even when
I do not.

Ed.'s Note: Ann M. Fletcher lives in MA. She is a friend of Evensong and a published poet. Her collections include Hot Moon Night and Angels in Disguise both of which can be found at Amazon.com.

 

WATCH FOR EVENSONG'S ANNUAL
MAILING GOING OUT IN EARLY SEPTEMBER!!

 

 

On the Lighter Side:

 

  A Texas Department of Water representative stopped at a ranch and
talked with an old rancher.   He told the rancher, "I need to inspect your ranch for your water allocation."

The old rancher said, "Okay, but don't go in that field over there.”

The Water representative said, "Mister, I have the authority of the
State Government with me.  See this card?  This card means I am
allowed to go WHEREVER I WISH on any agricultural land.  No questions
asked or answered.  Have I made myself clear?  Do you understand?"
 
 The old rancher nodded politely and went about his chores.
 
 Later, the old rancher heard loud screams and saw the Water Rep
running for the fence and close behind was the rancher's bull. The bull
was gaining on the Water Rep with every step.
 
 The Rep was clearly terrified, so the old rancher immediately threw
down his tools, ran to the fence and shouted out.....
 
 "Your card!  Show him your card!"
       

Evensong by the Sea Retreat & Spirituality Center is a member of Retreats International.

Watch for our next issue in September 2008. Whisperings from the Sea is an effort to keep people informed about Evensong's offerings. If you wish to be removed from our email list please send us an email at info@evensongretreat.com and type "PLEASE REMOVE" in the subject line - be sure to include the email address to which we sent Whisperings. Whisperings from the Sea,August 2008, Vol. 5, No.6 Copyright ©2008, James & Marie David, Evensong by the Sea Ecumenical Retreat & Spirituality Center, 326 Lower County Road, Harwich Port, MA 02646. All rights reserved.

Evensong by the Sea
Retreat & Spirituality Center
326 Lower County Road
Harwich Port, MA 02646
508-432-0027
info@evensongretreat.com