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The Art of Retreat

How to build retreats... and a life that feels like one

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The ancient art of retreat leadership has its roots in the commandment to keep sabbath rest and echoed in Jesus’ call to find spiritual refreshment away from the busy world. Following the biblical and mystical tradition of the Christian faith as well as insights from neuroscience, this course will equip students with the necessary skills to create peaceful and rejuvenating retreats--for themselves and others! Special attention will be given to the biblical and historical tradition of group spiritual practices, group dynamics, fostering safe spaces, building a retreat, digital and leadership retreats, pilgrimages, and more. Through a hybrid-model approach, students will learn how to plan, organize and execute a personal or group retreat while actually being on a retreat for a portion of this class. This hands-on approach will provide students with a practical understanding of how to design and facilitate a successful retreat.


In today's fast-paced world, it is more important than ever to take time to slow down, reflect, and recharge. This course will teach students how to create an environment that fosters rest, relaxation, and spiritual growth. Participants will learn how to incorporate different elements such as meditation, prayer, and communal activities, to create an experience that meets the needs of the group.


This class is for anyone who wants to add retreats to their community or to their own prayer life! This class is based on a seminary level class.

Starts November 7th, 2024

Membership Community

COURSE INSTRUCTOR

The Rev. Dr. Hillary Raining

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Hillary currently serves as the first woman Rector of St. Christopher's Episcopal Church in Gladwyne, PA. She teaches both on The Hive as well as seminary classes and is a sought after retreat leader. As a writer, Raining has published in both academia and ecclesia. She is the author of Joy in Confession and co-author with Amy Dolan of Faith with a Twist. She holds a B.A. with honors in Religion and Psychology from Moravian College, a Masters of Divinity from Yale and the Institute of Sacred Music and is a graduate from Drew University with a Doctorate in Ministry. Raining is also a yoga teacher, bee keeper, and environmentalist.


To learn more about Hillary, visit her personal website here.

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