Embracing – a Retreat at Prairiewoods

A Retreat for the Season leading into Christmas
Sponsored by Contemplative Outreach Northeast Iowa Chapter

Is it time to embrace
– the movement of the Spirit in your life?
– a difficult relationship?
– a path to inner and outer peace?
– all that has come to you?
– hope when hope is lost?
– change when what is seems so comfortable?

The “Embracing” retreat is an opportunity to spend “time away” in the company of other pilgrims. This event (Monday at 2:30 pm through Wednesday at 11:30 am) will include structured opportunities for
– Quiet prayer in the Presence;
– Sacred Reading of Scripture;
– Communal Sung Prayer;
– Communal meals; plus

Free time for
– Yoga or Tai Chi,
– a Nature walk,
– walking a labyrinth,
– hand massage, and more

Registration: To register online, the link below; OR send an email to us with your intent, and we will send you a form to return with a check for the registration fee. Online registration closes November 4 @ 9 am.

Fees:
Full Retreat with shared room: $175
Full Retreat with individual room: $215
Commuter: $145 (meals, no overnight room);
One day only (Tuesday) $75 (with no overnight)

Prairiewoods is at 120 Boyson Rd, Hiawatha, IA.
Photo by Grant Ritchie on Unsplash

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Will there be food provided?
A: Yes, there will be fruit, drinks (coffee, tea and water) and other snacks available throughout the event. Meals will be served by Prairiewoods staff, with the option to accommodate people with special dietary needs.
Q2: Will silence be a part of the event?
A: Yes, much of the retreat will include internal and external silence. However, there will some time for conversation with other retreatants.
Q3: Can I attend only part of the retreat?
A: Yes. We encourage people to attend the whole event; however, if you can only come for one day, you are welcome to do so. The related costs are listed above
Q4: Will I be expected to share many details of my life?
A: No. There will be time for introductions with other group members, but not extensive sharing. If extended sharing is desired, there will be opportunities to meet one-on-one with one of the leaders.
Q5: Is Prairiewoods handicap accessible?
A: Yes. The Center has all facilities on one level. While there are two levels withing the building for sleeping rooms, you may request a room on the floor level. Retreatants will need to assess whether the outdoor grounds are safe for them.
Q6: Is there anything else I might want to know about Prairiewoods?
A: Yes. Indoors, there is an onsite bookstore, an area for meals and snacks, a quiet prayer room, our meeting room, etc. Outdoors, the wooded grounds provide a space to commune in nature; with an outdoor labyrinth available.
Q7 If I cannot attend this event, can my registration be refunded?
Refunds are possible until 9 am November 4. However, thereafter we cannot provide refunds because of our contract with Prairiewoods. With this we guarantee the number of participants and associated fees. Refunds will be the full amount minus the Eventbrite processing fee if payment is made online.