New Melleray Abbey Retreat

5/5/2009

By Katy Harle

A serendipitous  event happened  recently.   A number of women from First Congregational Church-UCC-Moline found we had common interests.   We met at an event featuring Rabbi Brad Hirschfield  speaking about his book,  You  Don't  Have To Be Right  For Me To Be Wrong.  We decided to read the book and come together for twice-monthly discussions during the lunch hour on Wednesdays.   Our  discussions were lively and friendships began to grow.   We chose another book  to read and discuss, The Faith Club. 

Though we come from a wide range of professional backgrounds, we have found commonalities in what we read.  What better way to end the season of discussion in the Spring of 2009, than to share a new experience together:  A 2 1/2 day retreat at New Melleray Abbey in Peosta, Iowa.  We all rode together in the van to the Abbey and within minutes of being checked in, we were immersed in the way of life of the Abbey.  We worshiped together, ate our meals together, shared discussion times together and enjoyed some solitude, as well.  We walked the beautiful trails near the Abbey, we were awed by the simplicity of the worship "offices", we had a remarkable tour of the Trappist Casket factory, we sat out under the beautiful shade trees on the front lawn and finished our Faith Club book discussion.

We know we will return to reading and discussing in the fall and very likely will be on retreat again (at least once) during the next 10 months.  Why don't you consider joining us?  This is not a closed group; anyone can join at any time....and come whenever you can.  We bring our lunches and eat while we enjoy discussing a topic to stretch our minds and hearts.

Anyone interested in checking out the gathering of this group, please call the office and leave a message for Jackie or email Jackie at jperry@netexpress.net.