Submitted by jstadolnik on
At the end of April, we will gather once again on the beautiful coast of Southern Maine for our annual Retreat at the Ferry Beach Retreat & Conference Center, a lovely retreat community.
Our Ferry Beach Retreat is a great way to relax, have fun, and get to know your fellow parishioners.
Over the weekend, you can participate in our scheduled group activities where you can learn something new or discuss meaningful topics. For example, we may offer early morning meditation, a discussion group, yoga on the beach or a craft activity, or you may want to simply enjoy the beautiful location and the sense of community. There’s space for relaxation and reflection if you need some solitude. There are trails through the woods and the beautiful beach to explore if you crave the natural. It’s great for families with children, couples, and individuals (so that covers all of you!).
Here are the important details:
Dates: April 28 - April 30
Place: Ferry Beach Retreat and Conference Center, 5 Boardwalk Drive, Saco, ME 04072 (Note: the city of Saco is renamed Morris Avenue to Boardwalk Drive. Your GPS may or may not have the new name so navigate accordingly.)
Lodging:
- Private dorm room in Quillen and Underwood: $85 per night ($170 for the weekend)
- Metz Cabin: $145 per night ($290 for the weekend)
- Cross Cottage: $125 per night ($250 for the weekend)
- Kelley Cottage - 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, full kitchen: $285 per night ($570 for the weekend)
- Morris Cottage - 4 bedrooms, 1 bath full kitchen: $380 per night ($760 for the weekend)
(If you wish to find agreeable Cottage-mates for either Kelley or Morris and split the cost, that would make sense! Details about each cottage can be found here: https://www.ferrybeach.org/lodging.html)
4 Meal Plan:
- Adults 18+: $64
- Youth 9-17: $52
- 8 and under: Free
There is also an added $5 Membership Fee per registration “entity” to cover the $125 “Group Membership Fee” charged by Ferry Beach.
Here is the link to register for our Annual Ferry Beach Retreat at the Ferry Beach Retreat & Conference Center on the beautiful south coast of Maine. The system is a little clunky but fairly easy to use. Enter the size of your party, the dates (April 26 - 28) and enter the information for each member of your party including birthdate and dietary preferences. There is an additional line to enter specific food allergies or preference.
If you have a particular need or don’t want the hassle of the online form, you can call Ferry Beach Registration directly (207) 282-4489 Ext. 1 to speak directly to the Registration Office at Ferry Beach. Additionally, there will a Ferry Beach table setup during the Coffee Hour on Sundays to answer any questions regarding Ferry Beach and the Retreat.
If you would like to attend the Retreat but will have difficulty affording it, scholarships are available. You can speak to me or Reverend Cindy if you need assistance. If you would like to contribute to a Ferry Beach Scholarship, we are funding through the Minister’s Discretionary Fund this year so please send your donation there.
We are already planning many "old favorite" activities: meditation, yoga, discussion group, kite flying, Ukulele group, scavenger hunt, knitting/sewing circle, bonfire, Sunday morning worship service - but the committee would like everyone, especially folks who are new to FPC, to consider this as a way to share a talent with friends. The workshop or activity could be something more suited to adults, fun for audiences of all ages, tailored toward youth, or just for children. It is your choice. There are a limited number of spots available, so please contact Ann Sadler with your ideas as soon as possible.
If you are willing to help, but need inspiration, we are looking for facilitators for any of the following activities:
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Discussion group
- Kite flying
- Acoustic jam
- Ukulele group
- Scavenger hunt
- Bike ride
- Knitting/sewing circle
- Pickup Choir
- Poetry writing for beginners
- Art/craft for adults/kids
- Talent Show (liaise with the Lynn church - we have contact info) ??
- Beach/nature walk
- Board games
- Bonfire with Smores
Please contact Ann Sadler at retreat-activities@fpc-stow-acton.org to volunteer, or if you have any questions or suggestions.
