Before the Throne: All Angels' Parish Retreat, September 17-19

At this year's retreat, we will explore the theme of worship through one of the most vivid images in Scripture, Revelation 4 and 5, John's vision of the throne room of God and the heavenly worshipers who surround the throne. Through Scripture, individual and corporate times of worship, and play in God's creation, we will be inspired by the vision of our God as we explore what it means to worship God in our daily lives and with the whole of our lives.

Our guest facilitator for the weekend will be Bobby Gross, director of graduate and faculty ministries for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and former senior warden of All Angels'. Bobby serves on the national board of Christians in the Visual Arts (CIVA) and lives in Atlanta, Georgia. He is also the author of Living the Christian Year: Time to Inhabit the Story of God.

IMPORTANT DETAILS:

Cost: Adults/youth, $155. *Thanks to a generous grant given by the All Angels’ Farm Fund, mothers with children 18 and under, and children 4-12 (ages 3 and under) can go for free, including Metro-North train fare. Priority goes to current members of All Angels' Church. Please indicate on the registration form if you plan to travel by train. Make sure to save your receipt. Check request forms will be given at the retreat.

 
Registration, payment and scholarships: Register online for the retreat here. You can pay in the Give section of the website and specify that it is for the retreat. You can also fill out a paper form and send it with your $50 non-refundable deposit to All Angels' Church, Attn: Ann Kosmerl, 251 W. 80th Street, New York, NY 10024 with a $50. Space is limited, and is on a first come (with deposit), first served basis. The deadline is September 8, but don't wait until then! Get your form in early and reserve your spot.

Please don’t let money keep you from joining us! Indicate on the form if you need assistance. And, of course, if you are able we encourage you to contribute a gift toward the scholarship fund

Retreat Center: We are returning to the beautiful Incarnation Center in Ivoryton, CT. There are a wealth of fun outdoor and indoor activities available  including canoeing, water slide (if it's not too cold), ropes course, arts and crafts center, softball, basketball and much more. See www.incarnationcenter.org for more details.

Housing: There are 4 main housing units with shared bathrooms and rooms that accommodate 1-5 people as well as dormitory style housing. We will try to accommodate people’s housing wishes as best as we can, but this is a great time to practice the fruits of the Spirit. Linens ARE provided so no carrying pillows and sleeping bags on the train! Cribs for toddlers and infants need to be brought by parents. If you have a preferred roommate, you can indicate that on the form; otherwise, roommate(s) will be assigned.

Meals: Meals include breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday, and breakfast and lunch on Sunday. The camp will have a vegetarian option at each meal. If you have gluten allergies, they can prepare something for you in the kitchen, but advise that you bring some supplemental food, just in case. If you are arriving early on Friday and would like dinner at the camp ($10), please indicate that on the registration form. Refrigerator space is available in all the buildings.  

Transportation by:

Car: Incarnation is about 2.5 hours out of NYC without traffic. Directions can be found here, or at www.incarnationcenter.org. If you are planning to drive, we STRONGLY encourage you to leave early on Friday in order to beat rush hour traffic on I-95.

Train: We will not be renting a bus, but encourage people to take the Metro-North train from Grand Central Station (or wherever is most convenient for you) to New Haven. Incarnation will provide ONE bus pickup at the New Haven station at 8 PM sharp. Give yourself plenty of time to make the 8 pm pickup b/c the bus cannot wait for stragglers and will leave promptly when everyone gathered is on the bus!

There are TWO New Haven stops back to back. Make sure to get off at the FIRST New Haven stop.

Fares are currently listed as $18 for a one-way peak ticket on Friday evening, and $14 off-peak on Sunday afternoon. Family fares are $1 per child up to four children when bought with an adult fare. Keep in mind that tickets bought online must be bought in advance and will be mailed to you. Tickets can also be purchased at the station but make allowance for the extra time on a busy Friday evening.

Nursery, children and youth: Nursery is available for Saturday sessions and Sunday worship, and children/youth programming parallels the adults on Saturday.

**For parents: if you have extra luggage/cribs/etc, that you would like the early crew to take up for you, please indicate as such on your registration form. You MUST inform us about this by Monday, August 30 and be able to do a dropoff by Thursday, Sept. 16, 5 pm.

Baptism and Recommitment: Interested in being baptized or recommitting yourself at the retreat? Contact Christine Lee at clee@allangelschurch.com, 212-362-9300, ex. 232.

What to bring: Bible, journal, pen, sports equipment, shower slippers, camera, yoga mat (there will be a yoga session with Amy Russell for those who wish to join in on Saturday morning)