First Souly for You Retreat Day Scheduled

Friday, September 4th

Topic for the Day: Celtic Spirituality led by Margo Casey

Christian peoples of northern Britain and Ireland in the 5^th - 7^th centuries lived with a very close and immediate sense of God. Separated from Rome they developed traditions, rituals, and spiritual practices that 21^st Century Christians have found inspiring. They regularly found and experienced sacred space, enjoyed God in nature, and wrote and recited earthy prayers; all of which allowed them to trust God’s presence with them. Together we will become familiar with this view of God and their daily practices to see what would be meaningful for us personally .

Time: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Location is the home of:
Cathy McWilliams
25601 Centennial Trail
Golden, CO 80401

Schedule of Events:
9:00 to 9:30 - Greet Over Treats
9:30 to 11:45 - Teaching, Discussion, Activities & Personal Reflection
11:45 to 12:30 - Lunch
12:30 to 1:45 - Group Sharing & Discussion
1:45 to 2:00 - Closing Circle

Cost: $30 per person

Suggested Items to bring:
slippers
journal
favorite writing pens or pencil

Please wear comfortable clothing

To Make a Reservation for Souly For You:
Please send an email to the address below stating you would like to attend along with your name, phone number and email.
vickersmyers@msn.com

About the Organizers - Cathy McWilliams

I became involved with Souly for You because I believe women need a way and a place to restore body and soul. Meeting with women, exploring my spiritual path, and expressing the various aspects of my spirituality have allowed me to connect with God in new and life giving ways.

A quote from Alan Jones says of Alice in Alice in Wonderland: "Poor Alice has to run around furiously in order to stay in the same place. We, on the other hand, have to learn to stand still in order to continue our journey. We must stand still...The more we run around, the more we lose touch with ourselves, the less of us there is...The still journey of the soul takes forever." Being still and in the present moment are some of what Souly for You hopes to offer.

I love the outdoors and the mountains. When I see the sunrise, watch a hummingbird, or hear one of my 7 granddaughters call "grandma," I see and hear God.

As part of the Souly for You team, I hope to afford women the quiet and beauty of the mountains when they come to my home. I love to work in my garden, knit, play piano, read and play golf.

I recently returned to work in my profession as a surgical nurse, after participating in a medical mission trip to Rwanda.

About the Organizers - Vickers Myers

I joined this merry band of ladies because they are seekers, fun loving, and thinkers.

I am a Master Gardener, contradancer, knitter, and I volunteer for the Conflict Center, Habitat for Humanity, Denver Master Gardeners School Enrichment Program and Anchor Center.

I recently semi-retired from my 30 year profession as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and am going through yet another one of life's transitions.

About the Organizers - Angela Vanderlan

I became involved with Souly for you, continuing on my journey as a seeker. Meeting with other women and taking time out for reflection has been a grounding and growing aspect of my life.

Hiking, snowshoeing, gardening, listening to music and connecting with family and friends are some of my favorite pastimes. Spending time with my 5 year old granddaughter has reminded me to experience and enjoy life's small moments. I am also growing my love of nature and it's metaphors for life, gardening with children in a therapeutic setting.

As part of the Souly for You organizing team, I look forward to assisting with hospitality, welcoming others and having time to recharge my energies and gain new perspectives.

About the Organizers - Margo Casey

I grew up outside of Philadelphia in a devout Irish Catholic family. Prayer and dependence on God were natural in my home. We all also loved music, sports and anything out of doors. So when I moved to Colorado for grad school, I wanted to stay. I loved the sun, the focus on out-of-doors activities here and the dear friends I had made. On days off you will find me gardening, biking or enjoying friends or a good novel.

I graduated from Denver Seminary with a degree in Practical Theology. A decade later, I studied and was trained as a Spiritual Director at St. Thomas Seminary. For the past twenty years, I have guided individuals, groups and retreats in exploring intimacy with God in everyday life. I believe my creative leadership style helps folks to feel safe and encounter our Creator in refreshing ways. I have worked for thirty years as a Pastoral Counselor and am currently also working at Inner City Health Center with the working poor.

For the past 20 years I have worshipped in the Episcopal church. My path with God has involved many surprises. Through a few pivotal circumstances, I have grown in my need for the rhythm of the Church seasons, and a liturgical community that honors the mystery of God. This quote by Richard Rohr from his book, Everything Belongs voices an attitude that I hope to live out as we gather in Souly for You. "God is always bigger than the boxes we build for God, so we should not waste too much time protecting the boxes."

Souly for You excites me. I appreciate exploring my faith and learning spiritual practices and new ideas with others. I am challenged to know God is bigger than my ideas and experiences. This enhances my enjoyment of God and life. I hope that together as we meet this will happen for all of us.

About the Organizers - Cyndi Philkill Doty

I am a visual artist and love to work in collage and assemblage. I trade art with others around the world through artist trading cards (ATCs) and circle journals. I believe in the restorative power of art journaling and co-creating with God. You can see some of my art in my Flickr Gallery.

I am a trainer and have my own company called Equipped to Serve that trains lay people in listening and ministry skills. I received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Maryland Art Institute and a Master of Science in Organization Development and Training from Johns Hopkins University.

My other passions include watching movies, traveling and training in Africa, which is where this photo was taken. And "YES," it was awesome getting to hold and play with lion cubs! I also love hanging out with friends, stimulating discussions, and connecting with God through the creative process.

I became involved with Souly for You because I believe that women need an opportunity to come away from our day-to-day activities to nurture our souls. I look forward to sharing my love of teaching, art, and the creative process and sharing with others in an opportunity to rest, reflect and rejuvenate our thirsty souls.