Pamela's approach to retreat planning is a little different from most. Along with story, worship, journalling and quiet time, she'll include some work for the hands - a craft, an art experience. Community music will be part of the retreat. And - in keeping with the oldest sources of community spirituality - she'll include some work for each to do for the good of all.

Front Porch 101
People used to have a place and time in their daily lives to welcome their neighbors. On the front porch after doing the supper dishes there could be stories, conversation, music, maybe even a piece of pie. This retreat is about the skills and insight we need to construct our front porches again, however and wherever we live, and offers many different ways to rediscover the joy and power of neighborliness.

The Ammas and the Abbas - In the Desert, Seeking God
Beginning in the third century of the common era, men and women lived in the Egyptian desert in small, subsistence communities of work and prayer. We have from them - the abbas and the ammas - a mighty and wonderful collection of stories. This retreat introduces and embodies the practics of silence and breath prayer - but we'll also dig around in those stories and marvel at the living texture of these long-ago lives.

Ridiculous! A Retreat for Sinners, Jokers and Holy Fools
Awe is not always serious and joy is not necessarily quiet! From Coyote to the Mullah Nasruddin, every faith tradition has jokes, tricksters, sillyness - ways to sneak into the church through the side door. This retreat is a renewing, relaxing experience of stories, songs, and laughter celebrating Jesus's vision of a world turned upside-down.

In This Moment - Beginning Your Book of Hours
Recollectedness is the hour-by-hour awareness that we are beloved children of God - and it's always a challenge. For centuries Christians have used Books of Hours, personal prayer books, to seek recollectedness. In this hands-on retreat we'll see examples of personal prayer books and Books of Hours from different centuries. We'll reflect together about what recollectedness means for each of us. Each participant will have time to experiment with materials to make a page or a book that calls to recollectedness. Participants will be invited to bring pictures, prayers, and other texts that are personally meaningful for them - generous amounts of other craft supplies will also be available.

Email:narthex (at) baba-yaga.org       Web site: baba-yaga.org

Phone: 812-323-1817 (Because Pamela is often on the road, phone messages can take a while to reach her. If you don't hear from her, please try e-mail or call again. She's not ignoring you!)

Address: Pamela Grenfell Smith
3680 East Tamarron Drive 
Bloomington, Indiana 47408

For the rest of 2009, I'm donating my storytelling income to organizations that support the Millenium Development Goals. I'd still appreciate some help with my transportation expenses, if your organization is able to help. Apart from that - let's see what we can raise together for the MDGs! ~ Pamela