WOMEN'S RETREAT
The PCLG 2024 Women’s Retreat Is at a Tranquil New Location!
Attention all PCLG women: If you like to get away from the day-to-day routine, love learning from an inspiring teacher, and long to connect and have a great time with other Christian women, the PCLG Women’s Retreat is the place for you!
This year’s retreat is set for the weekend of Oct. 25-27 and is at a new location: the St. Francis Retreat Center near San Juan Bautista. Among the features of this tranquil 73-acre site are several wooded walking trails and a large, peaceful pond encircled by a Stations of the Cross path.
Our retreat theme this year is “Listening Deeply.” This ties in with PCLG’s current all-church theme, “A Year for Growing Deeper.” Deeper personal, relational and spiritual growth requires deeper listening – to ourselves, to others and to God. As Rev. 2:7 says: “Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.”
Our teacher this year is the Rev. Dr. Jana Childers, a Presbyterian minister, professor emerita at San Francisco Theological Seminary and award-winning author. Jana will lead us as we explore how we can tune our hearts and minds to listen more deeply so we can discern God’s good plan for our lives. As always, our get-away will be filled with music, prayer, learning and sharing, as we encourage one another in our spiritual journeys. We’ll also have plenty of time for playing, crafting and relaxing.
The retreat runs from Friday afternoon through Sunday morning, with a Saturday- only option. The fees are $375 for the weekend, which includes five meals, and $135 for Saturday-only, which includes lunch. The Retreat Team will help organize carpools. Registration and payment deadline is Sept. 29.
What You Should Know Before You Go
Where is the retreat? It’s at the St. Francis Retreat Center near San Juan Bautista, about 50 miles south of PCLG. Address: 549 Mission Vineyard Rd. Phone: 831-623-4234.
Will there be carpools? Yes. The Retreat Team will assist attendees in organizing carpools. If you’re interested, check the appropriate box on the registration form.
What should I bring? Your Bible, water bottle, walking shoes, sweater/jacket and toiletries. You may also bring a blanket or lawn chair for sitting outside, and wine or other beverages. Smoking, wax candles and incense are prohibited.
What are the sleeping accommodations? Each of the center’s bedrooms has two twin beds. You may request single- or double-occupancy on the registration form, but we can’t promise we’ll be able to meet your request. All rooms are on the first floor and have private bathrooms; linens are provided.
What if I have mobility issues? You’ll need to be able to navigate a few steps, uneven terrain and gentle slopes. The dining hall is at a higher elevation than the meeting and sleeping rooms. The center can provide meal transportation, but you must request it in advance, either on your registration form or in the church office.
When and where do I check in? Check-in is Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. Enter the center’s second driveway and look for the PCLG sign to the right of the parking area, on the lower level. Our check-in table will be on the back patio of the Fireside Lounge. (You’ll have access to a retreat center map before you come.)
Can I come for just Saturday? We welcome Saturday-only retreatants. Saturday attendees should check in between 9 and 9:15 at the Fireside Lounge.
How much does the retreat cost? The full weekend fee is $375. This includes two nights and five meals. (A one-night fee is not available.) The Saturday-only charge is $135, which includes lunch. Saturday retreatants may also purchase breakfast and/or dinner. See the registration form for meal fees and times.
Is there any financial aid? A limited number of full and partial scholarships is available. For information, email Pastor Erica Rader at erica.rader@pclg.org. If you’d like to contribute to the scholarship fund, contact Beth Barry at bethbarry1@comcast.net.
How do I register and when is the deadline? You may register and pay on this website by clicking the link below. You may also sign up at our registration table, which will be set up during coffee hour after worship Sundays, Sept. 8-29, or in the church office. We must receive your completed registration form and full payment by Sept. 29. We will be unable to give any refunds after Sept. 29. If you need online help, or have a special request or question, contact Church Administrator Veronica Nourse at veronica.nourse@pclg.com, 408-356-6156.