Please Click Below for Retreat Flyer
2017 2nd Annual Retreat at
Mariandale Retreat & Conference Center
#1- Bud’s Morning Warm-up . . . HA!
After our first night at the Retreat, Bud James got everybody warmed up in the morning with the practice of the “HA! Breath.”
If everyone who is able can get up out of your chairs and follow along with Bud as you watch this, you will no doubt find this a great stress-reliever that will get you going in the morning.
If everyone who is able can get up out of your chairs and follow along with Bud as you watch this, you will no doubt find this a great stress-reliever that will get you going in the morning.
#2- Nancy Davis: Exploring Miracles
Nancy Davis opened the day’s theme of “Miracles, Mystery, and Mission” by exploring the topic of Miracles.
#3- Tracy & John: Mystery & Spiritual Partnering
Revs. Tracy Green Corrigan and John Krysko discuss the mutual spiritual bond they discovered and nourished as “spiritual partners,” and how this enabled them to support one another and experience levels of understanding themselves which they had not been able to come to on their own–how they were able to to help one another explore and traverse the inner mystery.
#4- John K. Leads A Meditation
John Krysko leads the group in a specialized goal-oriented Self-inquiry meditation designed to help everyone clarify what questions are most important, to help find the answer to specific questions in our lives.
#5- Bud’s Mission-Plan for an Alumni Associaton
Using Powerpoint slides that show his vision for the future of what our Alumni Organization can become, Rev. Dr. Bud James outlines in detail the principles of organization behind forming such a successful enterprise, emphasizing how “many hands make light work,” so if we all play a part, we can accomplish great things.
#6- Panel on Transformation: Nancy Davis, Suzanne Davis, & Melissa Harris
Click here to watch—> https://youtu.be/7AZ
In an initial presentation lasting 17 minutes, Nancy, Suzanne, and Melissa each discuss their own perspectives on the miracle of personal transformation. The floor is then opened for a spirited and personal discussion and sharing session which continues for another half hour as many of the retreatants share their personal stories and perspectives. There is a small gap between Suzanne’s last portion of the initial presentation and the discussion then picks up near the beginning of Patricia Conte-Nelson’s personal story of transformation. (Also, fair warning: I’m afraid that I forgot to give my pinch-hitting camera partner instructions about the zoom lens, so please bear with a few awkward close-ups and camera angles for a few minutes in the middle. It does clear up shortly!)
#7- Ken Davis Exposes the Truth about the Truth
Click here to watch —-> https://youtu.be/7jAW2go
First off is a absolutely brilliant talk by Rev. Ken Davis on the “Truth about Miracles.” Based on the non-dual principles presented in A Course in Miracles, Ken goes beyond people’s usual day-to-day assumptions, beliefs, and perspectives, and strips everything down to expose the paradox inherent in all belief-systems or “models,” as he defines them, including ACIM itself, and how all this ultimately leads to that which cannot be explained–the ineffable experience or reality of TRUTH Itself.
(#8 is not here because it was an introduction to a shared form of partner-meditation that cannot be included in video form)
#9- Rev. Laura Sings the Original Aramaic Beatitudes–and Shares Her Amazing Story!
Click here to watch —-> https://youtu.be/kSkz1xV
Rev. Laura S. Derr presents the original Aramaic version of the Beatitudes in song. She explains the meaning of her moving rendition, and places the piece in its original historical context during the life of Yeshua (Jesus).
She then goes on to share some of the remarkable and very personal spiritual experiences in her own life, including unique blessing and healing abilities with which she has been graced after years of sadhana (spiritual practice).
#10- Rev.Keith McKellop on the Stephen Ministry
Rev. Keith McKellop talks about Stephen Ministry, a Christian but non-denominational ministry with which he is involved, and it’s national program. He provies information and invites others to explore this as a possible avenue in their own ministerial pursuits.
#11- Rev. Patrica Conte-Nelson’s Award Celebration
Click here to watch —-> https://youtu.be/TW_lhtg
Rev. Dr. Doris McGuffey presides over the awarding of the 2nd Annul Rabbi Joseph H. Gelberman Award to Rev. Patricia Conte-Nelson. It becomes a joyous celebration of her life–as with everything Patricia touches–it is filled Love, Heart, and Humor. Family, friends, and fellow alumni all share stories and testimonials–both in person and in a video presentation of their own–about how Patricia’s very active life of service and ministry has touched and benefited so many.
#12- Talent Share
Finally, we ended the evening with a mini-talent show. Revs. Bud James, Laura Derr, and Nancy Davis performed an old Shaker round with such precision, it sounded as though they had rehearsed for hours! Then Tamar and I read some personal poems of our own on the subjects of Love and Time.
The opinions or views mentioned by the speaker(s) in this video do not necessarily represent those of the faculty and/or board of AFSI which does not support, endorse, or promote any political agenda, cause, or ideology.