Lynnewood in the Redwoods
September 3-5, 2010 at Monte Toyon
This year, we have lowered the prices so that everyone can easily attend.
No family will pay over $200
max!!
And our dates are easy too--Labor Day weekend, September 3-4-5...it's perfect
for a retreat. Time to renew and refresh spiritually, enjoy the fellowship, and
still have Monday to settle the home fires!! There will be special programs for
the children and youth this year, you won't want to miss it! Our information
tables will be in the courtyard all of July, and we are asking a $50 deposit per
person or family to secure your spot. Come sign up, and we'll see you at Monte
Toyon this year!
Family max: $200!
Saturday only: $50
For more information, contact the church office.
2009 Lynnewood in the Redwoods Recap
September 11-13, 2009 at Monte Toyon
The setting was the favorite
Monte Toyon Retreat Center in the beautiful coastal mountains above
Aptos. It's close enough to be convenient, yet removed from the ordinary, with
great hiking trails and the magnificent
We began the weekend with a really yummy dinner on Friday evening, followed by a time of fellowship and settling into the dormitories. Saturday morning the big camp breakfast was followed by the morning programs. Adults were led through a discussion on Faith by our own Jim Beattie. Sara Ardell and John Silva led the youth, and Kate and Michael led the children in their own specially designed programs. The afternoon included free time to relax with family and friends either hiking, antique shopping, playing at the beach, or even napping. Saturday evening after dinner we enjoyed our famous Lynnewood (un)talent show, where the children (and adults, too) continue to surprise and delight us! And then there was the campfire, with s'mores and camp songs and the infamous games of "Capture the Flag" which seemed to go on for hours. Everyone slept well!
Sunday morning worship service at camp was really special. It felt like God was so present there in the pine and redwood trees, the sky, and the mountains.
This retreat is where we grow closer in faith and friendships, and where our children make memories.
Reflections on the 2009 Lynnewood in the Redwoods Retreat
Ah, what to say first?! The weather was perfect: cool, crisp, just right for walking among the redwoods at Monte Toyon. The redwoods were awe-inspiring, offering a glowing tribute to the beauty of God’s creation. The time spent with those attending was treasured by all. The message was thought-provoking. And, as always, the food was tops.
Lynnewood in the Redwoods is a truly unique experience among retreats and a truly unique experience among the various group functions at Lynnewood. At no other gathering is such a dedicated time available to get to know our Lynnewood family, and in such an astoundingly beautiful setting. New friendships were forged across all age groups, passing acquaintances were strengthened, and long-time friendships were celebrated. The Saturday morning session (no Bible required) focused on Faith and was presented in an open manner. It is where we find out that, “Wow, I’m not the only one who is unsure about this topic”, and “I never knew he and I were on the same page about that”, and “I never thought about it that way”.
Talk to any of the children and youth who went, and they will bend your ear for a long time about how much fun they had. The older youth in particular are passionate about this retreat. It’s a place where they are free from outside pressures, a place where they can truly bond. They arrive as disparate individuals and leave as a cohesive group. It is a real treat to see this transition take place over the weekend.
Every retreat is unique and special, and it’s the people who make it so. Thank you to all who planned and organized, those who volunteered to lead adult, youth and children sessions, led hikes, took kids to the beach, the list goes on. Each person in attendance helped make the 2009 Lynnewood in the Redwoods a wonderful experience that will stay with us forever.
Cynthia DeLand
 Schedule of Events
Sunday
Retreat Committee Members: Jim Beattie, Cynthia DeLand, Sandee Drapeau, Wendy Kenley, Jennifer Silva, Karen Fletcher.
|
 |
Lynnewood United Methodist Church
|
 |
