Lynnewood in the Redwoods
September 2-4, 2011
Over 100 attended the 2011 Lynnewood in the Redwoods! It was our biggest ever, with record numbers of children in all age groups. There were close to 30 first-time attendees, including a Japanese exchange student attending with her host family. Rev. Heather and Rev. Diana organized the fun meet-and-greet Friday night session. Diana's husband Grady led us in song, and even wrote the rousing and popular, "We Call It Lynnewood". Lynnewood member Rosa P., a classical literature scholar, led the adult Saturday morning program. The Talent Show was a hit, as always. Grady was joined by 4 other guitars and a banjo during Campfire, and everyone got into a singing mood. Sunday's service wrapped up the weekend with the lesson of the Loaves and Fishes. Click here to see pictures of the 2011 Lynnewood in the Redwoods.
From Sharon B., on her family's first-time experience:
The All Church Retreat in Aptos was sensational.
Our family had never been to a church retreat before, so we weren’t
really certain what to expect. After
we arrived and attended the church sessions, we were pleasantly surprised that
the retreat had a laid back atmosphere.
We began our Saturday with the boys going to their children groups for a
fun-filled morning of activities, and we attended the adult session.
In the afternoon, we went to the beach with other families and watched
the children run and squeal with delight in the water.
We saw a sea lion in the water and a school of dolphins.
After dinner, we were entertained by many talented people.
Who knew there was so much talent in this church?
To end the night, we sat around a campfire, sang songs, and ate too many
s’mores. The Lynnewood folks sure
know how to throw a party. Our boys,
Daniel and Paul, kept telling us Saturday night, Sunday, and Monday how much fun
they had at the retreat. We will
definitely be back next year!
September 3-5, 2010
This was one of the best attended All Church Retreats ever! Moving the retreat to Labor Day Weekend allowed more families to attend since many school and sports activities were off for the weekend. Click to see pictures of the 2010 Lynnewood in the Redwoods.
September 11-13, 2009
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 B. Sara and John 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 D.
 Schedule of Events
Sunday
Retreat Committee Members: Jim B., Cynthia D., Sandee D., Wendy K., Jennifer S., Karen F.
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Lynnewood United Methodist Church
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