November, 2004 Calendar In This Issue: Parish Weekend Reflection Donations for Flowers We Gather Together Bringing Ritual, Tradition and Art to Advent All Saints Day and the Communion of Saints Turning of the Time: A Steward's Reflection The Advent Labyrinth Walk: A Direct Encounter with the Holy Columbarium Sale Ending Soon Home Advent Wreath Ceremony

Parish Weekend Reflection by Chris Muntz and Charlene Huang (adults) It was with a mixture of excitement, hope and trepidation that we loaded our 3 young children, camping gear and ourselves into the family bus, and headed up to the mountains for the annual St. A's retreat in Julian. Once we arrived, however, the excitement greatly overshadowed our anxiety from the start, on Friday night. It was clear that this would be a glorious weekend of fellowship, fun, meditation and reflection.

Little parishioners enjoying time together on the Parish Weekend Retreat at Camp Stevens

The retreat was held at Camp Stevens, a lovely, open facility with comfortable lodges and delicious organic meals. There were plenty of activities led both by Camp staff (hiking expedition and visits to abandoned mines) and wonderful St. A's members (arts and crafts, a scavenger hunt and a bonfire with songs and s'mores underneath an astonishing starry sky). There were group discussions for the adults, and all kinds of outdoor adventures for the kids (who bonded wonderfully during the weekend). There also was plenty of time for independent meditations or small-group discussions, and on Sunday morning we celebrated a warm and personal open-air worship at the many manifestations of God we had encountered during this very special retreat. We left Camp Stevens after lunch on Sunday with the glow of renewed relationships, new friendships, and hope for further growth and fellowship within the St. A's community. We look forward to the next retreat!

by Francesca Pavia (child, age 7)

I played in the tree house with some of my friends. At night we roasted marshmallows and told scary stories in the woods around a bonfire. We saw the Milky Way. I swam in the pool. We went on a hike to collect berries. We went to church on Sunday in the woods. I want to come next year to do the camp.

by Melissa and Eben Cook (adults)

Taking a weekend away from "everyday life" was a big deal for us because we've been so busy lately that we've been working most weekends. Thankfully, we decided the parish weekend was important, so that forced us to get away. We loved our first trip to Camp Stevens. "Communion" takes on a whole new meaning when you are bunking with, eating with, giggling with, playing games with, brushing teeth with, and worshipping with the people you are used to seeing once a week. If you haven't participated in the parish weekend yet, we encourage you to make time for it next year!

by Alyssa Kolligian (child, age 11)

Why I came to this weekend:

1. Because it is always very nice and I always have fun.

2. Because of all the people who join us.

3. I love the presence of God everywhere.

Copyright © 2004 St. Augustine by-the-Sea