You’re invited to consider and register for the 2023 GCS Retirees Retreat at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, October 30, 31 and Nov. 1.  All the information you need to do this is in this PDF. 

You will find that the theme and presenter bring a truly ‘Reformation’ dynamic to this retreat, as we are looking forward to having Rev. Dr. Donald Heinz with us.  If you have any questions, please contact Conrad Braaten at conradabraaten@gmail.com.  

The Nineteenth Annual Grand Canyon Synod Retirees Retreat

• Pastors, Deacons, Spouses, Widows, and Widowers

• October 30, 31 - November 1, 2023

• Spirit in the Desert Retreat and Conference Center. Carefree, Arizona

• “In as much as you have done it to the least...”

Dear Friends in Christ,

Are you new to retirement? Or have you been retired for some time now? Either way, we’d like to spend some time with you! We too are the “retired” among the Grand Canyon Synod’s roster of saints. Please join us for a two-night gathering of new and old friends at this year’s Retirees Retreat - a time for fellowship, worship, and learning in a peaceful desert setting.

Program

Rev. Dr. Donald Heinz, retired ELCA Pastor and Professor Emeritus of Religion and Humanities at California State University – Chico will give presentations related to his recent book: Matthew 25 Christianity: Redeeming Church and Society (Cascade Books, 2022). A Preview is available on Amazon.com. Bishop Deborah Hutterer will present a State of the Synod report. The Rev. Steve Holm, a retired parish pastor and devotional writer, will again serve as Chaplain.

Schedule

The retreat begins on Monday, October 31st at 1:00 PM and ends with lunch on Wednesday. The program includes small-group gatherings, fellowship times, and a Reformation worship Service of Remembrance. We also encourage you to take time before and after the retreat to explore the unique offerings of Carefree and Cave Creek.

Room and Board

Rooms at the retreat center will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis, with additional lodging at the new Hampton Inn just across the street. All meals (from Monday dinner through Wednesday lunch) will be at the retreat center.

The Synod Retirees Retreat Team looks forward to your presence! Helen & Les Hoffman Jan Fosen, Sue & Joel Bjerkestrand, Steve Holm, Jane Yost, Ted & JoAnn Swanson; Jane & Dan Hodgson; Kirk Anderson & Sheri Brown; Jennifer & Conrad Braaten

REGISTRATION INFORMATION Synod Retirees Retreat

(Pastors, Deacons, Spouses, Widows, and Widowers)

October 30,31 – November 1, 2023

Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Carefree, AZ

Participants will be assigned to rooms at Spirit in the Desert on a “first-come/first-served” basis.

Additional guests will be assigned to the new Hampton Inn, just a short walk from the Retreat Center.

Registration fees are based on actual costs (rooms, meals, and program expenses) for two days, two nights, and six meals, reduced by generous gifts from many sources!

Donations from synod congregations make possible an approximately 50% reduction from actual costs.

Registration Fees:

• Double occupancy: $175 per person = $350 for two people

• Single occupancy: $225 for 1 person

• Commuter: $125 per person

Scholarships are available! Please make a confidential inquiry to Registrar Jan Fosen: (602-758-0875) fosen1215@gmail.com.

Please register ‘special needs’ promptly (ADA – physical mobility rooms are limited) We kindly request that you have been vaccinated & boosted for Covid-19.