On the weekend of March 7-8-9, thirty three Quakers from 13 different meetings gathered for the retreat that Janice Domanik led by listening for God's direction. She was accompanied by Marlou Carlson who served as her elder and helped her discern next steps between sessions. This was no ordinary retreat. We were enriched by hearing about Martin Luther King's sermon in which he suggested that our spiritual lives have breadth, depth and height. The breadth comes from our individual spiritual journey. The depth comes from our interactions and support of one another in community. The height comes from our devotion to God. Janice used the theme of this sermon to help us consider leadership among Friends and discernment of individual and community leadings.

At one point as a flock of geese flew noisily overhead, Janice reminded us that the lead goose is supported by the wing action of those who follow in the V. Eventually the lead goose will tire and fall back, to be replaced by another, so that all members of the group share the responsibility for leadership.

We enjoyed great times and wonderful food in a friendly Mennonite setting, Menno Haven Camp. Consider this site as a great alternative for your IYM committee meetings during our rebuilding year in McNabb. Thanks to one and all who contributed to the wonder of this event.
 

In February a group of 22 enthusiastic Friends gathered at the home of Dorothy and Ed Churchwell to learn more about an exciting new development in Wisconsin's Quaker enrichment opportunities.  The gathering was held to inform Madison area Friends and friends about the current status of  the work of a corporation that has been formed to develop a group living and study center on a portion of the Camp Woodbrooke site owned and operated by Al and Jenny Lang.  Waysmeet Retreat Center will provide opportunities for learning and reflection for both groups and individuals of all ages. It is intended to be a place where people can come to the quiet of the Wisconsin hills to nurture a sense of community with nature, with spirituality and with each other.

A series of highly successful family retreats held in 2001 and 2002 have already demonstrated the need for and value of having a place for such activities. More such retreats are scheduled for 2003.

Those present were invited to share their own visions of how such a facility could meet needs in the lives of Quakers and others seeking a place for study, retreat and restoration. The wide range of possible uses of such a facility expressed by those at the meeting reinforced the hopes and expectations of the Waysmeet Board and others at the meeting.

Katharine and Ken Jacobsen were present at the meeting. Katherine shared some of her knowledge and experience in facilitating the development and building of Quaker facilities. She is presently Director of Development for Olney Friends School. She has also worked with Development at the Earlham School of Religion and as Director of Development at Mount Holyoke College.