Palmer on Mission: Renewal and Connection at the Daylesford Alumni Retreat

It was a cold February day in 2022 at Daylesford Abbey in Paoli, PA as 30 alumni gathered for… in fact many were not sure what. The retreat was described simply as Breaking Open: Refresh, Recover, Renew.  “Many of us were just returning to in-person services after the peak of Covid,” recalls James Williams ‘19. “I think many of us were hoping for a season of stability.” James was not alone. Many alumni approached the Abbey with uncertainty for a variety of reasons.

Apprehensions dissolved the moment they walked through the door and were warmly greeted by the familiar faces of peers and faculty: Deb Winters ‘85, Cynthia Pollard ‘03, and George Hancock-Stefan. Soon, alumni reconnected with each other, as well as staff and faculty through worship and shared meals.  There was time for reflection, meditation, praying and singing, all while snow and ice moved in and settled on the ground outside. “It was just wonderful to be surrounded by seminary peers, both known and unknown. Something happens when co-servants gather together,” James reflects.

The alumni were not alone in the uncertainty of what the retreat would hold. “We really didn’t know what to expect,” says Deb Winters. “We were just hoping folks would come, and trusted God would show up.” This first alumni retreat grew out of Deb Winters and Cynthia Pollard’s Biblical Storytelling class. Biblical Storytelling is a pedagogy that not only emphasizes the importance of reading Scripture aloud as a story, but invites hearers to ask what connects with them and makes the story come alive. This active participation in the story of God was the inspiration behind CARES inviting their gifts and partnership in the retreat.  Together, they told the story of Jesus healing the woman bleeding in Mark 5; a profound story shared in a way–in a set apart space–that resonated deeply with all gathered.

As small groups met to reflect and respond, folks needed no prompting. “They didn’t even need a question. People just started talking. It was a day of joy with fellow classmates and leaders.”  Leaders in the Church, those called to pour into others, also need to receive life-giving nourishment for their own flourishing.  The seminary is committed to continuing to accompany our community toward wholeness.

It is in that spirit, CARES, once again, invites all alumni to retreat on February 29 at Daylesford Abbey. Simply described as Morning by Mourning: A Soul Wellness Retreat, this is an offering of time to rest, to consider, to worship, to be.  When asked for a word of encouragement and invitation, Deb Winters responds “Wherever you are, just come away. Come be renewed and refreshed."