The Retreat House at Hillsboro

Middle Convocation Meeting
2017-02-08 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | The Retreat House, 22005 Church Street, Hillsboro, MD, 21641, United States

Recovering Spirit Half-Day Retreat
2017-02-18 10:00 - 14:00 | The Retreat House, 22005 Church Street, Hillsboro, MD, 21641, United States
Please register here by Wednesday February 15.

Diocese of Easton Convention
2017-02-24 - 2017-02-25 | Hyatt Regency Cambridge MD, Cambridge, MD, United States
A Window with A View
Hyatt Regency, Cambridge MD

Lenten Lunch Series: Four Paths of Reconciliation
2017-03-16 12:00 - 13:30 | The Retreat House, 22005 Church Street, Hillsboro, MD, 21641, United States
Join us for a weekly reflection on God’s invitation to reconciliation and a shared meal in the style of the early Christian Eucharistic celebrations.
REGISTER HERE
The conversations will be about the Eastern Shore’s history of slavery, the stewardship of creation, indigenous traditions and how to move our faith forward into lived expression.Through discussion and prayer, we will listen to God’s call of reconciling love in our lives and throughout the world.
Lunch will be provided. A suggested donation of $20 for each lunch or $60 for the entire four week series would be gratefully accepted.

Vestry 101
2017-03-28 18:00 - 20:30 | MD, United States
VESTRY 101: A workshop for incoming and returning Vestry members and clergy
PLEASE REGISTER HERE
The Retreat House at Hillsboro invites you to consider a prayerful approach to serving God through the calling to institutional duty as a member of a church Vestry. During this workshop, we will spend time blending Scripture, Prayer, and Vestry Orientation materials from The Episcopal Church Foundation.
This workshop will rotate through host parishes in the Diocese as follows:
Tues. 3/28 – Southern Convocation (TBD)
Thurs. 3/30 – Emmanuel Church, 101 N. Cross St., Chestertown, MD 21620
Sat. 4/2 – The Retreat House at Hillsboro, 22005 Church St., Hillsboro MD 21641
If you or your parish would like to consider hosting a day-long Vestry Retreat on the same topic, please contact us at info@retreathousehillsboro.org.
There is a suggested donation of $25 per person or $175 per parish. A light dinner will be provided by the Retreat House.
Image: Saint Juan Diego, patron saint of lay ministry

Good Friday Service
2017-04-14 17:00 - 18:00 | The Retreat House, 22005 Church Street, Hillsboro, MD, 21641, United States
Walking meditation
Evening service with Reverend Marianne Ells

Holy Saturday Easter Vigil Service
2017-04-15 19:00 - 20:00 | The Retreat House, 22005 Church Street, Hillsboro, MD, 21641, United States

Easter Sunday Service and Breakfast
2017-04-16 06:30 - 08:00 | The Retreat House, 22005 Church Street, Hillsboro, MD, 21641, United States
Outdoor Sunrise service followed by Pot Luck breakfast in the Retreat House

5:45 pm Meditation Class
2017-05-08 17:45 - 18:15 | The Retreat House, 22005 Church Street, Hillsboro, MD, 21641, United States
Meditation is a practice that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Give yourself this small, powerful gift of time to slow down and just be.
Beginners and those with meditation experience are welcome to sit.
There is no charge for this class. Donations will be happily accepted.
Please reserve your spot by contacting info@retreathousehillsboro.org.

FILM & DISCUSSION SERIES
2017-05-09 18:00 - 20:00 | The Retreat House, 22005 Church Street, Hillsboro, MD, 21641, United States
Join us for conversations about God’s invitation to reconciliation after viewing selections from these acclaimed films.
REGISTER TODAY!
Tuesday, May 9, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Dear White People – A fictional feature film by Justin Simien about real life events. This tongue-in-cheek story opens up a great deal of the unspoken dynamics, assumptions, and biases present in contemporary America.
Tuesday, June 13, 6:00-8:00 p.m. I Am Not Your Negro – Based on the writings of James Baldwin and directed by Raoul Peck, this film traces the civil rights movement from the 1960’s through today.
Tuesday, July 11, 6:00-8:00 p.m. 13th – From acclaimed director Ava DuVernay comes this story that traces the abolition of slavery followed closely by the emergence of the industrial prison complex. The relationship between the two? More than coincidental.
PLEASE REGISTER HERE.

THE SPIRITUALITY OF TREES
2017-05-16 09:00 - 13:00 | The Retreat House, 22005 Church Street, Hillsboro, MD, 21641, United States
Please join us for a morning of silent prayer, learning and shared reflections about the special language of trees and the ways in which Creation serves as a spiritual teacher.
Register today!
As we walk among the many amazing and beautiful trees on the Retreat House grounds, we will consider the rich history of these magnificent life-giving perennials.
We will prayerfully remember the ones who planted the trees and their reverence for the land and for loved ones who are buried in the cemetery.
We will conclude the session with a Land Blessing ritual, which you may adapt and use on your land and within your own community.
Morning coffee, tea and pastries will be available, and lunch is included. A suggested donation of $30 will be gratefully accepted.

NEIGHBORHOOD BBQ
2017-06-03 16:00 - 19:00 | The Retreat House, 22005 Church Street, Hillsboro, MD, 21641, United States
The Retreat House welcomes neighbors and friends to share a meal and catch up with each other.
The Retreat House will provide grills, plates and utensils, condiments, cold drinks, desserts.
Please bring meats and side dishes to share, a blanket or deck chair. (Folding chairs will be available.)
If anyone plays guitar or another instrument, please bring it along and play for us.
RSVP by Monday, May 30. Email your response to info@retreathousehillsboro.org or leave a message at (410) 364-7042.

HILLSBORO YARD SALE
2017-06-10 08:00 - 15:00 | The Retreat House, 22005 Church Street, Hillsboro, MD, 21641, United States
Visit us while browsing through the village’s annual yard sale.
We will have art for sale as well as many other useful odds and ends!

FAREWELL RACHEL! OPEN HOUSE
2017-06-17 16:00 - 20:00 | The Retreat House, 22005 Church Street, Hillsboro, MD, 21641, United States
It seems like Rev. Rachel Field just arrived, and now she is off to new adventures!
Please come by to wish her well and to join us as we celebrate the wonderful work that Rachel accomplished while at the Retreat House.
For more information, contact Francie at (410) 364-7042 or email info@retreathousehillsboro.org.

Workshop: Magdalene's Dance with God
2017-07-22 09:00 - 17:00 | The Retreat House, 22005 Church Street, Hillsboro, MD, 21641, United States
This exciting workshop is based on the book Magdalene’s Dance with God by the Reverend Dr. David G. Jones, Ph.D. You can register here.
The purpose of this workshop is:

to explore in depth the spiritual journey of Mary Magdalene and the seven lessons she learned from and with Jesus.
to walk in her footsteps and apply her lessons to our own spiritual journey.

This workshop will be highly experiential. Come ready to explore and honor your spiritual journey up until now, and to learn and try out new practices to use as you continue.
A suggested donation of $40 covers cost for materials, lunch, snacks and a copy of the book. Please do not let the suggested fee deter you from attending. All are welcome!
Register online.

Retreat House Book Group
2017-09-18 18:30 - 19:30 | The Retreat House, 22005 Church Street, Hillsboro, MD, 21641, United States
3rd Monday of the month
Begins September 18, 2017
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
The Retreat House is a perfect space for a friendly book group!
Bring something to eat and enjoy a lively discussion over dinner. We will decide together which books to read. Suggestions welcome!
You are also invited to get there early and enjoy the meditation session that takes place at 5:45-6:15 pm.
If you wish to attend, please send an email to francie@retreathousehillsboro.org and she will send you a book excerpt to get our conversation started at the first meeting.

A Sacred Labyrinth Journey
2017-09-25 09:00 - 12:00 | The Retreat House, 22005 Church Street, Hillsboro, MD, 21641, United States
A SACRED LABYRINTH JOURNEY
As the season transitions from summer to fall,
we notice daylight shortening, temperatures cooling,
our spirits experiencing a sense of imminent change.
Come walk a sacred journey with your soul
And invite it to share with you its deep longings and wisdom.

Bring your journal and an open heart.

RSVP: Register online: https://rhlabyrinth.eventbrite.com
or contact info@retreathousehillsboro.org
Continental breakfast provided. Stay for lunch!
Suggested donation $20

Wendy Steeves is a Spiritual Director completing her training at the Shalem Institute of Spiritual Formation. Her love of labyrinths beganafter visiting the Chartres Cathedral in the late 1990’s. She describes herself as a contemplative missionary, seeking to share sacred spaces with world-weary souls longing for peace, wholeness and an abiding love with the Holy.

Cultivating a Spiritual Heart
2017-09-28 09:30 - 14:30 | The Retreat House, 22005 Church Street, Hillsboro, MD, 21641, United States
CULTIVATING A SPIRITUAL HEART
A Day of Prayer with Patience Robbins
This day of prayer will provide an opportunity to explore ways of nurturing the spiritual heart by using simple practices of gratitude and compassion. These practices cultivate stillness and peace and allow one to listen deeply for the Divine Presence within. They also ripple out to impact all beings with blessings of peace and goodness and wellbeing for all.
The day will include input, guided meditations, journaling, sharing and periods of silence. There will be time for deep connection with self, others, Divine Presence and all creation. Participants will find a few practices to incorporate in their daily life, which nourish gratitude, compassion and joy.
RSVP: Register online: https://rhspiritualheart.eventbrite.com,
or contact info@retreathousehillsboro.org
Lunch included
Suggested donation $40

Patience Robbins has been a spiritual director for thirty years. Catholic by tradition, Patience has worked in parish, campus and retreat ministries. She has led programs for over 20 years at Shalem Institute (www.shalem.org) and has written a booklet, Parenting: A Sacred Path, published by the Center for Children and Theology (www.cctheo.org). Patience lives in Greenbelt, MD, with her husband.

Old Testament Passages You'd Be Crazy Not to Preach...
2017-11-06 09:00 - 12:00 | The Retreat House, 22005 Church Street, Hillsboro, MD, 21641, United States
Join us for a morning of inspired instruction with Rev. Dr. Judy Fentress-Williams of Virginia Theological Seminary. With joyful enthusiasm, Judy will share her deep knowledge of the Old Testament with special attention to passages that will be part of the 2018 Lectionary. Even if you have no plans to preach in 2018, you will gain new insight and appreciation for this part of God’s Word. This session is open to ordained and lay alike.
Register online at https://rhotscript.eventbrite.com or email info@retreathousehillsboro.org
Continental breakfast provided. Optional lunch to follow.
Suggested donation $50

Where Do We Go From Here?
2017-11-16 09:00 - 15:00 | The Retreat House, 22005 Church Street, Hillsboro, MD, 21641, United States
A Contemplative Response One Year After the 2016 Election
with Fr. Phil Cover
Significant changes in the social, cultural and political landscape of our country have left many feeling conflicted, vulnerable and powerless. We seem to be at a standstill, an impasse.
The spiritual heart is given over to wondering—how would the Spirit have us deal with these tensions? As Christians, how are we to discern what we are called to do? During this contemplative retreat day, we will gently explore these questions.
SCHEDULE
8:30 a.m. – Registration
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Retreat Program
Register online by Thursday, November 16 at https://rhwherenow.eventbrite.com or by email at info@retreathousehillsboro.org
Light lunch will be served.
Suggested donation: $40

Retreat House Book Group
2018-01-22 18:30 - 19:30 | The Retreat House, 22005 Church Street, Hillsboro, MD, 21641, United States
3rd Monday of the month (except this month)
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
The Retreat House is a perfect space for a friendly book group!
Bring something to eat and enjoy a lively discussion over dinner. We will decide together which books to read. Suggestions welcome!
You are also invited to get there early and enjoy the meditation session that takes place at 5:45-6:15 pm.
If you wish to attend, please send an email to francie@retreathousehillsboro.org and she will send you a book excerpt to get our conversation started at the first meeting.

The Promises Lived - A Recovery Retreat
2018-02-10 10:15 - 14:30 | The Retreat House, 22005 Church Street, Hillsboro, MD, 21641, United States
Retreat Leader – Rev. Paul W. Gennett, Jr.

Do AA’s Promises seem too good to be true?
Perhaps we don’t notice how they are manifesting in this gifted life of recovery. During this half-day retreat, we will look–with open hearts and minds–at the 9th Step Promises through conversation, reflection, and fellowship. Over two sessions, we will take the time to “unpack” each promise with the intention of realizing them more deeply and living them out into our world for others.
During your retreat, the beautiful grounds of the Retreat House and historic St. Paul’s church will provide you with a peaceful setting for contemplative walking, prayer or meditation. A light breakfast and lunch will be served. A suggested donation of $30 would be gratefully accepted (please don’t let that keep you from attending.)
Please register online by Wednesday, February 7 at https://rhpromises.eventbrite.com or by email at info@retreathousehillsboro.org
AGENDA
9:30 a.m. Light breakfast, meet & greet
10:15 a.m. Session 1 – Promises 1, 2, 3
12:00 noon – Lunch
12:30 p.m. Session 2 – Promises 4, 5, 6
2:00 p.m. Conclusion

ABOUT THE RETREAT LEADER
The Reverend Paul W. Gennett Jr. has served as a priest in the Episcopal Church for 25 years. He received a Masters in Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary and recently retired as Rector at St. Thomas’s Episcopal Church in Newark, Delaware. Prior to his ordination, he was a corporate consultant in human resources and organizational development. For the last 20 years, Paul has been enjoying his deeper calling to walk with others in his own recovering spiritual journey. He has led retreats on spiritual living and the 12 Steps for both recovery and non-recovery communities.

REGISTER TODAY!

Life After Death with Fr. Phil Cover
2018-02-20 09:00 - 15:00 | The Retreat House, 22005 Church Street, Hillsboro, MD, 21641, United States
Life After Death: Intimate Union with Infinite Love
During Lent we are invited to ponder the mystery and paradox of death. Thus, we wonder—what happens when we die? In the private sanctuary of our mind and heart, we long to know the answer. This contemplative Lenten day of reflection considers the question through the lens of the scriptures, Jesus’ teachings, his post-resurrection experience, and the Christian mystics.
Through presentation, reflection and group sharing, we will tend to the hopes and aspirations of our hearts and therein prayerfully live into the question and experience a deeper awareness of what happens when we die.
Light breakfast and lunch will be served. A suggested donation of $40 will be gratefully accepted (but please don’t let finances keep you from attending.)
Register online by Thursday, February 15 at or by email at info@retreathousehillsboro.org

About the Retreat Leader: Fr. Phil Cover is a retreat leader, spiritual director, educator, pilgrim guide and program director. His spiritual roots are in the Christian contemplative tradition. Currently, he serves as part of the adjunct staff at the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. He is co-author of Journey with Purpose, The Inner Work of Lent, and The Seventh Trumpet.

Cultivating Prayerful Listening
2018-02-28 09:30 - 15:00
Retreat Leader – Patience Robbins

Cultivating Prayerful Listening: Practices for Listening to the Still Small Voice
This workshop will offer opportunities to explore “prayerful listening” with self and others. The morning will consist of some practices to experience this deeper or attentive listening to the Holy One in oneself and another. The afternoon will be an opportunity to practice this listening in a group.
Some know this contemplative practice as Group Spiritual Direction – it could be an introduction for some and a refresher for others. But, if you are a seeker who wants to be listening more fully, deeply and authentically for the Spirit in your life in community, we invite you to participate.
A light breakfast and lunch will be served and a suggested donation of $40 will be gratefully accepted. (Please don’t let finances keep you from attending.)
Register at https://rhlisten.eventbrite.com or send an email to info@retreathousehillsboro.org.

About the Retreat Leader: Patience Robbins has been a spiritual director for 30 years. Catholic by tradition, Patience has worked in parish, campus and retreat ministries. She has led programs for over 20 years at Shalem Institute (www.shalem.org) and has written a booklet, Parenting: A Sacred Path, published by the Center for Children and Theology (www.cctheo.org). Patience lives in Greenbelt, MD, with her husband.

Prepare for Lent with Group Spiritual Direction
2018-03-05 11:00 - 12:30 | The Retreat House, 22005 Church Street, Hillsboro, MD, 21641, United States
Are you interested in deepening your relationship with God this Lenten season? Please join us for four Mondays (March 5, 12, 19 and 26) as we explore how the Spirit is working in each of us.
Sessions will consist of silent prayer, sharing our spiritual stories, scripture and response. The underlying theme will be Jesus’ bold question, “Who do you say that I am?” (Mark, 8:29)
Suggested donation is $10 per person payable to the Retreat House at Hillsboro. Feel free to bring your lunch to enjoy afterwards.
Registration for this event is for 4 sessions. Registration deadline: Thursday, March 1 at 5:00 pm.
REGISTER HERE
About the Retreat Leaders
Linda Mastro, life coach, retreat leader, and writer is co-author of the book “Petite Retreats: Renewing Body, Mind, and Spirit without Leaving Home.” She is a member of Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Easton where she serves in Eucharistic ministry. Contact Linda at (410) 829-4309, gyplin2016@gmail.com
Julia Morris-Myers is Director of Music at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Centreville. A graduate of the Shalem Institute’s Transforming Community: Leading Contemplative Prayer Groups and Retreats, she leads Quiet Days, Lenten programs and weekly contemplative prayer at St. Paul’s. Contact Julia at (410) 758-2918, jmorrismyers@gmail.com.

Heart Strength for the Care Giver
2018-03-16 09:30 - 15:00 | The Retreat House, 22005 Church Street, Hillsboro, MD, 21641, United States
Retreat Leader: The Rev. Lisa Senuta

Heart Strength for the Care Giver – This short course will feel like a retreat as you learn spiritual resiliency practices and contemplative philosophy to get through daily challenges of ongoing care taking. Caretakers take many forms as chaplains, medical staff, spouses, parents or grandparents who are dedicated to journey alongside those with disease, disabilities, additions or dying. Daily demands can feel like an endless drain; the spirit within holds a capacity to meet demands with peace, clarity, and compassion. Take a little time to develop your heart strength.
A light breakfast and lunch will be provided. A suggested donation of $40 would be gratefully accepted (but please don’t let finances keep you from attending.)
REGISTER TODAY or send an email to info@retreathousehillsboro.org.
ABOUT THE RETREAT LEADER:
The Rev. Lisa Senuta is an Episcopal priest and Rector for 15 years and trained to teach contemplative and meditation practices. Her great joy is shared in creating space for others to experience the richness of the spiritual life.

Spirituality of Trees & Kayak Eucharist
2018-04-25 09:30 | The Retreat House, 22005 Church Street, Hillsboro, MD, 21641, United States
SPIRITUALITY OF TREES & KAYAK EUCHARIST: An immersion in nature divina
As spring transforms the landscape in a new, yet familiar, way,
how might God be transforming you into something new and familiar?
This day of silence, prayer, and companionship in nature will take place among the lovely old trees on the Retreat House grounds and on the nearby Tuckahoe River. The day will begin with a contemplation of the trees – a type of nature divina or “reading God in nature” – and end with a floating Eucharist from kayaks and canoes*.
Come for the morning, afternoon or both sessions. Breakfast will be available and you are invited to bring your lunch. As always, there is no charge for the program, but a suggested donation of $30 per session or $50 for the day will be gratefully accepted.
*We will put into the Tuckahoe River just down the street at Hillsboro landing. Kayaks and canoes will be available to rent or feel free to bring your own.

Rachel Field is the Missionary for the South Central Region of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut. Rachel is a long time friend of the Retreat House at Hillsboro, and has found spiritual transformation in the quiet of its grounds and the strength of its community. She lives with her dog, Frodo and cat, Iris outside of New Haven, Connecticut.

Healing the Spirit through Aromatherapy
2018-04-29 13:30 - 15:30 | The Retreat House, 22005 Church Street, Hillsboro, MD, 21641, United States
“The beautiful spring came: and when nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive.” – Harriet Ann Jacobs
Healing the Spirit through Aromatherapy
Restoring Emotional Balance with Essential Oils
REGISTER ONLINE
After the quiet introspection of winter, the energy of spring offers us an opportunity for awakening and renewal. Join Aromatherapist Elaine Hoggard for this hands-on botanical workshop working with essential oils that nourish the spirit and promote restoration to the mind. The historical use of aromatic plants in both sacred and therapeutic applications will be discussed, as well as today’s scientific research.
With a holistic approach for safe and effective use, participants will study aromatherapy fundamentals and blending practices, and then craft their own essential oil product to take home. Workshop fee of $30 includes materials, recipes and handouts.

ELAINE HOGGARD is a NAHA Certified Aromatherapist and a Licensed Massage Therapist. In addition to incorporating aromatherapy into her bodywork practice, she offers personal consultations with customized blends and small group workshops. Elaine can be reached at (410) 829-9984.

A Service of Prayers for Reconciliation and Forgiveness
2018-06-13 17:45 - 18:30 | The Retreat House, 22005 Church Street, Hillsboro, MD, 21641, United States
Dear God, Creator of the earth, this sacred home we share;
Give us new eyes to see the beauty all around,
and to protect the wonders of creation.
Give us new arms to embrace the strangers among us,
and to know them as family.
-from prayer of the September 2017 House of Bishops

With scripture, poetry and silence, we will pray together
for open hearts toward one another and the earth.
2nd Wednesday of the month
Beginning June 13
5:45 – 6:30 p.m.
St. Paul’s Church at Hillsboro
Following the time of prayer, there will be an option to gather for fellowship and conversation. If you would like to participate, please feel free to bring your own “brown-bag supper.” Cool drinks will be provided.

ALL ARE WELCOME.

Seasonal Quiet Days
2018-06-21 09:30 - 14:00 | The Retreat House, 22005 Church Street, Hillsboro, MD, 21641, United States
Join us for a journey in rhythm with the four seasons. If you long for quiet and reflection in the midst of a chaotic world, then these retreat days are for you.
There will be time for journal writing and walking the beautiful Retreat House grounds and labryinth. Meditations inspired by scripture, music, poetry, and nature will be interspersed with conversation and fellowship.
To experience the deep peace that comes with silence and meditation, attend as many Quiet Days as you like. The first of four will be held on Summer Solstice, Thursday, June 21, 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
A light breakfast and lunch will be served and a suggested donation of $40 per person will be gratefully accepted. This amount is just a guideline —please don’t let finances keep you from attending!
Register at https://quietdays.eventbrite.com. All are welcome!

ABOUT THE RETREAT LEADER: Julia Morris-Myers loves discovering the sacred in everyday life. She is a musician, teacher and spiritual director on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, where she lives with her husband and assorted pets. Julia is the Director of Music at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Centreville and has certificates in leading groups and in spiritual direction from the Shalem Institute in Washington, DC, and Bon Secours Retreat Center in Marriottsville MD.
