Ecumenical Community of Michigan Retreat (formerly “LARC”)
“Beholding God in Creation”
In this retreat, we will expand our awareness of God’s presence in creation and notice how nature speaks to us of life and faith. We will rest and reflect in natural areas around the retreat center. We will share our experiences of beholding God in creation. We gather not only bearing the flag (so to speak) of our particular traditions, but as spiritual people learning from one another. We build the relationships upon which we build the ecumenical conversation. Bring along a folding chair for outdoor sessions, and a journal and pen. And bring along a friend from your tradition or another.
The retreat will include interactive sessions, conversations together, time for solitude, and services of daily prayers and Eucharist inside and outdoors.
Our Retreat Leader for 2022 is Brother Michael Whitman. Br. Mike Whitman is a Roman Catholic contemplative who has lived a monastic life in the Carmelite tradition, for the last 47 years - making his perpetual vows 45 years ago. He lives in Tawas City, MI. His active career was centered around faith for-mation, and youth ministry. He also organized and led retreats during this time. In 2008, he participated in a Men's Rites of Passage that added a whole new level of awareness to his spiritual journey. After his retirement in 2009, Mike continued his work as a spiritual director. He was trained in a program sponsored by the Dominican Sisters in Grand Rapids, MI. He fin-ished his masters degree in spirituality from Loyola University in Chicago, with a focus on male spirituality, in 2011.
Of special interest for our Catholic friends: Father Joseph Graff has been named by Bishop Walsh to be his representative at the Retreat. Joe has participated many times in years past and we look forward to his leadership.
How to Register for the ECM Retreat
Individuals: $ 255 (payable to “Trinity Episcopal Church”)
(Married couples: $ 430) (Commuters: meals, no overnight $170)
Ecumenical Community Michigan, c/o Trinity Episcopal Church
124 E. Washington Avenue, Alpena MI 49707
phone 989-356-0576 e-mail: rector@trinityalpena.net
