Women's Retreat Participant Information

Simple Gifts

VPC Annual Women’s Retreat at Villa Maria del Mar Santa Cruz

March 19-21, 2010

'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free,

'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be.

What a gift it will be to see you at our retreat. As you prepare for the event, take some time to reflect on your own God-given gifts, and the many amazing gifts that are all around you, and be ready to celebrate those gifts during our weekend together.

See you on March 19!  Your retreat coordinators,

Mary Jo - mjalderson@valleypreschurch.org or ext.114

Karen - krussell@valleypreschurch.org or ext. 104

Valley Presbyterian Church - 650-851-8282

RETREAT DETAILS: Villa Maria is located on the beautiful Pacific Ocean coastline. Our rooms are in the Main House, Sienna Hall and the Annex. Most rooms have 2 twin beds and private bath. Some have double beds and shared bath. Bed linens, soap, and bath towels are provided. Our meeting room is in the Main House and meals are served in the Dining Room of the main house.

You may arrive any time on Friday but rooms are not available until after 4 pm. Friday dinner is served at 6:30 pm and the opening retreat session begins at 7:15 pm. The retreat ends after lunch on Sunday. Please let us know if you cannot make it for Friday dinner or do not plan to stay for Sunday lunch.

What to bring:

• $5 cash for your room key deposit (it will be returned when you return the key)
• casual comfortable clothing and shoes
• your jacket (we are right on the ocean!)
• your Bible
• your journal or notebook
• anything you might want to work on during free time
• snacks to share
• drinks/vintages to share

Weekend Schedule:

FRIDAY - 4:00 pm Rooms available

6:30 pm – The Gift of Sharing a Meal

7:15 pm – Greetings and Welcome

7:30 pm – The Gift of Play

8:30-ish – The Gift of Prayer and Ritual

9:30 pm – The Gift of Late Night Sharing

SATURDAY -  8:30 am – The Gift of Sharing a Meal

 9:30 am – The Gift of Sisterhood and Community

12:30 pm – The Gift of Sharing a Meal

 1:00 pm – The Gift of Freedom (free time)

Saturday afternoon is your free time. There will be optional activities offered – yoga, hands-on healing, manicures. You will be able to sign up on Friday evening if you choose to participate.

 6:00 pm – The Gift of Sharing a Meal

 7:30 pm – The Gift of Play

 9:30 pm – The Gift of Late Night Sharing

SUNDAY -  8:30 am – The Gift of Sharing a Meal

10:00 am – The Gift of Coming Together to Worship

12:30 pm –The Gift of Going Out Into The World

Participants – carpooling is encouraged.

Villa Maria del Mar

DIRECTIONS:  Highway 17 South to Hwy 1 South toward Monterey/ Watsonville.  Exit Soquel Ave. Make immediate left to light at 17th Ave.  Turn right on 17th Ave.  Continue about 2 miles to Portola Ave.  Cross Portola Ave. where 17th Ave becomes East Cliff.  Follow East Cliff 2 blocks (toward the left) to Villa Maria del Mar (on the right)

Pictures from the Retreat