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Fruits & Roots

Monday, October 7-10, 2024

Retreat Musician: Gary Benevides
Retreat Coordinator: Deacon Judy Smith
Guest Theme Presenters:
Sue Vittner, life coach, artist, & massage therapist;
The Rev. Todd Glacy, musician, counselor, interfaith minister, teacher and facilitator;
Kim Bergstrand, Associate for Mission in the New England Synod;
The Rev. Sara J. Anderson, Associate to the Bishop of the New England Synod

Theme: “Let There Be Peace on Earth and Let It Begin with Me”

We will work together by experiencing various peace practices and activities for our own selves and with our neighbors. Participants will return home with memories of time spent in God’s creation, fellowship with others, yummy food and cozy accommodations, and how to practice peace in our busy world.

Monday Evening Program: The History of the Kancamagus Highway with Glenn Knoblock

Considered to be one of the most scenic roads in America, the Kancamagus Highway draws thousands of tourists to New Hampshire annually. The highway, which runs between Conway and Lincoln and through the towns of Albany and Waterville Valley, was fully opened in 1967, but the development of the highway itself took over 120 years to become a reality.  Located in the Swift River Valley for much of its length, the Kancamagus is the gateway to the southern White Mountains and is not only renowned for its fall foliage views, but such celebrated natural sites as Sabbaday Falls, Lower Falls, and Rocky Gorge, to name just a few. Join historian and author Glenn Knoblock as he details the development of this Granite State treasure, and offers a glimpse into what the “Kanc” has to offer visitors all year round.

Wednesday Evening Program: Peace Concert & Gong Meditation with Rev. Todd Glacy

"Peace Starts Here" 
The Peace Concert is an interactive musical/meditative experience that combines inspiring readings of Universal Peace (quotes from Gandi, Black Elk, Einstein, Martin Luther King, Wayne Dyer, etc...), affirmative sacred songs/chants and contemplative silence designed to help us relax, affirm and empower the presence of Peace within ourselves. The event concludes with an extended guided Gong Meditation which amplifies the vibrational essence of peace and love for ourselves as well as the world at large. 

For more on the Peace Concert, click here!

What is Fruits and Roots?

Beginning in the Spring of 2024, Calumet will embark on a journey of explortation with people of any age who can make time to get to Calumet during the mid-week. Fruits & Roots is a learning experience -- an opportunity to grow, engage, and be renewed. At each Fruits & Roots retreat, participants will dig into one of the nine fruits of the Spirit during a multi-day visit to Calumet. Calumet's programs -- especially this one -- are deeply rooted in Christ. What does that mean?

Calumet endeavors to be a place of welcome, hospitality, safety, compassion, and goodness. The meals that are served are beautifully presented, absolutely delicious, and -- well -- let's just say "plentiful" is a good descriptive word. Our accommdoations are comfortable. Guests staying in the Conference Center and the Village Cabins will enjoy private bathrooms. Those who choose the Retreat Lodge or the Staff House by the Lake will make use of common bathrooms. And there is the option to re-visit the old classic camp days by opting for a modest cabin that is positioned near to one of our clean, well maintained bathroom facilities. Our programs are planned and implemented in such a way that guests quickly get to know each other and naturally begin to develop friendships.

To learn more, contact Alice: