Our Andover Newton retreat started and finished with yarn! On our first day together we used yarn for an icebreaker as a way to get to know one another better. Fourteen students gathered, a variety of class years, a wide range of ages, and diverse backgrounds. The yarn icebreaker started our retreat off with lots of laughter. On the final day of the retreat, our closing reflection brought the yarn back out. We tossed the ball of yarn from person to person, each sharing how they had gotten to know someone on a deeper level during the retreat. The passed yarn created a web showing how we had all become woven together from our shared experiences throughout the retreat.

 

This was the third year of our annual Andover Newton student retreat. The heart of the Andover Newton community during the academic year is our weekly Emmaus gathering. Emmaus begins with dinner, conversation, and Bible study. Each Emmaus night continues with worship which includes song, silence, testimony, prayer, and communion. Our annual retreat serves as an extended Emmaus: shared meals, Bible study, worship, a chance to relax and reflect, and time for fun.

 

We studied John 1:1-18 and reflected on how we have all received “grace upon grace.” Bible study with a bunch of seminarians can leave you with sermon ideas for months! We also read and reflected on the poem “Grace” by Joy Harjo. The poem reminded us that sometimes we find grace in simple things like coffee and pancakes. Our second day was very relaxed and allowed for a small group to go get coffee and peruse a bookstore and thrift shop in a nearby town and another group to enjoy the fresh air on a short, but steep hike. Day two also included an extended reflection time inspired by quotations from the writings of Marilynne Robinson, especially Gilead. The second night concluded with an informal open mic night where students shared songs, poetry, jokes, and other musical talents.

 

Throughout the retreat there were many boardgames played, songs sung, and journals filled. This was our first time staying at Silver Lake Conference Center and it was a perfect venue for our growing retreat group. The wonderful kitchen staff always had delicious, healthy meals prepared for us. And a highlight for many was the woodstove in our building which usually had a cozy fire burning inside.

 

Personally, I am especially grateful to Andover Newton for the opportunity to lead this retreat for three years. It has been a blessing to see this retreat program grow as Andover Newton has grown its presence at YDS. I am also grateful for the generosity of alumni/ae and friends of Andover Newton who make this retreat possible at no cost to students.