Exploring Creation Retreat

Revs. Stuart Scarborough and Barbara Hutchinson will lead participants on a search for the fingerprints of God in nature, within ourselves, and in each other, utilizing the natural beauty of Potter and Tioga Counties as a backdrop. The flexible program interweaves elements of worship and scripture, reflection and fellowship, with active time in the fields, forests, hills, and streams on campus and in the nearby Pine Creek Gorge (aka the “Pennsylvania Grand Canyon”). The program offers high mobility options (biking the Pine Creek Rail Trail) along with lower intensity exploration (hiking/ walking/ sitting). Evenings in this dark sky region are wonderfully spent by a campfire observing the Milky Way.

Meals at Brookland are shared communal events – feeding each other is part of the program. Participants will take turns providing meals. A sign-up sheet will facilitate this.

Event Details:

· Where? Brookland Retreat Center, 3714 Fox Hill Road, Ulyssess, PA 16948

· When? Program begins at 5PM on Wed (9/9) and ends midday on Sat (9/12)

· Lodging? Onsite (shared bedrooms on the 2nd floor) is available for max 8 participants. Local B&B’s are also available. (See info below.)

· Costs? $180 for onsite lodging; $120 for commuters (Registration closes on August 28!!)

More about the program: The current plan (subject to change) is to stay on or close to the Brookland Retreat Center campus with the exception of Friday's trip to the Pine Creek Gorge. Participants will have the option to sign-up for a bike ride on the Pine Creek Rail Trail or hike on one of the State Park trails overlooking the Pine Creek Gorge. Accessible hiking trails are available. Pine Creek Outfitters is available to rent out bicycles (including e-Bikes) and provide shuttle service, if this is needed. A questionaire will be distributed to participants ahead of time to determine your prefered Pine Creek Gorge experience.

About the Retreat Leaders:

Rev. Stuart Scarborough, Deacon, has long held a passion for the outdoors and for retreat ministry. He sees his primary diaconal mission helping seekers to connect to God within. Stuart recently completed a two-year spiritual director training program. Stuart currently serves as the Diocesan Property Manager.

Rev. Barbara Hutchinson is the Rector of St. Andrew’s, Shippensburg, whose ministry includes community engagement through Grace Place Gardens, where all are invited to experience and engage with the healing balm of nature, in community. Barbara delights in creating opportunities for spiritual growth and formation as a parish priest and spiritual director.

Contacts for Local Bed and Breakfast: (for those selecting Commuter Option)

·Susquehannock Lodge: https://susquehannock-lodge.com/
5039 US 6 West, Ulysses, PA 16948
(814) 435-2163 Email: susquelgcarol@penn.com

For more info about Brookland Retreat Center, click the link: https://www.brooklandcenter.org/

Questions? Contact:

Rev. Stuart Scarborough, Deacon
Diocesan Property Managersscarborough@diosusquehanna.orgMobile: 717-585-0576