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The 2008 SoulJourners Retreat at the Franciscan Retreat Center in Colorado Springs was a rousing success. With Dr. James Peters, retired pastor of New Hope Baptist Church, Darryl Walker, Minister of Music at New Hope, and Walt White, an ABC Global Consultant on Muslim relations, those present rated this retreat as one of, if not, the best retreat in several years. The evaluations were universally positive with most participants rating it in the “very good” or “excellent” range. Dr. Peter’s presentations were profound and compelling as he related the theme “Unity in Diversity” to the civil rights movement of which he was a vital part. Darryl Walker led us in worship that introduced new music to us, as well as some of the old favorites in setting a warm and refreshing climate for worship in creative ways. Walt White, his self-effacing humor combined with challenging our concepts of who Muslims are gave us a new window through which we can look at our relations with Muslims. An afternoon workshop with Imam Ibrahim Kazerooni and moderated by Jim Ryan, Director of the Colorado Council of Churches, provided new insights towards a better understanding of Muslims in the U.S.A. and dispelling many myths we have about the Muslim community. All of these presentations were supported by the wonderful facilities at the Franciscan Retreat Center, the excellent food amid an atmosphere of quiet reflection and beauty of the natural surrounds provided us all with more than we hoped for in this retreat. Our 2009 retreat focuses on “Covenant Connections: Then and Now” with, as of writing this report, has over 60 registrations! Come and join us in 2010 if you are 55+ and want to be a part refreshing and thought provoking event. Tam VanSpriell and John Pipe
Co-chairs of the SoulJourners Planning Committee
2008 SoulJourners Report
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