—by Peggy Montgomery

On November 1st, 10 first-timers and 10 returnees drove up to crisp, sunny, color-filled Litchfield, CT to join with leaders Jan Carlsson-Bull and David Robb for a weekend of spiritual renewal, discovery, and comfy fellowship. They worshipped and sang together, laughed, cheered and cried together, kept quiet alone and together, created and risked together, performed together, explored the countryside and walked the labyrinth, shared meals and social time, deepened old friendships and formed new ones, and presented precious handmade gifts to each other. Even a light layer of snow upon a pumpkin on Sunday morning couldn't cool the warmth growing in the 18th-century farmhouse at Wisdom House. At the close of the final activity, the group gave a standing ovation to Jean Phillips, LifeScapes' Chairperson, and presented her with a bright fall bouquet sent to the gathering from two past retreaters who couldn't attend this year's event.