Take a week off and replenish your faith!
From Laura Sherlock
Like so many of us I get tired and need a break. There is one week a year that I look forward to and wanted to share my secret with the congregation. Every year for one week I go to Buena Vista University and enjoy a week’s break from my daily life. I live in a dorm room and eat at the college cafeteria. (The joy of watching the dishes be whisked away is worth the trip alone!) But most importantly I get to connect with other Presbyterians and explore, refresh and grow my faith.
What is this magical place? This is Synod School. It’s organized by the Synod of Lakes and Prairies in Minnesota. People from all around the country travel to come to this retreat. Classes include everything from learning about our religious roots, to acrylic painting for beginners (which I am teaching). There are also amazing programs available for kids, birth to senior high! My daughter is 13 and attended last year. She had a blast and met a lot of new friends. Kids are dropped off at their programming and remain there until lunch. From 11 AM to 2 PM they are with you and then return to programming from 2 PM to 5 PM.
Each day starts out with breakfast followed by worship, two classes in the morning, lunch, hour break, two classes in the evening, dinner and evening worship. Participants decide what they attend or do not attend. There are so many things to do during the week, its impossible to do it all! One day you may decide to stay in your room or walk to the majestic lake and sit alone with your thoughts. This is your week to recharge, do what works for you.
If I were you, I’d be asking “How much does this cost?” The answer varies based on if you stay in a dorm or suite on campus and the age of who is attending. Look at the website listed below for more details. For a single person in a double dorm room the cost is $390 for the week. That includes classes, food and lodging. And yes, the dorms are air conditioned. In fact. last year we had to go get extra blankets because we were too cold.
Synod School is celebrating it’s 69th year! If you have any questions about this fun opportunity please feel free to ask me(Laura). You can also ask Jan or Polk Davison, they’ve been attending for many years. They have even run the spirituality center.
To learn more, visit www.lakesandprairies.org.