2018 Program — Silver Wattle Quaker Centre
Download the 2018-2019 Course Brochure here
Detailed information for each course is also available. The relevant links are located within each course listing below.
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SEP 13 TO SEP 16
Australian Friends Fellowship of Healing Gathering
Thu, Sep 13, 20184:00 PM Sun, Sep 16, 20181:00 PM
Silver Wattle is supporting this event.
For more information click here
To register contact Elspeth Hull at elspeth102@bigpond.com
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SEP
20
TO SEP 23
Toward a Good Relationship with Earth
Thu, Sep 20, 20184:00 PM Sun, Sep 23, 20182:00 PM
Led by Rowe Morrow.
Download detailed course flier here
Are you feeling distressed by global warming? Not sure what makes the biggest difference? Looking for spiritual direction through action and testimonies? This course discusses what works, using permaculture principles and a global and cosmological framework. You will learn:
Ways to live effectively
What has worked in other countries and situations where people are struggling more than we are in Australia.
A larger view of life and the spirit
For keen gardeners, consider staying on a few days to participate in the Spring Gardening Week (24-30 September).
In the 1980s, Rowe Morrow discovered permaculture which provided a powerful basis for Earth restoration. A Concern was born. She considers permaculture ‘sacred’ knowledge to be carried and shared with others. Since then Rowe has travelled to meet many people anxious and concerned to restore their environments. As a teacher of permaculture Rowe has been inspired for many years by Parker Palmer, the Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) and non-violent resistance. She works in difficult places, choosing people who have been disempowered and who would not otherwise have access to permaculture. Most recently she has been working in Afghanistan, and then with Syrian refugees in Mosul. Rowe delivered the 2011 Backhouse lecture and is a member of Blue Mountains Meeting.
Cost: $372 (Single)/ $342 (Shared) includes accommodation and catering
Note that Quakers may also seek support from their Local Meeting or Regional Meeting. Funds are set aside for this, so don’t be shy – it is an investment in the spiritual health of the Meeting.
Register here
If you need to be picked up from the Bungendore train station ($10 fee) or Canberra airport ($35 fee) please contact admin.office@silverwattle.com.au
If you are not ready to commit to the course but want to let us know you are interested, please contact us here.
SEP
20
TO SEP 23
Toward a Good Relationship with Earth
Thu, Sep 20, 20184:00 PM Sun, Sep 23, 20182:00 PM
Led by Rowe Morrow.
Download detailed course flier here
Are you feeling distressed by global warming? Not sure what makes the biggest difference? Looking for spiritual direction through action and testimonies? This course discusses what works, using permaculture principles and a global and cosmological framework. You will learn:
Ways to live effectively
What has worked in other countries and situations where people are struggling more than we are in Australia.
A larger view of life and the spirit
For keen gardeners, consider staying on a few days to participate in the Spring Gardening Week (24-30 September).
In the 1980s, Rowe Morrow discovered permaculture which provided a powerful basis for Earth restoration. A Concern was born. She considers permaculture ‘sacred’ knowledge to be carried and shared with others. Since then Rowe has travelled to meet many people anxious and concerned to restore their environments. As a teacher of permaculture Rowe has been inspired for many years by Parker Palmer, the Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) and non-violent resistance. She works in difficult places, choosing people who have been disempowered and who would not otherwise have access to permaculture. Most recently she has been working in Afghanistan, and then with Syrian refugees in Mosul. Rowe delivered the 2011 Backhouse lecture and is a member of Blue Mountains Meeting.
Cost: $372 (Single)/ $342 (Shared) includes accommodation and catering
Note that Quakers may also seek support from their Local Meeting or Regional Meeting. Funds are set aside for this, so don’t be shy – it is an investment in the spiritual health of the Meeting.
Register here
If you need to be picked up from the Bungendore train station ($10 fee) or Canberra airport ($35 fee) please contact admin.office@silverwattle.com.au
If you are not ready to commit to the course but want to let us know you are interested, please contact us here.
=====================
SEP
24
TO SEP 30
Spring Gardening Week
Mon, Sep 24, 20184:00 PM Sun, Sep 30, 20182:00 PM
Ah... Spring! What a lovely time for gardening. The weather is divine at Silver Wattle this time of year, and so is the land in it's fullness and potential. People come to Silver Wattle and say with delight, "I planted that garlic bed!" Don't miss your opportunity for such satisfactions.
For keen gardeners, consider coming the weekend prior (20-23 September) to attend Rowe Morrow’s permaculture course, Toward a Good Relationship with Earth.
Each day will have opportunities for shared worship and fellowship, and a balance of working and resting. Note that this week will also include some opportunities for Land Care work (e.g. bush regeneration & weed control).
This event is FREE. Donations of $25 to $60 per day (towards costs of food and accommodation) are appreciated
Register here
If you need to be picked up from the Bungendore train station ($10 fee) or Canberra airport ($35 fee) please contact admin.office@silverwattle.com.au
For those who are very keen gardeners, consider coming to Rowe Morrow's course the preceding weekend.
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OCT
4
TO OCT 7
Quakers and Concerns from Both Sides Now: Discerning and Supporting
Thu, Oct 4, 20184:00 PM Sun, Oct 7, 20181:00 PM
Led by Sue Ennis & Catherine Heywood
“You don't get a Concern because you want to do something. It comes because the Spirit wants you to do something.” How do you know if what is nudging, or moving you, is a Concern? How do we in our Meetings support Friends with a Concern? What happens after we approve the Minute of support? Over this 4-day weekend we will hear the stories of several Australian Friends, as they respond to questions about their experience of having a Concern. How does this resonate with us?
This course is for
- anyone who would like a clearer understanding of what “Concern” is in the Quaker context
- those who are feeling nudged by the Spirit to some action, or who are social activists wondering if their Meeting might support them
- those who might be asked to guide an individual or the Meeting through the process of discernment and support of a Concern.
Sue Ennis has been actively involved in social justice since the mid-70’s when she was part of a house-church in inner Melbourne. However since joining Quakers in the mid-1990s Sue has gained much from the Quaker understanding of ‘leadings, concerns, holding in the light and laying down a concern.’ This has helped her become more spiritually discerning, and spiritually supported in the issues she takes up. She would like to share this understanding with Quakers and other seekers who are engaged in issues of justice. Sue is an experienced Adult Educator who has led Quaker learning sessions locally and at AYM.
Catherine Heywood finds great joy in both teaching and learning, especially within her spiritual community. She brings to SWQC a working lifetime’s experience in adult education, including teacher professional development as well as her twenty plus year personal journey with Friends, her study in Organisation Dynamics, and more recently as a facilitator with Meeting for Learning. She is keen for Friends to understand as fully as possible both “the task, and the fine tools” which we have inherited from our Quaker predecessors. (Quoting words of Ursula Jane O'Shea in her 1993 Backhouse Lecture)
Cost: $372 (Single)/ $342 (Shared) includes accommodation and catering
Note that Quakers may also seek support from their Local Meeting or Regional Meeting. Funds are set aside for this, so don’t be shy – it is an investment in the spiritual health of the Meeting.
Register your interest here
If you need to be picked up from the Bungendore train station ($10 fee) or Canberra airport ($35 fee) please contact admin.office@silverwattle.com.au
SEP
24
TO SEP 30
Spring Gardening Week
Mon, Sep 24, 20184:00 PM Sun, Sep 30, 20182:00 PM
Ah... Spring! What a lovely time for gardening. The weather is divine at Silver Wattle this time of year, and so is the land in it's fullness and potential. People come to Silver Wattle and say with delight, "I planted that garlic bed!" Don't miss your opportunity for such satisfactions.
For keen gardeners, consider coming the weekend prior (20-23 September) to attend Rowe Morrow’s permaculture course, Toward a Good Relationship with Earth.
Each day will have opportunities for shared worship and fellowship, and a balance of working and resting. Note that this week will also include some opportunities for Land Care work (e.g. bush regeneration & weed control).
This event is FREE. Donations of $25 to $60 per day (towards costs of food and accommodation) are appreciated
Register here
If you need to be picked up from the Bungendore train station ($10 fee) or Canberra airport ($35 fee) please contact admin.office@silverwattle.com.au
For those who are very keen gardeners, consider coming to Rowe Morrow's course the preceding weekend.
=================
OCT
4
TO OCT 7
Quakers and Concerns from Both Sides Now: Discerning and Supporting
Thu, Oct 4, 20184:00 PM Sun, Oct 7, 20181:00 PM
Led by Sue Ennis & Catherine Heywood
“You don't get a Concern because you want to do something. It comes because the Spirit wants you to do something.” How do you know if what is nudging, or moving you, is a Concern? How do we in our Meetings support Friends with a Concern? What happens after we approve the Minute of support? Over this 4-day weekend we will hear the stories of several Australian Friends, as they respond to questions about their experience of having a Concern. How does this resonate with us?
This course is for
- anyone who would like a clearer understanding of what “Concern” is in the Quaker context
- those who are feeling nudged by the Spirit to some action, or who are social activists wondering if their Meeting might support them
- those who might be asked to guide an individual or the Meeting through the process of discernment and support of a Concern.
Sue Ennis has been actively involved in social justice since the mid-70’s when she was part of a house-church in inner Melbourne. However since joining Quakers in the mid-1990s Sue has gained much from the Quaker understanding of ‘leadings, concerns, holding in the light and laying down a concern.’ This has helped her become more spiritually discerning, and spiritually supported in the issues she takes up. She would like to share this understanding with Quakers and other seekers who are engaged in issues of justice. Sue is an experienced Adult Educator who has led Quaker learning sessions locally and at AYM.
Catherine Heywood finds great joy in both teaching and learning, especially within her spiritual community. She brings to SWQC a working lifetime’s experience in adult education, including teacher professional development as well as her twenty plus year personal journey with Friends, her study in Organisation Dynamics, and more recently as a facilitator with Meeting for Learning. She is keen for Friends to understand as fully as possible both “the task, and the fine tools” which we have inherited from our Quaker predecessors. (Quoting words of Ursula Jane O'Shea in her 1993 Backhouse Lecture)
Cost: $372 (Single)/ $342 (Shared) includes accommodation and catering
Note that Quakers may also seek support from their Local Meeting or Regional Meeting. Funds are set aside for this, so don’t be shy – it is an investment in the spiritual health of the Meeting.
Register your interest here
If you need to be picked up from the Bungendore train station ($10 fee) or Canberra airport ($35 fee) please contact admin.office@silverwattle.com.au
=============
OCT
19
TO OCT 25
Art Nature Spirit
Fri, Oct 19, 20184:00 PM Thu, Oct 25, 20181:00 PM
Led by Brenda Roy, Barbara Huntington and Jen Newton
“The creative process like a spiritual journey is intuitive, nonlinear and experiential. It points us toward our essential nature, which is a reflection of the boundless creativity of the universe.” - John Daido Loori
Many of us wish we were more creative. Many of us are more creative, but feel unable to effectively tap that creativity. Be inspired and supported by the wonderful natural beauty of the Silver Wattle environment to give time to your creativity and the spirit through art making.
We invite you to take time out to rejuvenate mentally and spiritually, joining with others to deepen connection to your spiritual practice. We will play with different mediums and share stories and experiences that enhance and enrich the inner spirit, allowing your creativity to emerge through exploring and responding to the landscape. You will gain some technical skills relating to art practice and discover the beauty and restorative benefits of a stay at Silver Wattle.
BRENDA ROY
BARBARA HUNTINGTON
JEN NEWTON
Brenda Roy is a Friend from Perth and has been a weaver and maker for many years. She finds joy in playing with natural materials, and the glory and mystery of creating and combining colours and textures. She loves to make useful textiles which express her love of the natural world. Creativity is her daily path to gratitude, reflection and connecting with Spirit.
Barbara Huntington attends the NSW Mid North Coast meeting and also a local Buddhist group in Kempsey. She has worked for several years as an artist using textiles as her preferred medium, using embroidery, dyeing and felting to express ideas and experiences. She exhibits her art with the Fibre Artists Network. Barbara says, “For me creativity is a continuation of my spiritual practice. It helps me discover the mystery of spirit and supports me to look closer at many situations and events. It encourages a self discipline that I tap into, prompting me to keep exploring meaning where I may have easily given up. Being a member of a team who are sharing their creative skills to explore their relationship to spirit is an exciting and rewarding experience.”
Jen Newton’s art practice involves sitting in silence with the materials she is going to work with. She says, “I am often challenged by an idea of what I would like to create and sometimes it just won’t work ….I find that sinking into the silence and being present I find a way forward that is more often not what I thought I would do.” Jen works with recycled materials from textiles to steel and wire and has recently been exploring printing, layering textiles and paper, stitching and incorporating text into her work. Jen is a member of the Hobart Friends meeting and also meets with two small Quaker based spiritual groups that seek to know and walk with God. She is currently completing a course in contemplative practice “Igniting the Fire” with Drew Lawson.
Standard Registration $699
Supporting Registration $759
Concession $659
Early half of week $250
Register here
Contact us if you have further questions
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NOV
2
TO NOV 4
Indigenous Spirituality – Making Spiritual Connections
Fri, Nov 2, 20184:00 PM Sun, Nov 4, 20181:00 PM
Led by David Carline with Serene Fernando and Noritta Morseu-Diop
In this course we hope to make connections with each other, with the land, and with the spiritual wisdom of our traditions. Local Elder Shane Mortimer will offer a welcome to country. We will hear from Serene Fernando, a Gamilaroi woman who is producing a creative PhD research thesis looking at the spiritual beliefs of her ancestors. She is looking forward to sharing the wisdom she has found, and her personal responses to this. Noritta Morseu-Diop, from Thursday Island, hopes to be with us to introduce to us the spirituality of her salt-water people. She has a PHD in Criminal Justice and Social Work, and is organising a First Nations Traditional Knowledge Conference in August this year.
For our weekend come prepared for some listening, some yarning, some walking, and some time for personal reflection and connection.
NORITTA MORSEAU-DIOP
SERENE FERNANDO
Register your interest here
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DEC
28
TO JAN 3
Year-End Retreat: Awareness, Attentiveness and Acceptance
Fri, Dec 28, 20187:00 AM Thu, Jan 3, 20198:00 AM
Download detailed course flier here
Led by David and Trish Johnson
We are being given another year, hopefully, of living in the Light. Whatever happened in 2018, let our hearts be opened so each of us may better understand and undertake what God is asking of us in 2019.
DEC
28
TO JAN 3
Year-End Retreat: Awareness, Attentiveness and Acceptance
Fri, Dec 28, 20187:00 AM Thu, Jan 3, 20198:00 AM
Download detailed course flier here
Led by David and Trish Johnson
We are being given another year, hopefully, of living in the Light. Whatever happened in 2018, let our hearts be opened so each of us may better understand and undertake what God is asking of us in 2019.
The course will explore Quaker writings, the Bible and your Inner Guide for ‘walking in the Light’ with times for learning, sharing experience, personal prayer & reflection, and a range of exercises to open up spiritual space.
The retreat will include an afternoon and overnight period of silence midway through, and is open for anyone from mid-teens onwards in age.
David Johnson is a convinced Friend of Conservative nature.
David delivered the 2005 Backhouse Lecture to Australia Yearly Meeting on Peace is a Struggle, and wrote
A Quaker Prayer Life (2013), and
Jesus, Christ and Servant: Meditations on the Gospel According to John (2017).
Trish Johnson has been in private practice as a psychologist and trainer for over 30 years. Trish embraces mindfulness and neuropsychology in her clinical practice. She has served as Convener of the Committee of Elders at Silver Wattle. David and Trish were Co-Directors of Silver Wattle 2013-2014.
Download the detailed course flier here
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2018 Program
Silver Wattle Learning courses are designed to deepen Spirit through prayer and community living so that participants are renewed when they return to live and be in the world.
September 2018
Australian Friends Fellowship of Healing GatheringSep 13, 2018 – Sep 16, 2018
Toward a Good Relationship with EarthSep 20, 2018 – Sep 23, 2018
Spring Gardening WeekSep 24, 2018 – Sep 30, 2018
October 2018
Quakers and Concerns from Both Sides Now: Discerning and SupportingOct 4, 2018 – Oct 7, 2018
Art Nature SpiritOct 19, 2018 – Oct 25, 2018
November 2018
Indigenous Spirituality – Making Spiritual ConnectionsNov 2, 2018 – Nov 4, 2018
December 2018
Year-End Retreat: Awareness, Attentiveness and AcceptanceDec 28, 2018 – Jan 3, 2019
