<%@LANGUAGE="JAVASCRIPT" CODEPAGE="65001"%> Star of the North Retreat Centre
 

Star of the North Retreat Centre offers a wide variety of programs and workshops throughout the year.

View our Fall 2010 Newsletter  to see the details of the programs described briefly below.


Advent: A Time for Inner Preparation

December 2010

In December, the days grow shorter and our lives get busier with outer preparation for Christmas.  We can forget the profound meaning of Christmas.  Consider taking three evenings this Advent to prepare your heart for the birth of Christ again in you and our world.

Facilitator: Jane Leifer, D.Min


Advent Wreath Making

November 24, 2010

Advent wreaths have long been used as a focus for family prayer and celebration of the Advent season. As we begin to prepare our hearts for Christmas, learn the history and symbolism of the Advent wreath, and make this beautiful Advent symbol for your home. We will use the wreath in prayer, and provide a blessing for your Advent wreath.

Facilitators: Gary Simpson and Real Labbe


Away Days

October through December, 2010

Sometimes it is good to get away. When we get away, we step back from the ordinary routine. We rest and relax; we allow ourselves to be renewed. We take time simply ‘to be,’ instead of always ‘doing.’ We have time for listening and learning, sharing and reflecting. Star of the North invites you to an ‘Away’ Days Retreat.


Dreams - Awakening the Forgotten Language of the Inner Self

October through November, 2010

Explore understanding the symbols and meaning of your dreams.  When understood correctly dreams can be a real part of self discovering.  These three evenings will be an introduction to working with your own dreams, giving you tools to understand the language of the unconscious.

Facilitator: Jane Leifer, D.Min                                        more details...


Grace-Filled Grand Mothering: A Weekend Retreat for Grandmothers

November 5 through November 7, 2010

There is nothing quite like the joy of being a grandmother!  During this retreat, you will have the opportunity to reflect on what grand mothering means to you.  Join other women as we grow together in our understanding of what it means to be 'grace-filled grandmothers'.

Facilitators:  Sandy Prather and Pam Melnyk                   more details...


Heart Spa

Friday November 19 through Saturday November 20, 2010

Treat yourself to a retreat experience for the Heart! It is a time to relax, to make connections, and rejuvenate your spirit. A time to focus on your personal growth and learn practical skills that will help you embrace life with a renewed sense of spirit, joy and purpose for life.

                                                                                 more details...


Hope 1001: Practical Strategies for Using Hope

September through October, 2010

How hopeful are you?  How can you increase hope in yourself and others?  In conjunction with The Hope Studies Certificate Program at Norquest College, Star of the North is offering Hope 1001: Practical strategies for Using Hope.  Small, in-class groups afford participants the unique opportunity to reflect, utilize, and share in hope-focused exercises.                                          more details...


Just In Time Fair Trade Christmas Sale

November 7, 2010

Do you want to make your Christmas gift giving more meaningful?  Want to build justice into your purchasing and make a difference in someone's life?  Come to Star of the North for Just in Time Christmas shopping.  We've invited a variety of development, justice and Fair Trade organizations to come to the Star, set up displays and sell their fair trade products.


Partnering with People

October 5, 2010

As we take time at Thanksgiving to be grateful for our many blessings, how can we as Christians share our bounty with others?  Star of the North is partnering with the Mustard Seed Community in Edmonton's inner city to invite you to share a simple meal and learn more about their ministry.

                                                                               more details...


Permaculture Principles for Urban Backyards

October 13, 2010

What can we do as people of faith to respond to the needs of our continually emerging universe?  Permaculture is an ecological design approach for creating diverse, healthy and sustainable landscapes.  We will explore permaculture principles and strategies that will help you transition your yard to a landscape that provides sustenance and beauty for your family while creating habitat for bugs, birds and other creatures.

Facilitator: Claudia Bolli                                               more details...


Purna Yoga Classes

September through December, 2010

Come stretch your body, mind and spirit! These Purna Yoga classes include physical postures and meditation. Purna means ‘complete’, and the classes are intended to nourish your body, mind, and spirit. Emphasis is placed on precision and alignment of the body in the physical postures. The classes are open to all levels; no yoga experience is required. Come experience all of the benefits that yoga has to offer!

Teacher: Cassie McColl                                                  more details...


Purna Yoga Retreat

November 2010

Come stretch your body, mind and spirit with a weekend of Purna Yoga!  The retreat consists of both physical yoga postures and meditation time, providing a wonderful opportunity to take care of your body, quiet your mind and go deep within.

Teacher: Cassie McColl                                                  more details...


Stoking the Fire: Maintaining Courage and Hope for the Work of Justice

November 17, 2010

As Christians, we know that social justice is not an option but we also know it is a hard sell.  How might we maintain our courage and hope in the face of so many demands and so much apathy?  Join us for an evening designed to support, affirm and inspire you in your justice work.  Meet others like yourself who are concerned and caring justice people.  Come and stoke the fire in your heart.

Facilitator: Sandy Prather                                               more details...


Yoga Meditation

September 19, 2010

Welcome to an introduction to the basics of Purna Yoga Meditation. Learn to connect to and open the heart center, the source of true wisdom and love in the body, using simple meditation techniques. This workshop is suitable for all levels of experience. Everyone is welcome. Enjoy the feeling of peacefulness and restoration that comes with connecting to the spirit. Bring a mat or blanket to sit on and props if you have them.

                                                                                     more details...


Yoga for the Office Workshop

October 24, 2010

Do you sit for long hours at a desk at home or in the office?  Feeling tense and stiff after working at the computer?  Learn simple stretches for the neck, shoulders and wrists to release tension and encourage mobility.  Say goodbye to tension and hello to freedom and joy!

                                                                                      more details...


Marriage Preparation Classes

Offered throughout the year - Program Information