The Monthly Meetings of New York City are coming together! All NYC F/friends are invited to a Quarter-wide retreat at Powell House, the Quaker retreat center in Old Chatham, NY. This weekend retreat from November 15-17 is the first of its kind and aims to gather Friends in worship, witness, and wonder.
The New York Quarter — so named because we meet together for business once a quarter — is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. We're going to get to know each other, have fun, reflect on our past and imagine our future.
FAQs
Who is this retreat for? Do I have to be active in the quarterly meeting to attend?
Nope, this is for any Friendly person who lives in/around New York City and is interested in the NYC Quaker community. Whether you're been attending meeting for just a short time or have been a member for decades you are welcome to come to this retreat.
Who's going?
We hope to have people of all ages (children, young adults, older adults — everyone) from all of the New York City meetings: 15th Street, Brooklyn, Flushing, Manhattan, Morningside, and Staten Island. You don't have to know anything about the New York Quarter or the other meetings in NYC besides your own.
Will there be childcare or a children's program?
Yes, childcare will be provided during sessions.
What about the cost?
The retreat is Pay as Led, so you may choose to pay less than the stated cost if you need to and pay more if you'd like to support the attendance of others. Please do NOT let the cost prevent you from attending. Pay what you can. We want you to be there.
Powell House is in Old Chatham, about 35 min. drive northeast from Hudson, NY. How will I get there?
We will help arrange carpooling. For those who'd rather take the train, we can help you coordinate with other Friends to share the $60 cab ride from the Hudson train station to Powell House.
What's it like to stay at Powell House?
Powell House is a special place surrounded by rambling countryside with walking paths and a pond. There are two buildings to stay in. Pitt Hall is like a rambling, well-appointed old inn, with a large gathering space, a library and lounge with fireplaces. There is also a childcare room full of toys and craft supplies and a climbing structure shaped like a ship's crows nest. The Anna Curtis Center (ACC) is a converted barn (with several extensions) where the youth program is held. Both buildings have kitchen and dining areas and both have a piano. The ACC has a ping pong table and a couple of guitars as well. The rooms in both are furnished comfortably and simply. Almost all rooms have two or more beds, and many have bunk beds. Linens, blankets, pillows and towels are provided. In most rooms you'll be sharing a bathroom with others. Powell House cooks us meals, gives us snacks, and provides continual access to coffee and tea. You will be expected to work at least one work shift to help set up or clean up after a meal. Usually before each meal we gather together and sing a song; the lyrics are posted for those who don't know them. It'll be too cold to swim in the pond but there still may be some foliage to enjoy. There's a 20 minute walk uphill to a look-out called "Dorson's Rock" in a nearby wooded bird sanctuary. Poke around the campus to find the swing, the campground, the labyrinth, the fire circle, the tiny frog pond, and the many "Earthsong" trees that were planted by past graduating high school senior classes.
