Welcome to Powell House
Our mission is to foster spiritual growth after the manner of Friends (Quaker) and to strengthen the application of Friends’ testimonies in the world.
We offer programs for all ages. We rent this quiet space for your family reunions, school retreats, church groups, and small conferences.
Life Lessons from a Bad Quaker
Life Lessons from a Bad Quaker: For Those Friends Who are Bad at Being Good March 8-10, 2019
On quick observation, the Quaker lifestyle boasts peace, solitude, and simplicity—qualities that are attractive and compelling to all Friends. Yet living a life of Friendly faith is not as simple as it may look. In fact, it’s often characterized more by the stumbles than the grace. “When someone asks me what kind of Quaker I am,” says J. Brent Bill, “I say I’m a bad one. I’ve got the belief part down pretty well, I think. It’s in the practice of my belief in everyday life where I often miss the mark.” In our Life Lessons from a Bad Quaker workshop, based on his book by the same title, a self-professed non-expert on faith invites participants to a joyful exploration of the faith journey—perfection not required. With whimsy, humor, and wisdom, we will participate in a joyful, interactive exploration of the testimonies. We’ll examine how to put faith into practice to achieve a life that is soulfully still yet active, simple yet satisfying, peaceful yet strong. This workshop is an invitation to a pilgrimage toward a more meaningful and and satisfying life . . . one step - or stumble - at a time.
Our leader is J. Brent Bill, a life-long Friend who is a recorded minister, writer, retreat, leader, and co-clerk (and co-founder) of the Association of Bad Friends (For Quakers Who are Bad at Being Good) on Facebook. In addition to Life Lessons from a Bad Quaker, Brent is also the author of Holy Silence: The Gift of Quaker Spirituality, Sacred Compass: The Way of Spiritual Discernment, and numerous other books. He's a graduate of Wilmington College and Earlham School of Religion. He lives in rural Indiana. Visit his website at www.brentbill.com
Register by Feb. 25: $280-$200/adults; $125/ages 13-22; $70/infants-12; $175/commuters
After Feb. 25: $260/$145/$90$195
Childcare with 3 weeks notice.
Hygge - A Parents’ Retreat
March 1 – 3, 2019
“Hygge” means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people.
Cozy, simple, satisfying. Be in nature. Be nurtured. Laugh. Listen. Be well fed in body and spirit. |
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While 6th to 8th graders explore what it means to be comfortably uncomfortable in the ACC,
We will create our own quite comfortable, cozy space in Pitt Hall.
We’ll share the ways we ground ourselves and our kids in a not-always-friendly world.
If the weather cooperates, we plan to bundle up and take a hike, enjoy a view, go sledding, and build a big outdoor fire.
You should bring:
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We’ll provide:
• hot cups of tea, fair trade coffee, and hot cocoa in front of a toasty fire;
• a chance to make some new friends, maybe rejoin with some old ones,
• a variety of games and discussions to help us feel the movement of spirit rising among us.
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Julie Glynn returns again this year to co-facilitate with Mike Clark.
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Register by February 19, 2019
$240 adults / $125 ages 13-22 / $70 infants-12 / $175 commuters
After March 19th: $260/$145/$90/$195
Register at: www.powellhouse.org, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 518-794-8811
The 6th - 8th grade Youth Conference at same time in the Anna Curtis Center (ACC) is
“Comfortably Uncomfortable”
Ask for the parent discount if your child is attending the youth conference (there is a place to do on the on-line registration .
(Or any other time you are attending a Powell House program while your kid is in a youth conference.)
Speak Truth to Power, overnight at Powell House February 26, 2019
Speak TRUTH! To Power
Share your convictions at ADVOCACY DAY,
New Politics, New Action, New Budget, New Hope for All
sponsored by New York State Council of Churches
Wednesday, February 27, 2019 9:30am - 4:00pm
Event begins at the Emmanuel Baptist Church
275 State Street, Albany, NY 12210 and
ends at the NY State Capital buildings (for legislator visits)
Register for the program at:
http://nyscoc.org/events/nys-ecumenical-advocacy-day-in-albany-ny/
$25 fee includes lunch and materials
Register to spend Tuesday night at Powell House:
524 Pitt Hall Rd., Old Chatham, NY 12136
(4:30 p.m. Tues to 8:00 a.m. Wed)
$75 fee includes overnight accommodations, supper and breakfast before you head to Albany.
www.powellhouse.org or call 518-794-8811
Powell House is the conference and retreat center of the
New York Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).
Powell House524 Pitt Hall RdOld Chatham, NY12136 |
phone 518-794-8811fax 518-794-8815 |
Adult Programsharon@powellhouse.orgregina@powellhouse.orgYouth Programchrisandmike@powellhouse.org |