Sketching as Prayer  Retreat: New Year's Day of Reflection & Prayer

2023 is just beyond the turning of the calendar. A New Year full of potential and hopes and… unknowns. The turning of the calendar provides a context for looking back to reflect on the year we’re just closing out and looking forward as we give thought to our path for the coming year. We all have hopes and perhaps dreams for the next 12 months, but much is unknown to us and beyond our control.


It can be easy to feel at loose ends and anxious about what lies ahead, looking back with regret and forward with fear… unless we allow our minds to slow down and we take time to draw into God’s presence. Sometimes that’s easier to do in the presence of others who are also seeking God’s presence, so you are invited to a day of retreat and reflection, a day of looking back with gratitude and forward with hope.


Details:
Saturday, January 7, 2022
9:45 AM – 3:00 PM
Immanuel Church
Wappingers Falls, NY


We will alternate brief presentations with periods of silence for meditation, prayer, or sketching, followed by a time to share thoughts and observations.


All are welcome and artistic experience isn’t necessary, but you might want to bring a few supplies. Email me (melissafischerartist@gmail.com) for more details and to register.

Click here for more information

THE PARK

Nature is one of God's beautiful creations. Through nature, God is able to teach us, speak to us, and provide for us. For this reason, we can find in scripture that we humans are called to protect all which is of He has created.


Job 12:7-10

7 “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; 8 or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you; 9 Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? 10 In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.


Word Nerds

A book club for Immanuel people and neighbors from the area and beyond to share thoughts and ideas about books we've read. For now we're focusing on memoir as a genre, reading and discussing real-life stories of people in various life situations and grappling with challenges. 


Our book for January 2023, Joan of Arc, by Mark Twain


Meeting monthly on the 4th Monday of the month either in person or by Zoom.  


Contact Melissa Fischer (locustfarm@gmail.com) if interested in joining us.


Activities (as scheduled)


  • nature trail

    Enjoy our 1/4 mile nature trail around our property. Take a walk and enjoy nature and bird walking. Stop at intervals to meditate on our benches.

  • paint and sip

    Enjoy an evening with our artists painting and sipping a beverage. Last year we did paintings of Van Gogh Starry Night.

  • Chess night

    Play against a chess champion as he plays up to 20 people at a time in a round-robin fashion. 

  • Movie night

    Enjoy a movie evening. Last year we watched Up. Popcorn and drinks are provided.

  • Game night

    Enjoy a night of games and puzzle making. Chess, checkers, jenga, 

  • Basketball

    Enjoy or outdoor courts for a game of basketball.We also have an indoor basket if it rains. We have had several competitions of free throw shooting.

  • Volleyball

    Enjoy our outdoor volleyball court.

  • large chess set

    Enjoy our large chess set indoor or outdoors.  A large board is provided.

  • Magic show

    We had a local magician or illusionist entertain us with various tricks.

  • Pot luck dinners

    We enjoy eating and fellowship.  We have had chili cookoffs in the past along with many pot lucks after the worship service.