Spiritual Formation

We are all pilgrims on a journey, taking different routes to the same destination. We are all seekers on a quest, searching for that which is greater, and our relationship to it, hoping to arrive at the Ground of Our Being. Along the way, we encounter other pilgrims and share the experience in moments of sacred intersection that feed our spirit, deepen our experience, strengthen our resolve, and build community. This is the Spiritual Formation Program. And we invite you to journey with us.

There are many ways to get involved:  

• Retreats in September and May provide opportunities for individual reflection, sharing in small groups, exploring spiritual practices and readings, and fellowship.
• your local Meeting's program (which we can help you to begin or renew), with “large group” discussions and “small group” opportunities to build spiritual friendships offering mutual support and accompaniment.
• the year-long virtual program offered through Zoom to Friends throughout the Yearly Meeting (and beyond—visitors welcome!), also offering large and small groups.  (October-May)

Interested? Begin by exploring our program booklet: "Sacred Intersections: Spiritual Formation Program" or email SpiritForm@bym-rsf.org. To get email notices about Spiritual Formation opportunities, fill out this contact form, and be sure to check the box for “Spiritual Formation Announcements.”

2023-2024 Spiritual Formation Program

Fall 2023 Spiritual Formation Retreat
September 22-24, 2023
The Claggett Center
3035 Buckeystown Pike, Adamstown, MD

Registration for the Fall Retreat is now closed.

Use the form below to register for the upcoming Retreat

This fall, we’ll gather on the theme of sustaining our intention and attention on the spiritual journey.  Wisdom traditions across cultures and time affirm that our spiritual lives are deepened when we maintain both intention and attention on the journey.  But what helps us to sustain this intention and attention?  How do spiritual practices and our life in community support us on this journey? What gets in the way? The Fall Spiritual Formation Retreat will invite us to consider these foundational queries in, and with, community.  We’ll have time for personal reflection, sharing in spiritual friendship and small groups, and time for singing, movement, rest and whatever else the soul needs at this moment. 

The retreat will begin with supper at 6 o’clock on Friday, September 22nd followed by our opening circle.  There will be two sessions on Saturday (morning and afternoon) with an evening of festive fellowship and singing.  Our Sunday morning session will be followed by Meeting for Worship and lunch.  Departure is immediately after lunch.  

Retreat participants will receive a detailed welcome email and pre-retreat exercise about one week before the retreat.  If you have questions as the retreat nears, please contact the program registrar, Russell Baskett, at russellcbaskett@gmail.com.  

Registration will be open through Friday, September 8th. 

The retreat will be held at the Claggett Center in Adamstown, Maryland.  Spiritual nurture funds are available through both local Meetings and through the Yearly Meeting.  The retreat welcomes all of us who seek a deeper life in and with Spirit. 

Spring 2024 Spiritual Formation Retreat
May 3-5, 2024
The Claggett Center
3035 Buckeystown Pike, Adamstown, MD

Registration will open in March. Please check back!

Year-Long Virtual Program Offered via Zoom
2023-2024 Details Forthcoming

Local Gatherings

After the fall retreat, local Meetings begin their monthly small and large group year-long gatherings.
 

We can help launch or renew your local Meeting group. One option is a short-format (2-3 hour) retreat that we offer on-site at local Meetings, often at the rise of Meeting on a Sunday. 

For more information on local gatherings, please contact Amy Schmaljohn (amy@schmaljohn.com) or Alan Evans (alanwe46@gmail.com).