Meeting for Learning Retreat

Meeting for Learning
A time for living in intentional Quaker Community

Retreat Week at Silver Wattle Quaker Centre

October 13–19, 2026

As a retreatant you will experience...
• A daily rhythm which will include a deep exploration of Quaker spiritual practices.
• Spiritual nurture in community guided by three or four facilitators.
• An opportunity to reflect on what it is to study, worship and be transformed by the Spirit.
• Time to talk, rest, journal and enjoy the beautiful natural setting.
• Quaker processes practiced faithfully in everyday life.
• Listening groups where people listen deeply to each other.
• Ongoing nurture from the facilitators through the year with contact as needed.

Between Retreats

Between retreats your learning continues with a Support Group made up from your local Meeting and/or from friends and family. You are looking for members who will listen, empathise and encourage – while you give attention to specific areas of your life where you can feel the Spirit moving. Local members of support groups regularly report how gratifying it is to share with the participant. You are given an opportunity to share your journey in your second Retreat, as you are lead.

Where?

Silver Wattle Quaker Centre

How to Apply
The Retreat is open to Members, Attenders and others in sympathy with Quaker faith and practices. If you think this retreat might be for you, please take these steps:
1. Talk to a previous participant in your local Meeting, or your Regional Meeting clerk, to ask about their experience.
2. Write to Fiona Gardiner expressing your interest in participating. If possible this should be by the end of May 2025.
The Tasmanian Contact Person is Drew Thomas.

Year-long Program
Quaker Meeting for Learning is a year-long program book-ended by week-long residential retreats.
It is an extended time to explore the Spirit and learn about Quaker ways, together with members and attenders from around Australia.
Sometimes others from different faith communities join Meeting for Learning. Between retreats, your spiritual development and learning will continue in your regular community.
Residential retreats allow you to commence and complete this journey by deeper sharing experiences with other retreatants.

During the retreat
The size of the group at each retreat is up to twelve participants, who are guided by three or four volunteer facilitators during the retreat.
The facilitators provide resources – readings, sessions, exercises and pastoral guidance to assist each participant’s spiritual journey. The resources provided allow retreatants to develop their knowledge of Quaker writings and beliefs, and to reflect on their own journey.
Each day allows time for discussion, exploration, rest and reflection. During the retreat, some activities are carried out as a whole group, some are conducted in small groups and some exercises are undertaken as a personal activity. Structured and generous unstructured time is included in the retreat.

Midweek Silent Day & Night
A feature of each retreat is a mid-week silent day and night. Some participants feel nervous about this beforehand and then find that extended silence in community is an enriching experience. A facilitator is always available during the Silent Day for reflection or conversation.

When?
Sunday 13 October to Saturday 19 October, 2026.

Accommodation & Cost
Each participant will have a private bedroom for the six nights. All accommodation, meals and a resource book are included in the price, which will be determined shortly.
You are encouraged to apply for financial assistance through your Regional Meeting. Talk with your Clerk or Ministry Convener if you are considering registering for the course and applying for support.

Website: www.quakersaustralia.info/MFL