WEEKENDS AND RETREATS
We specialize in leading weekend events and retreats for congregations--tailored to fit your needs. Check out the menu of events below, or work with us to create your own. You can always contact us at (513) 831-2859 for more information, or visit our contact page to send a request.
A WEEKEND WITH FRIENDS
AN EXPERIENCE OF CHRISTIAN GROWTH FOR CONGREGATIONS
This is a weekend aimed at spiritual renewal and/or Christian education for individual congregations. The Church will experience a combination of performances, talks, and small group activities designed to help each person grow in Christ and to build a sense of Christian community between members. You can choose to limit the weekend to adults, or open it to all ages.
ACTING THE GOOD NEWS
A WEEKEND OF PERFORMANCE AND CREATIVE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
This is a two to three day experience for a congregation and the general public--or anyone the church chooses to invite. The package includes 1) a major evening performance by Friends of the Groom, 2) a five-hour Saturday workshop to teach participants how to use theater and storytelling in worship and Christian education, 3) an optional one hour rehearsal for volunteers who would like to present a scripture passage or scene on Sunday morning, and 4) Friends of the Groom performances in Sunday worship services and education periods.
SAMPLE SCHEDULES:
ACTING THE GOOD NEWS
Friday
Early afternoon - A team of three Friends of the Groom performers arrives, unloads, and sets up.
7:30 PM PERFORMANCE - 45 - 90 min., open to the general public
(This performance can also be scheduled for Saturday evening instead of Friday--.or in some cases, on Sunday afternoon or evening.)
Saturday
WORKSHOP - Using theater and storytelling in worship and Christian education
9:00 A.M. - 9:30 A.M. Registration.
9:30 - 12:00 Mixers, Performance demonstrations, and experiential learning activities
12:00 - 12:30 Lunch
12.30 - 2:00 Conclusion of Workshop - Additional learning activities. Can build toward a final worship/presentation by participants.
2:00 - 3:00 Optional rehearsal with volunteers to prepare a scene or scripture passage to perform on Sunday morning.
3:00-5:30 Friends of the Groom rehearse in space for Sunday morning. (or Saturday evening and Sunday morning)
Sunday
We can fit in with your regular Sunday morning schedule in the following ways:
Performing at one or two services during the sermon time (or at other times including opening sentence, scripture readings,
confessions, prayers, or benediction)
Performing at a Christian education period for adults, youth and children
Carrying festive banners (kites) in the processional and recessional at the service.
NOTE: Most often, the host church invites participation from other churches for the Saturday activities, and charges individuals a fee for the workshop.
A WEEKEND WITH FRIENDS
Friday
Early afternoon - A team of three Friends of the Groom performers arrives, unloads, and sets up.
7:30 PM
SESSION I - Mixers and 45 - 60 minute performance for all ages to introduce the theme.
Saturday
SESSION II
9:00 - 9:45 Mixers and performance (Optional: 10-15 min. opening singing if host church provides song leader and musician.)
10:00 - 11:00 Separate activities for youth and children. Adults remain for additional presentation and small group activities/discussion.
11:15 - 12:00 Children, youth and adults reassemble for activities to close the morning session.
12:00 - 12:45 Lunch
SESSION II
12:45 - 2:00 Performances and additional activities. Can involve final worship/presentation.
(Communion service is possible if host church provides a priest or minister.)
SESSION III
2:00 - 3:00 Optional rehearsal with volunteers to prepare a scene or scripture passage to perform on Sunday morning.
3:00-5:00 Friends of the Groom rehearse in space for Saturday evening and Sunday morning.
Sunday
We can fit in with your regular Sunday morning schedule in the following ways:
Performing at one or two services during the sermon time (or at other times including opening sentence, scripture readings,
confessions, prayers, or benediction)
Performing at a Christian education period for adults, youth and children
Carrying festive banners (kites) in the processional and recessional at the service.
NOTES: The weekend can also start on Saturday morning--in which case there would be a session on Saturday evening instead of Friday evening. If the weekend is held at a retreat center, Sunday would begin with a SESSION IV in place of an education period.
