Questhaven Retreat
Welcome to the Home of The Christward Ministry
Dear Friends and Spiritual Family,
"Magical" is a word that we have heard over and over again this spring from visitors who reach for words to describe Questhaven. Perhaps it is the lush greenery and beautiful flowers that decorate the landscape, which brings such inspiration. Or could it be the water that flows behind the church and over the falls at Singing Springs? These certainly do lift our consciousness Godward, but I imagine it comes from something deeper- something that goes back to the very way this retreat was discovered and dedicated.
When Flower and Lawrence Newhouse founded these grounds, they did so with the intent that every inch of its property be consecrated to the Lord Christ, and helping all who entered rededicate themselves to the discovery of God. I believe that God sent Divine helpers to sponsor this work on the inner and that They continue to send their Light and Influence into every part of this place, and to each of us who are receptive.
These Great Ones have said, through Flower A. Newhouse, that we are to be a center for the dissemination of esoteric Christian teachings, with mysticism its principal expression. This will always place an emphasis on the discipline of intuition and inner perception. They have told us that our primary purpose is to train persons and to be a place of wonder and of healing. What a wonderful challenge we all have to be true to this higher calling-to carry on the teachings and retreat in the spirit and intention upon which it was founded.
The name Questhaven implies a great deal about its blessed beginnings. In fact, the first signs leading to this special place announced "Quest Haven" in two words. This signified to me the importance of each word. The glorious quest-our spiritual journey to discover Truth and verify it in our living, encompasses our search and recovery of God. The haven-a place of solitude, natural beauty, peace, and devotion to make that connection and be at one with God. An early ad that Lawrence printed to invite people to come to these grounds read:
Questhaven Retreat is dedicated to serving one's vital need to prayerfully repledge themselves. Here, in the quiet haven of peaceful hills, individuals from all walks of life may come to reconsecrate themselves to God and Christ, and find answers to their innermost quest.
Doesn't that speak well of Questhaven's provision for the world? What a "magical" place and way of life we have been given. When I ponder the current vision of the ministry, the words regeneration through Christ to know God fill my thoughts. I rejoice in what we have been given, and take great hope and faith in the direction God will guide us.
I know that Flower and Lawrence are still working with us in marvelous ways. Their work has opened a door to the inner worlds and to the Living Christ Presence that will warm the hearts of spiritual seekers for generations to come. What remains to be accomplished is living these truths-bringing them to life in our daily endeavors.
May we ever be guided and open to our Lord Christ who is responsible for it all. As He said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life."
Your brother in Christ,
The Reverend Blake Isaac
Vernal Retreat 2008
Healing through the Arts: A Spiritual Experience is the theme of the 2008 Vernal Retreat. This participatory event begins Friday evening, June 20 at 7:30pm with Windsong music, Greek/Egyptian dance and a movement meditation. Nature slides, captioned with prose and the poetry of Rumi, will also be a part of the evening's experience.
Saturday's activities begin at 9:00am with a "Healing in Nature" meditation and expression through photography, journaling and drawing.
At 1:00pm Lisa Lynne, harpist and recording artist (www.lisalynne.com), will lead a Healing Music Workshop. Lisa's Hands-on-Harps workshops are unique interactive musical presentations. Using sound and music, her workshops kindle promotion of healing and well-being.
Lynne founded Harps for Hearts, an organization that brings harps and harpists into hospitals and shelters. Using sound and music, her workshops empower both patients and staff and promote healing and well being.
After a potluck dinner on the Friendship House Terrace (5:00pm-6:00pm), Lisa Lynne and Aryeh Frankfurter will give a concert, performing a blend of traditional and original music on their collection of Celtic and Renaissance instruments.
Reverend Jonathan Wiltshire, a renowned spiritual artist (www.innerworldart.com) will conclude the Retreat Sunday, June 22 at 10:45am with a talk, Healing through the Arts.
Questhaven Retreat is dedicated to serving one's vital need to prayerfully repledge themselves. Here, in the quiet haven of peaceful hills, individuals from all walks of life may come to reconsecrate themselves to God and Christ, and find answers to their innermost quest.
Sunday Services 10:45am.
Preparation for Vernal Retreat
 Songs of Deliverance —At-one-ment With Nature |
 The Journey Upward —Finding Enlightenment Through Nature |
 Angels of Nature —Finding Enlightenment Through Nature |
What's New
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Announcements
Thank you to all who participated and helped to create a beautiful, and deeply poignant Easter Retreat.
Another Movie Night will be held on May 10th. Location to be determined.
Service Calendar
MAY
May 4 Footholds of Character: The Hidden Diamond of Humility, Anne Hubbell
May 11 Spiritual Application: Spiritual Opportunities of Marriage, Rev. Blake Isaac
May 18 The Holy Spirit-Our Comforter and Revealer, Lucy Wold
May 25 The Holy Spirit-Our Companion at the Crossroads, Rev. Jonathan Wiltshire
JUNE
June 1 The Holy Spirit-Its Mystical and Practical Influence Upon Us, Rev. Elizabeth Wood
June 8 Footholds of Character: The Spiritual Virtue of Courage, Police Lt. Dan Willis
June 15 Spiritual Application: Man's Search to Find a Father, Rev. Myrna Triggs
VERNAL RETREAT-June 20, 21, 22
Friday 7:30 p.m. : Nature Slides with Music, Prose, and Dance
Saturday 9:00 a.m. : Healing Through Nature and Music
Sunday 10:45 a.m. : Healing Through the Arts: A Spiritual Experience,
Rev. Jonathan Wiltshire
June 29 Mysticism-The Search for and Recovery of Oneness with God, Rev. Blake Isaac
JULY
July 6 The Initiate Thomas Paine-Instigator of Independence, Rev. Phyllis Isaac
July 13 Modes of Mysticism-Meditation as a Tool for Growth, Rev. Elizabeth Wood
July 20 Modes of Mysticism-Glimpses into the Infinite as We Walk along Nature's Path, Miara Wiltshire
July 27 Modes of Mysticism-The Poet's Connection to the Eternal, Rev. Blake Isaac
AUGUST
August 3 Footholds of Character: Integrity-A Jewel in the Crown of Mastery, Rev. Jonathan Wiltshire
August 10 Spiritual Application: A Beautiful Mind, Dr.Rebecca Nixon
Ongoing Activities
Meditations are held on Wednesday evenings (2nd and 4th) in Chapelito at 7:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to join in this time of reverent attunement that is led by Jean Michalewicz.
Wisdom Classes, led by The Reverend Blake Isaac, are held on alternating Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. in Chapelito.
Pranic Healing Clinics are conducted by Mary Clark, Ph.D., on the first Sunday of each month in the Academy from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Servers in Action Days are on the first Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. until noon.
Classes studying The Christward Ministry teachings include:
Mondays: (2nd and 4th) at 7:30 p.m. in Oceanside
Wednesdays: (1st and 3rd) at 1:30 p.m. in the Questhaven Academy