Opening to Grace Gestalt Pastoral Workshops

Workshops and Retreats 2008 - 2009

Opening to Grace with Tilda Norberg
Each workshop begins on Thursday evening at 6 p.m. and ends on Saturday at noon. Here are the upcoming workshop dates:

  • Thurs., Dec. 4 - Sat., Dec. 6, 2008
  • Thurs., March 5 - Sat., March, 2009
  • Thurs., April 16 - Sat., April 18, 2009
  • Thurs., June 4 - Sat., June 6, 2009
  • Thurs., Oct. 22 - Sat., Oct. 24, 2009
  • Thurs., Nov. 12 - Sat., Nov. 14, 2009
  • Thurs., Dec. 3 - Sat., Dec. 5, 2009

These workshops offer you a time to let go, to let down, to rest, and to draw strength from the gathered church by allowing others to lay hands on you and pray for your healing. There will be times of worship, solitude, and play. In-depth Gestalt Pastoral Care retreats employ spiritual direction and psychological insights in working with body, emotions, and spirit.

Our faith is that Jesus nurtures and heals us and that God's transforming love and power is offered to us as we open up to it. You will have time to be the focus of the group if you request it. You will be completely free to decide for yourself if, when, and how fully to participate.

Going Further Workshops
Open only to graduates of the Gestalt Pastoral Care Training Program, these workshops are an opportunity once again to participate, practice, and observe. There will also be an opportunity to work with Tilda. No Going Further workshops are currently scheduled. Check this space for updates!

Observer-Intercessors
At each workshop two places are reserved for observer-intercessors. Often people find that they receive a great deal for themselves just by watching God's healing in others. The group also benefits greatly from ones who agree to pray for the process in a focused way. Observer-intercessors are free to participate fully, except there will not be group time to work with their own issues. The fee for an observer-intercessor is $175; deposit is $75.

Workshop/Retreat Locations
For years, many Opening to Grace retreats took place at Penn House, a cabin in a beautiful wooded area in Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania (about 80 miles west of New York City and 25 miles north of Stroudsburg). There is a small chapel on the grounds for private prayer, and nearby are lovely waterfalls.

In October 2006 Penn House burned to the ground. We are glad to report that the small chapel was not damaged. As of December 2007, the new Penn House is being used for workshops and classes. We are delighted to be hosting workshops on this scenic location again.

To Register / Cost
Send a $100 deposit to:

Tilda Norberg
78 Clinton Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10301
(718) 273-4941

Checks for Opening to Grace retreats should be made out to Tilda Norberg. Please be sure to include your telephone number, email address, and indicate the dates of the retreat for which you are registering.

Weekend retreats - $300, including room and board. The deposit is refundable up to two weeks prior to the event.

One or two-day retreats - are offered occasionally. Watch this space for future dates. Costs for these vary depending on length and location of the event; meals and lodging are not included unless stated otherwise in the workshop descriptions.

Please be sure to include your telephone number, email address, and indicate the dates of the retreat for which you are registering.