The Bible and Spirituality
Fall Retreat

San Francisco Theological Seminary | September 15-17, 2023

How might the Bible inform and further the work of justice? What if the Bible was not a source of fear, anxiety, and bewilderment, as it has become for many? And what if our reading of Scripture led to kindness, generosity, and abundance? 

Join us for a weekend retreat in beautiful San Anselmo, on the San Francisco Theological Seminary campus, for a rich time of learning and community building!

REGISTER

“The Bible and Spirituality”

We will explore how the Bible can be a source of wisdom for Christian spirituality during our time together. Recognizing how the Bible has been a tool of manipulation and exploitation, we will ask how these ancient texts can still speak hope to some of the most intractable challenges facing humanity today. Together we will learn how reading faithfully can lead to a more beautiful, expansive, and liberating vision of Christian faith in the world.

We are grateful to be joined by Pete Enns (a professor of Old Testament), Jennifer Kaalund (a professor of New Testament), and Wendy Farley (a professor of Christian Spirituality). 

Sessions

  • The Old Testament and Spirituality
  • The New Testament and Spirituality
  • The Good News of Christian Spirituality
  • Panel Discussions
  • Small Group Discussions

Speakers

All Members
Pete Enns
Old Testament
Pete Enns
Pete Enns is Abram S. Clemens professor of biblical studies at Eastern
Jennifer Kaalund
New Testament
Jennifer Kaalund
Jennifer Kaalund is associate professor of New Testament at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
Wendy Farley
Spirituality
Wendy Farley
Wendy Farley received her Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University in Systematic Theology, with
Peter Choi
History
Peter Choi
Peter Choi, PhD, is the Executive Director of the Center for Faith

Schedule

Our gathering begins at 7:00 pm Friday and concludes at 11:30 am on Sunday. Day tickets for Saturday (9am-3pm) are also available. Sessions 1-5 and the Panel Discussion will be streamed. 

4:00  Registration and Check-in begins

7:00  Welcome, Orientation, and Reception 

8:00  Session 1 (Pete Enns) 

9:00  Coffee and Light Breakfast (provided)

9:45  Opening Prayer 

10:00  Session 2 (Pete Enns)

11:00  Session 3 (Jennifer Kaalund)

12:00  Lunch (provided) 

1:30  Session 4 (Wendy Farley)

2:30  Panel Discussion 

3:00  Afternoon Activities 

6:00  Dinner (provided)

7:00  Session 5 (Pete Enns) 

8:00  Faith and Justice Fellowship Reception (for fellows participating in cohorts) 

 

9:00  Coffee and Light Breakfast (provided) 

10:00  Small Groups 

10:30  Worship 

11:30  Check-out and Departure

Details (Cost, Travel, Covid Safety…)

Weekend Registration (Fri-Sun)

  • EARLY BIRD [with lodging] by 6/30: $499 (single) // $399 (double) | includes on-campus lodging with private showers; four meals (Saturday breakfast+lunch+dinner, Sunday breakfast); access to recordings of sessions until 12/31 
  • REGULAR PRICE [with lodging] by 9/1: $549 (single) // $449 (double) | includes on-campus lodging with private showers; four meals (Saturday breakfast+lunch+dinner, Sunday breakfast); access to recordings of sessions until 12/31 
  • EARLY BIRD [no lodging] by 6/30: $159 | includes in-person participation; four meals (Saturday breakfast+lunch+dinner, Sunday breakfast); access to recordings of sessions until 12/31
  • REGULAR PRICE [no lodging] by 9/1: $189 | includes in-person participation; four meals (Saturday breakfast+lunch+dinner, Sunday breakfast); access to recordings of sessions until 12/31

Saturday Only (9am-3pm)

  • EARLY BIRD by 6/30: $59 | includes in-person participation for Sat. daytime sessions; two meals (Saturday breakfast+lunch); access to all session recordings until 12/31
  • REGULAR PRICE by 9/1: $79 | includes in-person participation for Sat. daytime sessions; two meals (Saturday breakfast+lunch); access to all session recordings until 12/31

Streaming Pass: $49 | includes livestreams of Sessions 1-5 and Panel Discussion; access to session recordings until 12/31 

Flights
The nearest airports are San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Oakland International Airport (OAK). Both airports are accessible by BART.

Lodging 
Thanks to the generous support of San Francisco Theological Seminary, we are grateful to enjoy accommodations on campus. Please note that rooms are dorm style with private showers and communal bathrooms. Single and double occupancy available. 

Car Pool from SF to San Anselmo
Due to the significant number of out-of-town attendees anticipated, we will have a designated car pool start location in the Marina / Cow Hollow area of San Francisco, with departure times between 2-5 pm on Friday and return times between 12:30-1:30 pm on Sunday. Option to request carpool available on registration form. Contributions of gas money to driver encouraged. 

We are committed to creating an event experience that keeps everyone as safe as possible. In the face of pandemic fatigue, we also recognize that Covid is still a concern; we will continue to monitor the situation in San Francisco and will update our safety policies as needed to align with local guidance.

  • VACCINATION (recommended): Following CDC and WHO guidelines, we strongly encourage full Covid vaccination.
  • TESTING (recommended): Please consider taking a Covid test within one day of your participation in the gathering, and refrain from attending if you have a positive result or have Covid symptoms. (Order your FREE tests from the U.S. government here.)
  • MASKS (optional): Please do what feels safe and right for you! We strongly encourage mask-wearing while in indoor public spaces. 

Thank you for helping us prioritize the safety of every participant. 

Full refund by 11:59 pm PT on Thursday, August 10, 2023. 50% refund by 11:59 pm PT on Friday, September 1, 2023. No refunds after September 1, 2023. 

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