Hello Dearies!

I hope you are very well. I am looking forward to the upcoming music retreat and know that you are, too! One of the major parts of this retreat weekend involves everyone doing a bit of “homework” and coming prepared to share.

Everyone – junior highers and staffers – is asked to bring one selection of music – either recorded or performed “live” – to share in their small group. In addition to playing it for the group, you will have the chance to talk about why it’s ‘soul music’ for you – music that speaks to your heart and soul about that of God, Spirit, Light, Peace or Beauty. It may be a piece of music that gives you courage, and inspiration to be faithful in hard times. Or, it may help you to re-center and be present to that of God in the midst of a busy and/or stressful day. The music may be any genre – rock, country, folk, gospel, hymn, punk, whatever. Try to pick something that is not more than 5 minutes in length. It’s easiest if it’s on a CD. If it’s on your ipod and you can’t get it off easily, just bring your ipod. But label your ipod, and pack it in something that will keep it from getting damaged with your stuff. IF YOU HAVE A SET OF IPOD SPEAKERS YOU CAN BRING, PLEASE LET ME KNOW! WE’LL NEED 4.


Though most people bring a piece of recorded music to play, we usually have 2 or 3 people who “perform” their soul music for their small group. So, if this is your leading – please follow it! Let me know if you will need to use a keyboard.


Every year, we learn loads about each other’s spiritual journeys and selves by listening to each other’s music. We’ve heard a lot of “stuff” that is hard to put into words. Be brave, be thoughtful, be joyous, and choose something that lets us truly hear from you. (You can find previous years’ play lists on our website.)


One of the afternoon workshops will be for Friends who want to experiment with improv or a group music creation. If you play an instrument please consider bringing it to this retreat. (Let me know if you are, okay? That will help us plan.)


Also -- we have a coffeehouse Saturday night to perform/share music & dance. Please consider being part of this! It’s always a great ending to this amazing day.


Much love to you,


Gretchen Baker-Smith, JHYM Retreats Leader

508-287-6441 cell 508-997-0940 home hellogretchen@gmail.com

p.s. Sharing our music is the major part of our small group times together, so it’s really, really important that you follow through on this. Trust me. You don’t want to be the one or two people at the entire retreat who don’t come with their piece of music….. If you have questions, be in touch. This has been an awesome experience in the past. Remember that JHYM Retreats is one of the kindest, safest communities on earth. Be yourself, bring your piece of soul music, and trust that you and it will be heard and loved!