In the Diocese: Pathways to Serenity

The Pathways to Serenity Retreat is for people in recovery from chemical dependency and those that love them. Offered twice per year, costs are kept to a minimum and some scholarships are available. This is a spiritual retreat, sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa, but people of any faith and those seeking faith are cordially invited. The primary focus is the spiritual path known as the 12 steps, as first articulated by Alcoholics Anonymous. Participants design their own retreat experience.

Pathways to Serenity Retreat

 

Pathways to Serenity is for people in recovery from chemical dependency and those who love them.  It’s for newcomers and old-timers.  Alcoholics, addicts, Al-Anons, family members and concerned persons are most welcome.  Pathways is a spiritual retreat.  People of any faith and those seeking faith are invited.  Our primary focus is the spiritual path known as the 12 Steps (as first published by Alcoholics Anonymous). Over the weekend there will be three open 12 Step meetings. Participants are free to create their own retreat experience. Many chances for Step work and for spiritual/religious practice will be offered. All activities are optional.

Retreat fees are: full weekend $90 with deposit fee of $45; Saturday only $40

For questions email: PathwaysCoordinators@gmail.com

What to Bring: a friend, sleeping bag and/or sheets, pillows, blankets, towels/wash clothes, flashlights, used books to share, games, lawn chairs or cushions to sit on. We have a potluck on Friday evening so please bring food to share.

Because we are required to pay for our retreat food before we arrive, we ask that you send in your full weekend fee of $90; Saturday only fee of $40 or the $45 deposit by the September 12, 2025, deadline.

Location: St. Thomas More Center, 6177 Panorama Road, Panora, Iowa 50216

AGENDA

Note: All activities are opportunities, not requirements!

Friday

4:00 pm          Registration Begins

5:45 pm          Serenity Potluck / Fellowship

6:45 pm          Welcome – Tami R

6:50 pm          Step 4 Speaker - Rosie L

8:15 pm          Candlelight Meeting with Introductions

Saturday

7:30 am          Sharing Meditations

8:00 am          Continental Breakfast

8:45 am          Step 5 Speaker – Bobbi S

9:45-10:45 am          Open 12 Step Meetings (AA/Al-Anon) Promptly end in 1 hour.

11:00 am          FREE TIME

12:00 pm          LUNCH

1:00 pm          Step 6 Speaker – Robert L

2:00 – 3:00 pm     Open 12 Step Meetings (AA/Al-Anon) Promptly end in 1 hour.

3:15 pm          Spiritual Service – Chapel

4:15 pm          FREE TIME

6:30 pm          DINNER

7:30 pm          Candlelight Guided Meditation TBA

8:30 pm          Games & Fellowship

Sunday

7:45 am          Group Meditations

8:00 am          Spiritual Walk

9:30 am          BRUNCH

10:15 am          Closing

11:15ish am          Pack Up & Head Home

Resources

General

The 12 Steps, from Alcoholics Anonymous

General Convention Opioid Task Force - their website has a library of chemical dependency/harm reduction resources for education, advocacy, pastoral care, prevention, & recovery

 

Liturgical & Small Group Resources

Prayers in Recovery Booklet from Recovery Ministries of the Episcopal Church

Organizations

National

Recovery Ministries of the Episcopal Church: to renew and revitalize the Church’s capability to recognize and address the serious social ills surrounding the pathological use of alcohol, drugs and other addictive behaviors (gambling, overeating, sex, etc.) and suggest an appropriate Christian response.

National Association for Children of Addiction (NACoA): to eliminate the adverse impact of alcohol and drug use on children and families. Vast library of resources including clergy training.

Local