Join the Association of Universalist Women for a rejuvenating weekend of fun, fellowship and relaxation! Focusing on balance and achieving what Emerson called that sense of "divine unity", the retreat will be an opportunity to participate in workshops, guided meditation, yoga, art projects... or perhaps just a chance to carve out the quiet time you've been seeking. For more information, visit the 2012 Retreat Website.

Koinonia Retreat Center
Koinonia Retreat Center is located on Lake Sylvia, surrounded by 114 acres of Old Prairie, Big Woods, and lakeshore.  It is 80 miles northwest of the Twin Cities, near Annandale.  Special features include a labyrinth, wood-fired sauna, and miles of forest and prairie trails.  For more information, go to www.koinoniaretreatcenter.com/.  The address is 7768 Pilger Avenue NW, South Haven, MN 55382.  Telephone:  (888) 801-7746.

Accommodations
Retreat participants stay on site, with the majority in semi-private rooms with shared bathrooms.  A small number will stay in a hostel-type dorm.  All meals from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch are provided.  Carpooling options will be available.

 Facts about Koinonia:

1. The three main buildings are handicapped accessible.
2. Its wood-fired sauna holds 10-15.
3. Its outdoor labyrinth is based on the Chartres Cathedral pattern.
4. A trail along Lake Sylvia leads to "Listening Point", a quiet, calm, and private place for meditation and conversation.
5. Koinonia is one of the best birding sites in central Minnesota.
6. The main lodge, Carlson Commons, has wi-fi.

QUESTIONS NOW?  For more info about Koinonia, check out its website www.koinoniaretreatcenter.org.

Basic Info to Help You Get Ready and Pack

Ideas About What to Bring

____ Casual clothing (layers)
____ Jacket, hat/gloves, raingear, etc
____ Walking/hiking shoes or boots (it could be muddy on the trails)
____ PJs, robe, slippers (bathrooms are down the hallway)
____ Swimsuit & towel for sauna (optional)
____ Pillow (if you prefer your own)
____ Bath towel (the supplied ones are thin & small)
____ Alarm clock
____ Ear plugs (we’re supplying some as well)
____ Extension cord just in case (if you have a CPAP)
____ Yoga mat (don’t worry if you don’t have one)
____ Comfy clothing for yoga or meditation
____ Meditation cushion if you prefer your own
____ Money for optional massage and/or spiritual direction
____ Water bottle
____ Camera & Binoculars
____ Knitting and handwork
____ Board or card games (some supplied)
____ Folding Lawn chair for campfire
____ Flashlight

Please Do Not Bring

1. Firearms
2. Alcoholic beverages or drugs
3. Perishable food; you can bring special foods but you cannot use the kitchen facilities, per health dept code. (Snacks are also provided.) 
4. Pets (exceptions for guide dogs and companion animals)
5. Perfume or heavily-scented lotions as some of us may have allergies, asthma, or sensitivity to scent.

Note: Bedding is provided (pillow, sheets, one blanket, one towel, one washcloth) by Koinonia.

Directions to Koinonia

 7768 Pilger Ave NW, South Haven, MN 55382
1-888-801-7746

Konoinia is located just outside of Annandale on Hwy 55. See online maps at http://koinoniaretreatcenter.com/directions.html 

Most Direct from the Twin Cities (approx 80 minutes)

--  Head west on State Highway 55 to 2.5 miles beyond Annandale. (Note that near Annandale, 55 joins up with Hwy 24.) After Annandale, you’ll pass Montgomery Ave, Nevens Ave. Next is Oliver Ave.

-- Turn left (south) on Oliver (also called Cty Rd 3) and drive 0.4 mile.

-- Turn right (west) on 80th Street (big Koinonia sign). Continue one mile.

-- Turn left (south) on Pilger Avenue and in a minute you’ll see the Koinonia driveway (big sign).

    The main parking lot is beyond the Main Lodge, on a little rise.