NOTE: The dates and cost for this retreat have changed from what was printed in the Fall 2025 issue of Bridges.
The registration below is for the COMMUTER OPTION. If you would like to register instead for the OVERNIGHT OPTION, click here.
“Hope Is a Song in a Weary Throat”
…Hope is a song in a weary throat.
And a world where I can sing it.
Give me a song of faith
Give me a song of hope
And a people to believe in it.
Give me a song of kindliness
And a country where I can live it.
Give me a song of hope and love
And a brown girl’s heart to hear it.
~An excerpt from Pauli Murray’s poem, Dark Testament Verse 8
The concept of mysticism invites exploration, particularly within the framework of African American spirituality — a tradition shaped by both the profound challenges of racial injustice and the deep assurance of knowing that you are a cherished child of God. Within this context, African American mysticism reflects the inner experience of Divine hope and Divine love that is filtered through the struggle to survive in a system that devalues the body, mind, and soul. As Pauli Murray eloquently states, “Hope is a song in a weary throat.”
This three-night retreat focuses on the mystical experiences of three African American faith leaders: Thea Bowman (Roman Catholic Nun, Mystic, and Teacher), Howard Thurman (Preacher, Theologian, Mystic, and Prophet), and Pauli Murray (first female African American Episcopal Priest, Mystic, Poet, Civil Rights Lawyer). Participants will engage with the perspectives and experiences of these individuals through their autobiographies, poetry, music, prayer, and meditation. Participants will learn how African American spirituality and mysticism intersects with Black cultural distinctives. Activities will include music, poetry, journaling, prayer, solitude, and opportunities for creative expression. Guided by Rev. Joan Crawford.
The COMMUTER OPTION does not include lodging or breakfast.
Commuters may arrive any time after 4pm on Tuesday. There will be a brief welcome session at 5:30pm, followed by dinner at 6pm. The first presentation will begin after dinner at 7pm on Tuesday. There will be morning, afternoon, and evening presentations on Wednesday and Thursday. The retreat concludes at 4pm after the morning and afternoon sessions on Friday.
The Reverend Joan Crawford is a Spiritual Director, Deacon and Benedictine Oblate. Joan has an ecumenical background and inclusive vision. She received a Master of Theology from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary in Lombard Illinois; and a Certificate in Spiritual Guidance from the Siena Dominican Center in Racine Wisconsin. Her ministry now includes workshops to promote interracial healing and dialogue. Joan brings spiritual awareness, insightful humor, and tender seriousness to her presentations. Her candor, sensitivity, and deep listening will help instill the building blocks for better understanding between the African American and Anglo-American communities.
Testimonials:
“Joan is an educator and minister who serves from a heart of hope while sitting comfortably with the complex set of issues facing our world. She values and recognizes the importance of engaging across differences.”
“… deeply emotional material. Hard to walk away without being touched.”
“It was great. Thank you…for opening your heart and life to us. I never realized the depth of fear,
pain, death and danger in the history of African Americans.”
“Joan was an excellent presenter and engaged people…you could feel the energy in the room
open up.”
“…participants felt a personal connection and warmth while hearing challenging things…”
“I especially liked the integration of music and the arts!”
“Marvelous, meaty, intelligent and fearless.”
The form below is for the COMMUTER OPTION (no lodging, no breakfast) for this retreat.
To register instead for the OVERNIGHT OPTION, click here.