January
 

Annual Prayer Retreat                                                                                     January 7 -  8

Join Pastor Peter Narum for our second annual contemplative prayer retreat. With plenty of time for silence, we also will read from the great spiritual writers about prayer: what is prayer? who prays? why do we pray? what difference does it make? Cost: $60. We meet Friday at 7:00 pm. for an extended Taizé service through Saturday at 6:00 pm.

Annual Woodland Winter Retreat (for the Separated or Divorced)                     January 14 -  15

Members of Bethel's Separated and Divorced Support Group invite you to join them at their winter retreat. This year Pastor Narum offers an introduction to the Enneagram, a personality typing tool which helps us better understand ourselves, and discover opportunities for greater freedom and healthier relationships. Cost: $60. We meet Friday at 7:00 pm. through Saturday at 6:00 pm.

February

Annual Men's Retreat: Silver Screen Stories                                               February 25 -  26

Join Padre Pedro and Pastor Peter from Bethel as we explore themes of male identity through film clips from movies recent and past. We will also discuss Anglo and Latino cultural stereotypes and expectations in the context of our Christian identity. Translation from English to Spanish provided. Cost: $60 (includes 3 meals on Saturday). We meet Friday at 7:00 pm. through Saturday at 6:00 pm.

March

Latino Retreat - Lutheranism: Freedom and Commitment                            March 18 -  20

Come join other Latinos from Madison as we gather together in fellowship, worship and a learning experience as we discuss the freedom many have found in the Lutheran movement. Learn about Bethel Horizons through hiking, enjoying a campfire and more.  Program options for all ages on Saturday.  The retreat begins with supper at 6:00 pm. on Friday until 8:00 am. breakfast Sunday.  To register, please contact Pastor Suarez or Aura at Bethel Lutheran Church at 608.257.3577 ext. 337.

April

Bethel Annual Women's Retreat                                                                         April 29 -  30

All women are invited to participate in "The Freedom of Being a Lutheran Woman" retreat at Bethel Horizons from Friday to Saturday.  Discussions will be led by Rev. Dr. Shelley Bobb, Lead Pastor at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church in Madison and PhD in Systematic Theology. Workshops on yoga, art, prayer, wellness, and crafts will be available.  Opportunities for hiking and massage will be available as well. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Katie Baardseth 608.257.3577 ext. 327. Cost: $65.

May

Earth Day                                                                                                         May 8

Celebrate spring and the renewal of the earth with your whole family.  Join us for a day of games, crafts, hikes, and guest speakers/entertainers.  Explore the Nature Center, the trails, and the beauty of being outside after the long winter.  Earth day is free of charge and snacks will be available during the day.  Please call Angela for more information at 608-935-5885.

Latino Retreat - The Wonderful World of Prayer                                      May 13 -  15

Enjoy with Latinos all ages a time of fellowship and spiritual growth as we work together to develop our prayer life.  Learn about Bethel Horizons through hiking the grounds, enjoying a sing-a-long campfire, or just sitting on the deck and taking in the view of the valley.  Program options will be available for all ages on Saturday.  The retreat begins with supper at 6:00 p.m. on Friday until 8:00 a.m. breakfast Sunday.  To register, please contact Pastor Pedro Suarez or Aura at Bethel Lutheran Church at 608.257.3577 x 337.

June

Bikeathon                                                                                                        June 4

Join in our 20^th annual Bikeathon to benefit the year round naturalist and environmental education programs of Bethel Horizons. You're invited to bike or hike the Military Ridge trail from Verona to Dodgeville… or any portion of it. All participants will receive a T-shirt and lunch, snacks and drinks along the way, and an evening meal at Bethel Horizons as well as free overnight accommodations. Fantastic prizes are also available to all who raise funds. Shuttles available as well. Join us!!

Congregational Picnic                                                                                                June 5

Join hundreds of Bethel members as we celebrate our 150^th church anniversary with a special picnic day at Horizons. We'll focus on our historic Norwegian past and our contemporary Latino present. The day begins with Latino worship at 10:30 am. Enjoy the traditional chicken BBQ as well as pie and ice cream. Then enjoy numerous programs related to our heritage… past and present. Music, hikes, hayrides, children's games and an active Art Ventures site will be part of this special day. The cost: food.

Communing with Clay                                                                                                      June 12-17, 19-24

Don Hunt, Bethel Horizons Art Ventures artist, will lead this creative wheel pottery workshop designed for beginner to advanced potters.  Visits to local artists, guest artists and a visit to American Players Theater complement the time spent creating personal art. Cost: $320 fee includes room, board, instruction, two bags of clay, use of wheel and a play at American Players Theater. University Credit is available for an additional fee.  Please email Angie at bhorizons@bethel-madison.org for an application to apply.

All Church Family Camp                                                                                       June 17 -  19

Relax… swim… canoe… throw pots… enjoy the adventure course… visit with a pastor… it's all part of a weekend of choices at Horizons' all church family camp. Choose where you want to sleep… the Prairie Center, the tepees, and the tent/trailer grounds are available. This is designed to truly be a time away… with little schedule. Enjoy your family and friends. To register, contact Marian at Bethel Lutheran Church at 608.257.3577 ext. 325. The cost; food and lodging.

Art and Nature                                                                                                             June 26-July 1

Join Bethel Horizons' Naturalist, Angela Borland, and Art Ventures director, Don Hunt, in exploring God's creativity.  Participants will explore the colors, shapes and textures of the natural world and take these discoveries into their personal expression of art. Cost: $265

Astonishing Wetlands                                                                                                         June TBA

This workshop will focus on water and the astonishing ways in which wetlands work for us, wildlife and cleaning our water.  We will be working on activities, games, and curriculum ideas for integrating hands-on wetland/water activities into your classroom.  Cost $55 registration fee (great food and lodging available at additional cost).  Continuing education credits will be available.  For more information or questions call Angela at 608.935.5885 or email at horizons@mhtc.net.

July                           

Summer Studio                                                                                                  July 10-15

Designed for serious students and professionals to use a state of the art ceramics facility to create their own statement in clay.  Our 3000 square ft. facility is equipped with 30 potters wheels, slab rollers, clay extruders, gas, electric and Raku kilns.  Artists must bring their own clay body. Participants will stay and eat in the Prairie Center from Sunday July 10 dinner to Friday July 15 brunch.  Cost: $320.

Latino Retreat - From Anger to Happiness: Expressing our Emotions                                   July 22 -  24  

Improve your communication skills at the same time as you explore the hills and valley of Horizons', where we can hike, create art, go to campfires, swim at Governor Dodge State Park, and more.  Working with Horizons' staff, youth and adults will create memories for a lifetime.  The weekend begins with supper at 6:00 pm. on Friday and concludes after breakfast on Sunday. Come for part or all weekend. To register, please contact the Latino Ministries at Bethel Lutheran Church, 608.257.3577 x 337.

Outdoor Classroom                                                                                            July TBA

Would you like to take your classroom outdoors?  Whether you would like to use a nearby park or just walk out to your school yard, join us in a class that teaches techniques for teaching outdoors, working on projects that take your class outside, and creating curriculum that uses the natural elements. Cost $ 55 registration fee (great food and lodging available at additional cost).  Continuing education credits will be available.  For more information or questions call Angela at 608.935.5885.

August

Bethel Family Pottery                                                                                    August 5-7

Join your son, daughter, mother, dad, grandparent in a week of fun in the clay studio.  No experience is required and is designed to bring families together with clay.  Participants will stay and eat in the Prairie Center.  Room, board, tuition and materials -$75 per person or $175 per family.

September

Latino Women's Retreat  - Learning from the Bad Girls of the Bible?                Sept 30-Oct 2

Led by Aura Suarez and Rev. Neris Diaz-Cabello, this will be a great opportunity to meet and talk about women's issues in light of women's actions in the Bible.  What type of women were used by God to accomplish God's will? Were they saints? What lessons can be used today? Also, learn about Bethel Horizons through hiking, enjoying a campfire, or just enjoying the beauty of Horizons.  Program options for all ages on Saturday.  The retreat begins with supper at 6:00 p.m. on Friday and concludes on Sunday after breakfast.  To register, please contact Aura Suarez at Bethel Lutheran at 608.257.3577 ext. 337.

October

Fall Festival                                                                                                     October 2

Fall Colors, Pumpkins, and your very own Scarecrow.  Join us for a day of Fall fun.  We will be picking and painting pumpkins as well as having games, hiking, crafts, and hayrides.  This year will also begin our first ever SCARECROW BUILDING CONTEST for you and your family.  The Fall Festival is free of charge and snacks will be available.

Re:treat -  Weekend enjoyment for 20-40 year old singles, couples, and in-betweens                 October 14 -  16

Join us to relax, refresh and renew in the tranquility that is Bethel Horizons. Pastor Gretchen Weller and Eric Knueve will shape a retreat that offers lots of options. Some of these options may include guided hikes, reflection, non-competitive sports activities, journaling, singing, napping, and a cozy campfire with s'mores!  For information, please contact Pastor Gretchen Weller or Eric Knueve at 608-257-3577.

Annual Couples Retreat -  The Passionate Marriage                                              October 21 -  22

Based on David Schnarch's book, The Passionate Marriage,  Pastor Peter Narum leads this annual retreat. In the context of our Christian faith, come and explore these profound ideas of intimacy and passion in marriage and how that relates to the self. Cost: $60 (includes 3 meals on Saturday). We meet Friday at 7:00 pm. through Saturday at 6:00 pm. To register, please contact Pastor Narum at Bethel Lutheran Church at 608.257.3577 ext. 331

 November

Latino Retreat - Administering our time, talents, and money                                 November 4 -  6

Come join other Latinos from Madison as we gather together in fellowship, worship and a learning experience about good administration of our time, our talents and our money. Learn about Bethel Horizons through hiking, enjoying a campfire and more.  Program options for all ages on Saturday.  The retreat begins with supper at 6:00 pm. on Friday and concludes on Sunday after breakfast.  To register, please contact Pastor Suarez or Aura at Bethel Lutheran Church at 608.257.3577 x 337.

Annual Enneagram Retreat -  The Enneagram of Parenting                                 November 18-19

Pastor Peter Narum leads a retreat this year on The Enneagram of Parenting. We will explore how our personalities shape our parenting styles, helping us let go of old patterns, understand our child/ren more deeply, and allow us to support our child's unfolding personality more freely. Basic knowledge of the Enneagram is helpful. Contact Pastor Narum (pnarum@bethel-madison.org) for more information about classes and resources. Cost: $60. We meet Friday at 7:00 pm. through Saturday at 6:00 pm.
 

Art Ventures
Exploring the possibilities of creativity through hands-on instruction and inspiration in clay are the type of workshops that Don Hunt can provide for your school, church or community group. These programs are available for onsite and offsite demonstrations and workshops. For more information on this unique program, visit www.art-ventures.org or call Don Hunt at 608.212.6746.

Adult Adventures
Adventure programs aren't just for youth! If you're an adult in a church, business, school, college/university, community or club setting, you're a phone call away (Eric Borgwardt at 608.257.3577) from designing a program for your group. Programs include TEAM BUILDING (Group Challenge Course and Portable Program), HIGH ADVENTURE (High Ropes Course, Climbing Tower and Rock Climb & Rappel) and CAVING. We look forward to working with you!

TENT AND TRAILER CAMPING
Enjoy a peaceful and relaxed camping experience at Bethel Horizons Indian Rock Campground - a grassy area with scattered shade trees, with 17 individual tent and trailer sites, each with a gravel pad, picnic table and grill. A group campground will accommodate 15-20 units. Showerhouse and picnic shelter is available. Hiking trails from the campground connect with other trails winding throughout Horizons woodlands and grasslands. Church and community groups are encouraged to make group reservations.

RETREAT CENTER INFORMATION
The retreat centers at Bethel Horizons are open year round for youth and adult retreats, conference meetings and peer meditation training. Confirmation retreats, family gatherings, quilters and environmental education workshops are a sample of the user groups throughout the year.

Prairie Center
The new Prairie Center may be reserved by your group for week-long or weekend use any time during the year. Facilities include 72 beds (mix of twin and bunks), bath in rooms, spacious meet-ing and dining room, fireplace, plus audiovisual equipment. The Prairie Center costs are: $21.00 per person per night (April-Oct); $22.00 per person per night (November-March). Add $7.00 per person if staying only one night on a weekend. Linen and towel service available. There are no kitchen privileges with this center; the Horizons staff will provide food service. If meals are requested and the group is smaller than 12, there is an additional $30.00 fee for the cook for each meal.

Barn Retreat Center
The Barn Retreat Center may be reserved by your group for weeklong or weekend use any time during the year. Facilities include 26 beds, guestroom, fireside lounge, dining room, kitchen, canteen, recreational area, large outdoor deck and rest rooms with showers. The Barn Retreat Center costs are: $18.00 per person per night (April-October); $19.00 per person per night (November-March). Add $6.00 per person to Barn Retreat charge is staying only one night on weekend. Another $1.00 is added per person per night if the group does their own cooking. If there are meals requested and the group is smaller than 12, there is an additional $30.00 for the cook for each meal.

Farmhouse/Bunkhouse
Beginning in September, the Horizons Farmhouse/Bunkhouse is also available for use at $16.00 per person per night (April-October); $17.00 per person per night (November-March). Add $5.00 per person if only a one-night's stay.  $1.00 per person per night is added if group does their own cooking. The farmhouse has 16 beds, a meeting/dining room, kitchen, showers and bathrooms. The bunkhouse has eight beds.

Food service is available: Breakfast $4.50; Lunch $5.50; Dinner $7.50; Brunch $7.25; Coffee breaks/snacks $1.25 each. You may choose to do your own cooking in the Barn Retreat Center or Farmhouse/Bunkhouse. A $100.00 deposit is required for either Center; a $75.00 deposit for the Farmhouse.


CONTACTS:
Pastor Duane Hanson, Director
Bethel Lutheran Church
312 Wisconsin Avenue, Madison, WI 53703
(608)257.3577 or (608)935.5885

For Adventure Program information call
Eric Borgwardt (608)257.3577, (608)935.5885

For Naturalist Program information call
Angela Borland (608)574.1992, (608)935.5885

For further information on the above or any other events at Bethel Horizons Contact: Pastor Duane Hanson, director