NOMC 2006 FALL RETREAT
CHANGE AND UNCERTAINTY
THE NOMC FALL RETREAT WILL BE HELD ON OCTOBER 20-22, 2006 AT KING’S ARROW RANCH, HILLSDALE, MS
WHAT TO EXPECT
We seek to provide a safe place for men to connect with themselves, other men and the
environment. Large and small group experiences as well as some time alone are planned.
In our mythopoetic tradition, storytelling, poetry, drumming and experiential learning
can be expected.
RETREAT THEME: CHANGE AND UNCERTAINTY
Our retreat will explore “How does one deal creatively and growthfully with times of
change and uncertainty?” Times that are very “pregnant”, i.e., full of anticipation and
newness, as well as uncertainty and anxiety. Major changes may be coming, but there is
no assurance of how they will unfold or what they will look like. One may have a sense
of hope and excitement, but the not knowing and uncertainty of what decisions to make is
really tough. One may have a desire and need for some sense of “stability” but it is
hard to know how to embody that in choices and decisions that will be “grounding”
and “centering”, rather than clinging out of fear in a way that will be stunting and
choking to growth and creativity.
Here are some questions we invite you to consider in preparation for our gathering:
What has changed, internally or externally, in your life? How are you dealing with
these changes?
What is uncertain or conflicted in your life?
Is there a change or transformation that is “pregnant” within you? If so, do you want
to “give birth” to this change or transformation? Is there some part of you that
resists?
What experiences of dealing with change and uncertainty from your past can you draw from
during this time?
What archetypal energies (Such as King, Warrior, Magician, Lover, Father) could serve as
guides and aids as you deal with the changes, uncertainty, or conflicts in your life?
What rituals? What creative activity? What stories or poems?
How could the men at Retreat support you as you work on what is changing or uncertain in
your inner or outer life?
WE REQUEST: that you bring with you any item(s) that symbolize what is changing or
uncertain in your life for use over the weekend.
The Men’s Weekend retreat at rustic King’s Arrow Ranch is a call to men who want to
focus on themselves, their relationships, their communities and their world. Together
we will create a safe, secure and sacred space where men can do transformational work.
If you desire to journey with other men as we explore these challenges, join us! Come
and discover what a weekend of sharing from the heart, poetry, stories, drumming, great
fellowship, good food, and the radical commitment to respect, support and love each man
can do for you.
WHEN
Arrive Friday, October 20 any time between 1 and 5pm. Dinner is at 6 pm.
The opening ritual begins after dinner, followed by drumming and a large-group session.
The retreat finishes after lunch on Sunday.
WHERE
King’s Arrow Ranch, Hillsdale, MS, just east off exit 35 on I-59 North, 75 miles north
of New Orleans and 30 miles south of Hattiesburg, MS.
Phone: (800) 407-0017.
WHAT TO BRING
Lodging is rustic. Bring a pillow, sheets, blanket or sleeping bag, flashlight,
toiletries (soap, shampoo, towel, toothbrush, and toothpaste). You are invited to bring
a drum or any musical instrument. (A 5 gallon bucket makes a great drum.) Also bring
your journal, and poems, stories, or anything that touches your soul deeply. The
weather may be cool or wet, so you may want to bring a jacket and an umbrella. All
meals, cabins and bunk beds are included in the cost.
THE FACILITATORS
FRANCIS COOLIDGE, JR. has been a member of NOMC since 1993 and has
co-facilitated 4 previous retreats. Last May he returned to his house in New
Orleans with his wife and 4 year old son, but he is unsure how long he and his
family will continue to live in (what was once upon a time) the Big Easy.
Phone: (817) 542-3196; e-mail: bigphilnola@yahoo.com
RIK BOYCE has been a member of NOMC for over 8 years.
Phone: (504) 913-7333; e-mail: therik2409@yahoo.com
MIKE GOOTEE is a member of NOMC since Spring Retreat 2005. He is a mental health,
marriage and family and pastoral counselor with over 22 years experience.
Phone: (337) 781-7608 or (504) 451-8870; e-mail: mpgootee@aol.com
MORRIS “HAWK” HAWKINS Phone: (985) 774-9125;
e-mail: bluesman-1@charter.net
OTHER KNOWN ATTENDEES AS OF 10/20/06 (updated after the retreat). Contact Dan O'Neill or
George Montero to get contact info on these men who attended the NOMC Fall 2006 Retreat.
In addition to the four facilitators, we had:
George Beals
Tony Bland
Homer Branch
Michael Burke
Dave Clark
Keith Dupleix
Bennie Eckholdt
Malcolm Fugler
Mauri Gaus
Steve Hingle
Steve Lindsley
Harry Lowenburg
George Montero
Ron Naas
Mickey Nodruft
Gerald Nosich
Dan O'Neill
Jim O'Neill
Robert Desmarais Sullivan
Brandon Tedrow
Ed Tedrow
Russell Thames
Richard Vallon
Earl Vicknair
Rick Wadsworth
Randy Weaver
REGISTER BY E-MAIL
Once again we will register by e-mail. Please send to MIKE GOOTEE, mpgootee@aol.com
Please register by October 13, 2006 so we can plan accordingly. If you can, email
registration ASAP. We will keep a list of all participants who register and send a
confirmation back to you via e-mail.
INCLUDE IN YOUR E-MAIL:
NAME:
ADDRESS:
HOME PHONE:
OTHER PHONE:
E-MAIL ADDRESS:
You can PAY the cost of the Retreat WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT KING’S ARROW RANCH.
COST:
The COST of the Retreat is $120.00 and that fee covers all meals and lodging. We
suggest you bring a blanket or sleeping bag in the event of cold nights. You can pay by
check or cash upon arrival, Friday October 20.
SCHOLARSHIPS
We would like everyone to encourage a new man to attend the retreat. Upon request, the
facilitators will offer a full waiver of fee to all first time participants. Full or
partial waivers of fee are possible for returning participants who need financial
assistance. Please contact a facilitator for more information.
QUESTIONS?
For additional information about the retreat, contact a facilitator.
VISIT THE NOMC NEWSLETTER WEBSITE
New: www.theNOMC.org
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