Member for

5 years 7 months
Photo
Cover Photo
bergamot blooms in a summer field
First Name
Deborah
Last Name
Haak-Frost
Biography

If you make a reservation for a retreat at GilChrist, you will most likely see my name on the email signature, talk with me on the phone, or see my face when you arrive. I’ve always delighted in being able to connect people with the natural world in ways that allow them to experience their environment deeply and meaningfully. My undergraduate degree in psychology and environmental studies paved the way for this beautiful integration of two passions of mine. The principles of permaculture – earth care, people care, and fair share – also shape my approach to my work. Making rest and retreat more accessible for all is something I try to work toward.

I also do a lot of the behind-the-scenes logistics and administrative work at GilChrist: working with group retreat facilitators, handling billing, managing social media, keeping the website up to date, cataloging the library, and also pitching in with cabin cleaning and feeding the goats.

When I’m not at work, you can find me volunteering in my Three Rivers community, cooking and baking in my kitchen, taking in thought-provoking television and movies with my husband, or daydreaming about grand garden plans for my backyard.

Job Title
Caretaker for Community Engagement
Cover Caption
Bergamot blooms in this summer view from the GilChrist office
Engagement Results Display
Off
Staff Department
Department or Org
GilChrist
Email
dhaak@fetzer.org

This retreat focuses on the teachings of the Saints, also known as Sant Mat, and the associated meditation practice. It is open to anyone interested in meditation and spiritual growth. No specific practices or knowledge is required of attendees. All are welcome and questions regarding the fundamentals of Sant Mat teachings are encouraged. Generally, there is some social interaction but the weekend primarily focuses on a Q&A Saturday evening and a one-hour spiritual discourse (Satsang) based on Sant Mat teachings Sunday morning. The gatherings are in the WindHill facility at GilChrist. Please contact Linda at lkfrisbie@comcast.net for questions regarding the retreat.

About the Facilitator

Linda Frisbie has been presenting the teachings of Sant Mat at GilChrist since 2003. She is Acharya for Sant Mat America.

Retreat Schedule

Saturday night starts at 5:30 p.m. with a pot-luck vegetarian dinner* followed by an informal 60 to 90- minute Q&A session. Satsang is held Sunday morning from 10-11 a.m. and is followed by a potluck vegetarian lunch.* The group then works together to restore the WindHill facility to the condition in which it was found. We kindly request that no meat dishes or alcohol are brought to the retreat as they are not part of our practice.

Registration and Lodging Details

First, e-mail Linda at lkfrisbie@comcast.net to register for one or more retreats. There is no cost for the retreat sessions. Lodging is the cost of GilChrist cabins and space may be limited depending on the number of cabins reserved for each weekend.

Once you have registered for the retreat with the facilitator, contact GilChrist to reserve your cabin using the online registration form or by calling the main office at (269) 244-1130. Lodging is $50/night per person. Participants will check into their cabins between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. on Friday, at a time you communicate via your cabin reservation. Cabin check-out is at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday or Monday depending on the length of your stay as arranged with GilChrist.

*A communal dinner (potluck) will take place on Saturday evening prior to the Q&A and a communal lunch Sunday after Satsang. All attendees are encouraged to contribute to the meals by either bringing a vegetarian or vegan side dish or contribute a monetary donation for that food which is purchased for the event. Other than Saturday evening and Sunday morning, individuals are responsible for their own meals. Each guest space at GilChrist is equipped with a complete kitchen. See the complete GilChrist FAQ for more information about the facility.

Note: all group participants are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Event Type
Start Date
End Date
Slideshow
Join
On
Event Category
Location

GilChrist Retreat Center
56265 Day Rd
Three Rivers, MI 49093-9535
United States

Geolocation
41.9797784, -85.7406655