The Pacific Central District UU Men’s Retreat History

The Pacific Central District Unitarian Universalist Men’s Retreat was founded by Tony Bushman in 1997 as a result of a feeler by Geoffry Rimositis and Mark Magner to see if there was any interest in having a PCD Men’s retreat. In the Spring of 1997 Tony Bushman formed a planning team and led the team in creating the first PCD Men’s Retreat October 24-26,1997. Over the years, scores of men have participated in planning the various retreats over the years.

From 1997 to the present, the UU Pacific Central District Men’s Council has sponsored the Men’s Retreat in October at the Westminster Retreat Center in Alamo, CA. We have the retreat one week before the Halloween weekend. Although organized by this group, the retreat is open to any men who desire to share in the experience.

Westminster Retreat Center  (see: http://www.uccr.org/westmin.htm) is a medium-size facility, accommodating up to 50 men. It is located in the rolling hills of east Contra Costa County, less that an hour’s drive from the East Bay. The retreat center is a turn-of-the-century California mansion with large, high ceiling rooms and very comfortable furnishings and décor. Shared bedrooms occupy the upstairs, and a large common room, conference room, and dining area constitute the ground floor. Spacious grounds lead to an adjacent building, with rooms for small group meetings and additional sleeping. Parking is ample. There are hiking paths, a volleyball court, table tennis, and other recreational opportunities. A meditation garden offers a place for quiet time. The food is excellent!

Here are some pictures from the 2002 Retreat:
A Group from the 2002 Retreat
And There Was Ken
A Collage from the 2003 Retreat

We have met there to learn about how we travel through life as men, to meet others willing to risk and grow, have fun and renew and restore our spirits. Some of the themes / subjects we have explored have been:

Personal Growth	Connection in our Lives
Having a More Fulfilling Life	Family Wounds, Family Blessings
The many sides of me	Making The Real Me More Real
Sharing our Stories - Expanding our Lives	Enhancing Our Personal Power
Feeling More Satisfied and Fulfilled

In addition to workshops on various related topics, we meet in "kinship groups" – small groups which meet repeatedly during the weekend to share experiences, create intimacy, and establish ties that may continue after the retreat.

During the weekend, there is always time for focused discussions and personal time for relaxation, hiking, quiet conversations, sports, meditation, etc. A "no talent" talent show and Sunday worship add to the variety of experiences.

The goal of the retreat is to foster personal exploration, to share the experience of community with other men, and to enable contacts and exchanges with men throughout the bay area and of different UU churches in the district. The retreat is an opportunity to meet men from diverse congregations, explore men’s issues, and learn about men’s fellowships. The district encompasses over 40 churches located within an area extending from Fresno north to the California border and from Reno west to Hawaii.

For more information please contact: Tony Bushman (tonybushman@yahoo.com)