This year's Forma conference, "Come Away Together" will be experienced via gatherings across the country. The Diocese of Olympia will host a west coast gathering at the beautiful Retreat Center at the Palisades, just south of Seattle (and 20 minutes from SEATAC airport). The Retreat Center is located on 39 forested acres and on a beachfront bluff overlooking Puget Sound -- the perfect place to "rest a while."

All ministry leaders who work in faith formation -- clergy, staff and volunteers -- are invited. We'll balance our time viewing Forma's amazing array of conference speakers and workshop sessions (10:30 - 2:00 p.m.) with time for thoughtful discussion off-line, as well as sharing of best practices, strategic planning, and spiritual enrichment.

Optional hikes, arts & crafts, and music-making will round out our time together.

Check-in on Monday, January 27 at 9:30 a.m. Check-out Thursday, January 30 at 2:30 p.m. Day-trippers are welcome!

Registration requires two steps:

1 ) Register for this gathering. Click "select tickets" above and purchase a ticket for this gathering. $160 covers 4 days, three nights' lodging, 10 meals, and all activities. Day-trippers are welcome to 2 meals per day in addition to all activities at $30/day. The Diocese of Olympia has made these reasonable rates possible.

2) Register for Forma. Once you've registered for the local gathering, you will receive a link for a 25% discount on Forma registration in the confirmation e-mail from Eventbrite. (You can also request the discount link by sending an e-mail to faithformation@ecww.org.) That's $135 (regular price of $180).

Since this is a continuing education event, please contact your church about underwriting your participation. Write Valerie Reinke with any questions or financial concerns: vreinke@ecww.org

"‘Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.’ ...And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves." (NRSVA). Mark 6:31-32

FORMA Conference: Regional Gathering & Retreat in Western Washington