Unofficial Mental Health Retreats for Clergy
and Those Who Love Them
Join us for these one-day retreats at Safeco Field.
There is no agenda other than to be together.
We are hoping to end the season on a winning note.
The games are great fun!
Help us start another winning streak!
Cost: $15 (tickets in the Choir Loft– also known as the left field bleachers -
and close to the Garlic Fries stand!)
Please provide an e-mail address and cell phone number with your reservation.
Wednesday, September 15th, 3:40 pm - Mariners vs. Red Sox
Make reservations by Wednesday, September 1st, email LeAnn.
(Another hot ticket so book early to see former M’s Adrian Beltre and Mike Cameron!)
Mariners lose to Cubs, 3-2
Despite the return of NPS Clergy Retreat co-founder Paul Strawn, the Chicago Cubs overcame a valiant effort by the Seattle Mariners to defeat the M’s 3-2 in thirteen innings in the second of three Clergy Retreats for the 2010 season. It ended a five-game winning streak for the M’s when NPS is officially represented, dropping the Retreat mark to 5-8.
The fourteen retreatants were displaced from their usual spot in the choir loft (a.k.a. the left field bleachers) to the upper reaches of the third deck in right field where they were protected from the hot sun until the later innings of the game.
Among the notable things observed during the game:
• Six-year-old Eli Hankey attending his first game with Mom Stephanie
• Newcomer Alan Dorway attending his first retreat garbed in, of all things, Chicago Cubs attire. Grace prevailed… this time, Alan!
• Paul Strawn enjoyed his usual order of potent garlic fries, clearing the sinuses of those sitting anywhere near him;
• Ed Rengli of North Creek was heard to comment that he did not know clergy were such jokesters (or something like that). Ed, I didn’t notice anything!
• Registrar LeAnn Venn quietly kept to herself with dignity and grace
• Erv Roorda gets the healthy snack award with his baby carrots and vegetable offerings
• George Eastman seemed to be on his phone quite frequently; perhaps he was keeping up with the World Cup
• New Commissioned Lay Pastor Shirley Cruthers and Ted Mattie, the early risers in the group, joyfully giving away the Mariners Rally Towels they received on the way into Safeco Field claiming they were broken; the others except for Alan arrived too late to receive them
• Non-retreatant David Templin was spotted nearby and suitably chastised for not joining in the Retreat. Claiming recovery from recent surgery, Dave was granted an excused absence although it was noted that he left in the ninth inning. He claims to have just moved into the shade but that has not been verified.
• New member of Seattle Presbytery Kevin Nollette arrived as predicted in the sixth inning, sang “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” (which Kevin thinks is sung in the Second Inning Stretch), and then left in the ninth inning.
• Sarah Beard was once again without her trusty scorebook, leaving her with nothing to do but to watch the game.
• Jenny Schaefer desperately tried to root the winning run home for the Mariners but without success while Dad Scott kept shaking his head over the lack of clutch hitting.
Mariners beat Blue Jays, 4-3
No doubt inspired by the eight NPSP representatives situated strategically behind the left field foul pole at the first Clergy Retreat of the season, the Seattle Mariners scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning for a dramatic 4-3 win over the Toronto Blue Jays. It was the fifth consecutive Clergy Retreat win for the Mariners and the second straight ninth-inning comeback. Feeling the absence of retreat regulars Corey Schlosser-Hall, Paul Strawn, and Doug Bunnell, retreat participants celebrated when Ken Griffey, Jr. delivered his game-winning single. Items other than clutch hitting that may have contributed to the win: Erv Roorda observing that Safeco seemed quite dark after the roof was closed but then again, Erv was wearing sunglasses (he couldn't find his regular glasses); Dick Gibson being questioned about the marital wisdom of celebrating his and Christine's 49th wedding anniversary at the retreat, then told us the celebration was scheduled for another day; Erv Roorda fulfilling his pledge never to spend a dime on garlic fries although that didn't stop him from sampling the one's being shared; Kevin Nollette, in transition to Seattle Presbytery, joining the group mid-game to cheers of delight, and it was noted that his new office is closer to Safeco than his former one in Edmonds; eagle-eyed Sarah Beard disputing balls and strikes from our bleacher seats; Ted Mattie reluctantly reviewing a ferry schedule in the late innings planning the trip home; Scott Schaefer dressed in Dodger blue; Jenny Schaefer continuing to be the most enthusiastic fan of all; and George Eastman enjoying the game but silently wishing that a soccer game would break out.
All those items at the office will wait for another day! Get together with your colleagues and enjoy the camaraderie at the ol’ ballpark. You will be better for it! Thanks to Paul Strawn for once again waiving his handling fee.