Photos: Fall Retreat
October 2025
FALL ORGANISTS RETREAT A HIT
By Ron Jessee
On a balmy October morning, gentle foothill breezes caressed the foliage at St. Andrews
Episcopal Church in La Mesa. Coffee was served, confections were devoured and conversation
flowed freely as 25 AGO-SD colleagues gathered for a day of retreat. The theme of the day was
“Refresh, Reboot, Renew” and indeed we did it all. Here are some of the highlights.
Continental breakfast and conversation.
A marvelous workshop on Hymn playing by Ronel Wishnuff and Christopher Cook.
Organist “speed dating.” 40 minutes of conversation and charting about a wide range of
topics that are crucial to chapter organists. Facilitated by Ron Jessee, Sarah Amos and
Catherine Marshall
A mini concert by Sarah Amos
An intentional meditation workshop (Lectio Divina) by Dr. Christopher Cook
Continual charting of commentary, ideas and future planning
Free music exchange
A final group conversation to “wrap it up.”
Panera Lunch with fabulous desserts by Wayne and Cheryl Seppala.
The commentary from the attendees was amazing. They loved the variety of subject matter
and were thrilled with the ample opportunities to meet and communicate with other organists.
In general, they felt the timing of the retreat was great, but were desiring more time to “speed-
date.” Attendees loved the food and fellowship and lingered to converse after the retreat was
finished. There were also a lot of positive comments about the quality and variety of
presenters and performers. Other descriptors that popped up were words like “warm, inviting
and engaging.”
If you missed this amazing opportunity, fear not! We will make the retreat a Fall tradition.
