Chestnut Retreat Center offers a range of programs that bring people together through cultural gatherings, interfaith engagement, educational events, youth initiatives, and community service. These activities provide opportunities for connection, conversation, and shared learning across different backgrounds. While Retreat Life reflects the rhythm of daily life at CRC, these programs represent the ways we engage with the broader community.
CRC hosts gatherings that strengthen neighborly relationships and bring people together around food, conversation, and culture. Picnics, dinners, seasonal events, and our participation in local festivals and cultural days offer simple ways for neighbors to meet, share time, and enjoy moments of community life in a warm and welcoming setting.
A joyful summer gathering by the lake
Community programs rooted in gratitude and fellowship
Hands-on cooking experiences
(e.g., Faith & Blue, and You, Easton Heritage Day, and other community events)
CRC hosts gatherings that strengthen neighborly relationships and bring people together around food, conversation, and culture. Picnics, dinners, and seasonal events offer simple ways for neighbors to meet, share time, and enjoy moments of community life in a warm and welcoming setting.
Monthly text-based interfaith conversation in colloboration with local partners
Visits to churches and other sacred spaces
National Day of Prayer and Interfaith Thanksgiving services
Collaborative program with regional faith communities
Iftars that bring neighbors together during the holy month
Sharing meals in worship houses, universities, and community spaces
CRC hosts and co-organizes educational programs that encourage intellectual engagement and reflective growth. Through conferences, seminars, and other learning opportunities, participants encounter new ideas, hear different perspectives, and reflect on issues that shape our daily lives.
annual conference with mental-health professionals in partnership with Roots Living Ministry
in partnership with the Metamorphosis Women’s Empowerment Initiative
on religion, spirituality, ethics, and community issues
CRC supports youth engagement by offering programs where young people can participate, learn, and contribute to their community. Through leadership experiences and service-oriented activities, students have opportunities to work with peers, meet mentors, and take part in projects that connect them to their community in positive and meaningful ways.
leadership and peacebuilding training for high school juniors, seniors, and recent graduates
teamwork, mentorship, and community-building through basketball in partnership with River Crossing YMCA
Community service at CRC is rooted in partnership and shared responsibility. As a community-based nonprofit, we work alongside local aid organizations and encourage our donor and volunteer community to support the places where help is most needed. This includes volunteering at regional food pantries, assisting with their distribution efforts, and, at times, preparing meals or seasonal food packages in our own kitchen to deliver to partner sites. Through these collaborations, we contribute to efforts that provide food assistance and essential supplies to families facing hardship. Our role is to connect people, strengthen existing initiatives, and mobilize goodwill within our community.
distributing meal packages and hot meals at West End Food Pantry and PVEN Food Pantry in the holiday season
distrubuting meal packages and hot meals at West End Food Pantry and PVEN Food Pantry in the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha
collaborating with regional nonprofits, faith communities, and volunteer groups to support community wellbeing