September 12 – 14, 2025
Join Rev. Vito Baldini, Director of Mercy and Justice with Liberti Communion of Churches and Executive Director of Small Things Philly in Philadelphia, and Jody Martin (author of The Spirituality of Fly Fishing) at a weekend like no other.
Days will be spent learning how to fly fish and casting to wild trout, while evenings will be devoted to furthering our understanding of the spiritual nature of fly fishing – why we are so drawn to it, how it helps and heals us, what we want and expect from it, and how we can give the gift to others – based on Jody’s book.
Men, women, couples, families, and even children (over the age of 15) are encouraged to attend, as there is sure to be something meaningful for everyone. Lodging, meals, fly fishing instruction, guided fishing, and spiritual discussions – everything is included! Also available are hiking trails, a private 3 acre fishing pond, and an outdoor pool.Come relax, recharge your batteries, get closer to God, and become engaged in the wonderful and spiritual world of fly fishing!
But register soon – space is limited! Contact us at flyfish@thedelawareriverclub.com or 570-635-5880.
$550 per person
$300 per person (non-fishing participant)
Schedule of Events
Friday, September 12
4:00 Meet and Greet
4:30 Introduction to the retreat
5:00 Introduction to the basics of fly fishing
6:00 Dinner
7:00 First session on Spirituality
Slides (about 10 minutes) followed by selected questions from the book
7:30 Open discussion
Saturday, September 13
8:00 Breakfast and Continued Introductions
9:00 Fly Fishing Instruction and Tune-Up / Morning Guided Fishing (includes lunch)
12:00 Lunch (on stream)
4:00 – 6:00: Open Time
More Fishing (on your own – at the pond or local wading close to DRC)
Reading, Napping, Free time6:00 Dinner
7:00 Second session on Spirituality
Slides (about 10 minutes)
More selected questions from the book
8:00 Open discussion
Sunday, September 14
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 Final session, Spirituality and fly fishing
Final questions and discussion10:00 Informal Sunday morning worship service
11:00 Last Fishing (local only)
12:00 Gather to say goodbyes at the fly shop
Guests depart from DRC
Dr. Jody Martin is Vice President for Research at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and an ordained elder in the Presbyterian Church USA. A lifelong student of nature, Jody is a world renowned marine biologist who studies crustaceans (crabs, shrimps, and their relatives) and enjoys learning and teaching about nature. Fly fishing is one of his lifelong passions. His recent book The Spirituality of Fly Fishing, on which our retreat is based, evolved from a class he teaches in southern California. Jody is a Fly Fishers International Certified Casting Instructor who lives in Thousand Oaks, California.
Vito Baldini is the Pastor of Mercy Ministry, at Liberti Church Center City and Main Line, in Philadelphia. As the Pastor of Mercy Ministry, he is able to engage in the social issues in Philadelphia by leading and training people to serve people experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, and addictions. He manages the Easter Outreach project, which is a effort across 70 churches and non-profits to distribute Easter dinners to families in need. Fly fishing has become an integral part of Vito’s spirituality, connecting him to God through nature. He loves to fish the Upper Delaware and Penns Creek in State Collage, PA. He loves taking his daughter and wife fly fishing and sharing his passion with them.
