Retreats
Companions on the Inner Way, featuring Dr. Elizabeth Schrader Polczer
Zephyr Point Retreat Center in Tahoe
August 3rd - 7th, 2026
Dr. Elizabeth "Libbie" Schrader Polczer is Assistant Professor of New Testament at Villanova University, having recently defended her PhD in Early Christianity and New Testament at Duke University. Her studies focus on textual criticism, Mary Magdalene, and the Gospel of John.
Elizabeth transitioned to religious scholarship after a long career as a singer/songwriter. She was the first winner of the Pantene Pro-Voice competition in 2001, after a performance opening for Jewel at SummerStage in New York's Central Park. Prizes included a nationwide club tour with Poe, as well as a demo deal with Atlantic Records. Her band also took part in Jewel's "Soul City Cafe" program for independent artists, and opened three shows on Jewel's "This Way" tour. She has opened for other artists as diverse as India.Arie, Michelle Branch, Ray LeMontagne, and Rusted Root.
After writing a song about Mary Magdalene, Elizabeth enrolled in the M.A. program at General Theological Seminary. Her interest in the text of John's Gospel culminated in the publication of her Master's thesis in the Harvard Theological Review. She has published additional peer-reviewed papers in the Journal of Biblical Literature, TC: A Journal of Biblical Textual Criticism, The Comparative Oriental Manuscript Studies Bulletin, and the Journal of Early Christian Studies.
Companion’s Mission Statement: Companions on the Inner Way offers a safe communal place to explore our deep longings for the Holy. Grounded in the Christian tradition, our contemplative retreats incorporate body, mind, and soul through presentations, dialogue, spiritual practices, art, music, movement, and worship with Eucharist. We strive to create an environment that is theologically curious, radically welcoming, and liturgically vibrant.
