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ACTS English Director's Manual - The ACTS Mission Store
Without TV screens to look at, without constant sound and conversation, and without the type of inter- actions give definition to how people see themselves, who will they be and what will they do? All this can be intimidating. For some, it will be a welcomed reprieve, but others will hesitate. The enthusiasm and confidence of the retreat leader does much to allay these con- cerns. You will need to be a teacher of new practices, as well as an advocate for them.
Margaret Silf sheds light on the strengths of stepping away in her book, Going on Retreat. A retreat is not a retreat from real life, but rather a retreat toward real life. I remain convinced that when we go deep into the heart of ourselves, we also come closer to the heart of each other—therefore a retreat is not a retreat from others but a retreat to what is at the heart of all life.
Things are the other way around: we are often escaping from reality what is truly important and life giving when we are so busy doing. And yet, from early morning to late night, the days were highly sched- uled and packed with every imaginable activity.
Mike points out the contradiction: atten- dees had made a decision to go on a retreat, but they received the opposite; the event reflected the same hectic way of life they were leading back home. Scriptural and Theological Exploration for Retreat Leaders Within the Judeo-Christian tradition, we find a stimulating stream of passages that highlight the beauty and benefits of Sabbath, solitude and silence. Read carefully, for these messages form a well of blessing that retreat leaders and participants have drawn upon for generations to guide them.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God? Psalm For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you.
When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart Jeremiah Spiritual retreats tap into a universal human desire. Sometimes it is hard for people to articulate, but we all long to connect more deeply with God. Retreats tap into a wide- spread search in modern society that some cannot fully articulate, but which has sparked their interest in spirituality.
Retreats are about removing the barriers that keep people from noticing and relating with the ever-present Love, who is with us and for us. The unabashed aim of faith-based retreats is helping persons seek God with their whole heart. Six days you shall labor and do all your work. For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and consecrated it Exodus It is fascinating how much of an emphasis the scriptures place on Sabbath time, unequivocally declaring it holy.
The sacred circle includes ceasing from creating, abstain- ing from advancing and braving a break, in order to enjoy the present. Our lives can pass us by while we are striving for the future. Renewal and enjoy- ment of life are a natural outcome, but thanksgiving and worship is the main current. This high habit of Sabbath not only derives from Divine instruction, it is linked to the launch- ing of life itself.
See Genesis Reality resounds in these teachings. The fullness of life never proceeds from packing it completely with unending goals and tasks.
Emptying ourselves and our schedules on a regular basis expands our existence rather than diminishing it. This ebb and flow that alternates accomplishment with harkening our hearts to God is vital to our physical, emo- tional and spiritual well-being. Perhaps Jewish leaders best explain this tradition, because they have been practicing it for centuries. It is from Jewish roots that this weekly faith holiday became a Christian spiritual practice as well. Sabbath is about the fitting culmination of effort and blessing, enjoyment and thanksgiving.
Here are three quotes to ponder: Of all the holidays in the Jewish year, the weekly Sabbath is the most cherished and beloved. Keep in mind, however, that it is not the beginning of the week, but the culmination of the week and zenith of living not simply a preparation for living. Everything points to it; everything leads to it. And while it is certainly true that the Shabbat rejuvenates, replenishes and revitalizes so that we are able to face another work week, the deeper meaning of the Shabbat is that it is observed not for the sake of the rest of the week, but that the rest of the week is the prologue for the arrival of Shabbat.
Everyone and everything is to be free on this day, in order that they might embrace something more ultimate in their lives. Noticing the blessings begins with gifts so simple and central as consciousness of the breaths we breathe, which supply and sustain us thousands of times per day. What better way to say thanks than to have enough faith to let go and just be—to glorify God rather than piling on the pressure to be God? Self-care and renewal recognizes the preciousness of the Spirit with and within us.
Part of the Sabbath tradition lifts up freedom from slavery that is a vital theme within the story of the people of God. God freed us from slavery, and we are not to return to the slav- ery of never ending labor even if it is self-imposed. Rest is righteous, too. It is a way to serve God and honor God. Abraham Heschel, expresses it this way. Just to live is holy. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.
There is so much static, noise and commotion in the modern milieu. Silence and still- ness are like precious jewels, because of their rarity. These pathways can be remarkably powerful modes to getting in touch with the Holy Spirit and what is truly important in life. Teach people to welcome silence and stillness as a proactive step to greater awareness, rather than simply a lull in the action. Invite Participants into Periods of Prayer and Solitude In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed Mark The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught.
Solitude has an amazing way of promoting presence, even though it might appear con- trary to the undiscerning eye. Jesus, as hectic as his ministry could sometimes be, purposely sought out solitude to renew his relationship with God and to support his soul. Solitude is not loneliness or being alone, as much as it is being with God and being with oneself. These encounters often enable persons to better embrace others, also, when they return. We should not underrate the infusion of seclusion for spiritual growth.
These occa- sions often bring one face to face with the big questions of life. This includes reflection about our direction and purpose. He followed the guidance of the Holy Spirit into the wilderness right after his baptism and affirmation from God. There he wrestled with what priorities would guide him Matthew Jesus journeyed to the gar- den of Gethsemane and, a short distance from his followers, met alone with God where he contemplated the most crucial and painful period he would face Luke Seeking solitude was a holy habit for Jesus.
Notes 1. Eckstein, Families move from place to place more often today than in previous generations, thus displacing them from tight knit family and friends. Individuals frequently do not even know their own neighbors. Even members of the same congregation may know each other only on a superficial level.
Moving from discomfort and, at times, general suspicion of strangers to friendship is a precious blessing highly val- ued within the Christian retreat setting. Inspiring persons to truly welcome each other and to form a community of belonging gives them an opportunity to give and receive love, which enriches all their lives. Definitions of community run the spectrum, from simply being in a homogenous group who think alike, to a collection of homes in the same hous- ing development. Genuine love, however, expands the meaning of community by draw- ing people together despite their differences.
The movement from mere politeness and tolerance to a greater level of care and interaction emerges when a group opens themselves to the Spirit of God. Christ models for us a wide embrace, including those shunned by oth- ers. First, community requires that we decide to extend ourselves.
It is not just a feeling of good intentions. It is a deliberate choice to go beyond fears and barriers. Such a heartfelt practice requires sensitivity and attentiveness.
Only by actually lis- tening, in order to better understand and appreciate one another more, can we recognize what will truly build each other up. Getting to know each other by name is just the begin- ning. Community comes alive through love determined to act on behalf of the other. This means that we do all we are able to create environments of hospitality that invite people to seek God as well as value and uplift one another.
It is our privilege and our calling, as retreat leaders and planners, to encourage people to love one another, but it is not always simple and easy. We, ourselves, will have many opportunities to allow God to shape us to become more loving through the real life situa- tions that arise when we host folks on retreat.
Motive matters. Courage and faith definitely come into play to overcome the resistance and lethargy that sometimes hold us back. Community cannot exist without honesty, which may include saying the truth in love in ways that will be truly beneficial. These can be diffi- cult but powerful encounters after people grow to appreciate and trust one another. Remember, however, that community ultimately comes as a gift of the Spirit.
It is not sim- ply something that can be manufactured and guaranteed for every group. Human love is probably the best medium to communicate the Holy Spirit.
You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt Deuteronomy And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you? Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it Hebrews When a newcomer resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the newcomer.
The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God Leviticus Some people we will have literally never met before.
Even people who attend the same congregation often arrive with little familiarity of one another beyond surface introduc- tions. Christian retreats are sacred times of living in temporary Christian community twenty-four hours per day together. They are meaningful opportunities for strangers to become friends. This process takes time and hap- pens through shared experiences and reflection by the group.
Retreats provide magnificent and sometimes rare chances to join with people from different backgrounds, religions, races, and nationalities, in the love of Christ.
The Judeo-Christian heritage holds this as a premier value. Providing hospitality includes an inherent humility as well, which acknowledges that we are often in the position of being a stranger ourselves and it is part of the story of the people of God. The host is not the only one who gives. The stranger or guest often turns out to be the giver from God and the host the recipient.
Check out just a few of the biblical encoun- ters, when an act of hospitality leads to a revelation from God. See Genesis , Luke , Luke There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. We love because he first loved us. The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also 1 John 4: By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit Galatians 5: , A proactive step in planting the realization that participants help create the experi- ence they seek is to discuss what they need and hope for from one another and the retreat. These honest conversations about loving and caring for one another best occur early in the retreat after they have gotten to know each other initially.
Introducing the above texts serves as one possible way to launch the topic of what love looks like. These passages become a catalyst for pondering and dialogue about the kind of behaviors and interactions that will truly nurture each other.
The group can create a brief covenant promise to each other and God in their own words. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord.
Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good Romans Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a mul- titude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with what- ever gift each of you has received. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ.
To God belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen 1 Peter Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful Colossians Forming a caring community does not mean that we will always be perfect at it. From time to time, situations urge us to step back and examine what is happening, then to decide how to respond so we can get back on track.
These reminders to the early church remain as applicable today as ever. As retreat leaders, it is important to seek God and to open ourselves to be shaped in ways that we hope the retreat will produce for others. Provide Opportunities to Contribute to the Common Good Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are vari- eties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good 1 Corinthians Ultimately, for a person to feel truly a part of the retreat community it is important to appreciate the gifts they bring both through their ways of being and their abilities.
Sincere recognition and thankfulness for the contributions every person makes to the whole expe- rience honors the manifestation of the Spirit within him or her. Christian hospitality is a little different in this perspective. We not only graciously host our guests, but we invite them to contribute to the common good of each other. This is an important distinction that makes a Christian Camp and Retreat Center or experience different from staying at a typical hotel, for example.
We may invite our guests and participants to help each other and to interact through a variety of services they do on behalf of the whole. Where civilization has encroached, some centers resort to gardens or other avenues to assure that nature remains.
This is no accident. Of course, such environments are beautiful and frequently peaceful. The intentional choice to incorporate nature into Christian retreat experiences goes far beyond that, however. There is an unparalleled spiritual benefit to being outdoors.
The creation opens peo- ple to God in special ways and often elicits joy. Faith communities have discovered time and time again that the natural world assists individuals to sense the presence of the Divine. Nature renews, stirs a sense of awe, and sparks thanksgiving to God that enriches the lives of retreat goers long after the retreat is over. Such encounters, and the consistent stories from those affected by these sacred times and spaces, have moved faith communi- ties for centuries to cherish retreat experiences.
As Christians, we are among those who recognize that the natural world, in all its diversity, is beloved. In a time when the human impact on the natural world reaches levels heretofore unimaginable in the history of our planet, it is crucial for the church to step up boldly to teach society the inherent value of other creatures and ecosystems.
It is also poignantly relevant in our own time to reclaim and re-emphasize teachings that have sometimes been forgotten or ignored. Christian retreat settings give people close-up opportunities to appreciate and learn to care for the natural world.
The parable of the Good Samaritan is an example of love and discipleship that focuses on helping one who is hurting and in need. In modern times, the natural world might well be seen as one abused and left desolate. We must be cognizant that the choice is not between loving human beings or loving the rest of creation.
We are called to love both. Advocates of true social and environmental justice are allies. The same forces, attitudes, and choices that cause damage to people also cause dam- age to the environment. In fact, the people who suffer most from environmental degrada- tion are overwhelmingly the poor and marginalized. What we do and how we choose to live has the potential to heal or to harm. Let us take up the spiritual practices of doing good and avoiding harm as part of Christian retreats, which takes into account the unique location of camp and retreat centers for this dimension of faith formation.
People can take home the encounters and lessons from these settings to apply in their everyday lives, in the local church, and in the wider world. All this draws us closer to God, the maker and sustainer of life.
Scripture and Christian tradition depict creation as a process that births a commu- nity, not just human beings in isolation. Although there is not room here to print all the verses of Genesis and Psalm 8, you are encouraged to read these accounts. In Genesis 1, each aspect of creation is declared to be good by God, even before human beings come on the scene. All life as we know it shares the same basic building blocks.
We are a part of each other both theologically, and as it turns out, biologically. We frequently have a tendency to try to set ourselves apart from nature and the rest of creation. Too often, the rest of creation is treated simply as a backdrop or stage for the human drama. The universe, however, does not revolve around humanity, but instead cen- ters in God who chose to launch a diverse interdependent community of life.
One power- ful way that congregations can reinforce this aspect of our faith is through camp and retreat experiences. Nowhere does scripture declare that only human beings matter, or that we can separate ourselves from the rest of what is in the heart of God.
The great lesson that our blessed Lord inculcates here. Sadly, Christians often participate in these destructive practices as well. This makes it particularly poignant and critical that our faith practices include embracing creation as part of our embrace with God.
What wisdom and benefits from God are we obliterating because of our lack of care? Faith and biological issues intersect in the loving and life giving intentions of God. A powerful, positive role for people of faith is to urge our con- gregational members and the society at large to consider the degree to which other crea- tures and wilderness speak to us and support our spiritual growth and welfare.
Our sensitivity to their welfare and sustainability grows from honoring our Creator and hon- oring life. In many places today, the land and its creatures are being stressed non-stop, to the point that their own ability to recover is being undermined.
We are working some species and the fertility of the land and waters to death. Not only are we working non-stop ourselves to our own detriment we are requiring the same across much of the planet in order to fuel our seemingly unending appetite for more production and consumption. There is so much we can do to change the way we relate.
We can be a nur- turing force to help bring shalom—the peace and wholeness that God envisions. In so doing, we discover a greater wholeness within ourselves. This is where social and ecological justice converge, because the same attitudes and priorities that oppress the poor also enslave the creation.
The wound of poverty breaks the social fabric of millions and millions of poor people around the world. The other wound, systematic assault on the Earth, breaks down the balance of the planet, which is under threat from the plundering of development as practiced by contemporary global societies.
Both lines of reflection and practice have as their starting point a cry: the cry of the poor for life, free- dom and beauty cf. Rom Both seek liberation. The whole creation speaks of God. This recognition can shape the practices, programs, and lifestyles lifted up in retreat set- tings for application everywhere we journey and live.
Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world Psalm The scriptures give us insight into how connections with nature can play an impor- tant role in Christian spiritual growth.
Here, the psalmist highlights an inherent feature of nature, if we have the ears to hear it. The creation is constantly telling the glory of God. Attentiveness encourages giving thanks and glorifying God in response. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not over- come it. The writer of John makes an inseparable link between Christ and all of creation. All things come into being through the Word—the life-giving, creative source of the universe as we know it.
The Word, which was with God and was God, communicates, in part, by birthing the whole process of creation into existence. The Gospel writer shares the good news that the same Word lived among us in Jesus, whose continual presence abides with us now. The natural world, then, is an expression, communication, and reflection of its Creator. The cosmos flows from God who brings forth the universe in connection with the Christ.
All this life is a light from God. Every crea- ture is a word of God. If I spent enough time with the tiniest creature— even a caterpillar—I would never have to prepare a sermon. So full of God is every creature [Meister Eckhart ]. Every species has much to share, a fact that God desires for us to comprehend and appreciate, and much is lost both physically and spiritually when entire species are destroyed carelessly. So people are without excuse; for though they knew God, they did not honor the Creator as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their thinking, and their senseless minds were darkened.
Claiming to be wise, they became fools; and they exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling a mortal human being or birds or four-footed animals or reptiles.
Amen Romans , It can be, in the language of our tradition, a pow- erful means of grace. However, we must be careful never to worship the natural world itself as if it were God, anymore than we would worship ourselves or another human being in place of God.
Some have a misconception that by inviting people to go into natural settings we are drawing them away from God, when the opposite is true. The key to avoiding misunder- standing is to be very clear that nature leads us to recognize and worship the Creator. We never encourage people to idolize animals, plants, the earth, etc.
With this clearly in mind, a part of the opportunities offered by retreats is to lift up the goodness of the natural world and to engage people in spiritual practices that affirm creation as one of the ways through which God loves us, speaks to us, blesses us, and draws us near. Other forms of life can be our mentors and offer essential lessons on life, if we humans are humble enough to be recep- tive. He was wiser than anyone else, wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, children of Mahol; his fame spread throughout all the surrounding nations.
He composed three thousand proverbs, and his songs numbered a thousand and five. He would speak of trees, from the cedar that is in the Lebanon to the hyssop that grows in the wall; he would speak of animals, and birds, and reptiles, and fish. People came from all the nations to hear the wisdom of Solomon; they came from all the kings of the earth who had heard of his wisdom 1 Kings 4: When Solomon became king, God asked him what he wanted.
Solomon only asked for wisdom to lead the people well. God honored his sensitive request and he became one of the wisest persons who ever lived. We not only learn scientifically from observing nature. We learn spir- itual truths, since it all has its origin in God. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? The author of Job points to nature as a source of insight as he wrestles with his own life experience.
As Job dialogues with his friends, he encourages them to turn to the nat- ural world to gain understanding. Jesus himself was a Rabbi familiar with nature, who regularly sought out time in gar- dens and remote places for prayer, discernment, and renewal. His teaching reflects his observations and their application to spiritual growth and wisdom. For people of faith, this is fundamental. The earth is not ours to treat and do with any way we please for our benefit alone.
We do not truly own our yards, our retreat centers, or our sanctuaries. Our homes are not ours. The wilderness is not ours. We are blessed to have the opportunity to live and to enjoy this community and these places.
However, for Christians, private property is a bit of a misnomer. We are privileged to be caretakers of what is precious to the one who brings it all into being, and to preserve it on behalf of all creatures for whom God provides, both now and in the future. It is not always easy to do with less in the balance of giving and receiving so that oth- ers may live, but we do so out of love.
We are not independent. We are part of something even more profound—interdependence. That is a question to guide our deliberations, our Christian education, and our actions. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh.
The Noah story brings to bear some interesting points. First, if you recall the entire story, it was human behavior that led God to determine that it was vital to make a new start. Just because there was a corruption of what was meant to be does not mean that everything is now worthless. In the story, the message is that God requires the diversity of species be preserved for the future.
God actually makes a covenant not only with people; the Lord makes covenant with the earth and every living creature. Six years you shall sow your field, and six years you shall prune your vineyard, and gather in their yield; but in the seventh year there shall be a sabbath of complete rest for the land, a sabbath for the Lord: you shall not sow your field or prune your vineyard.
God wants the land, and in extension the natural world, to observe a Sabbath for the Lord. We know that human beings need food and other items for survival, but this does not eliminate the vital call for the natural world to enjoy all that is meant by Sabbath.
The earth dries up and withers, the world languishes and withers; the heavens languish together with the earth. The earth lies polluted under its inhabitants; for they have transgressed laws, violated the statutes, broken the everlasting covenant.
Therefore a curse devours the earth, and its inhabitants suffer for their guilt; therefore the inhabitants of the earth dwindled, and few people are left. The wine dries up, the vine languishes, all the merry-hearted sigh. The mirth of the timbres is stilled, the noise of the jubilant has ceased, the mirth of the lyre is stilled Isaiah When human beings fail to love and to be life givers it not only dishonors God, it affects everything around us.
Life is interwoven and interconnected. The creation defi- nitely suffers when human beings are unfaithful. Although this passage is not about indus- trial pollution, since it was written long before industrialization, its language does have a remarkably modern ring. The passage provides an ominous warning about the natural consequences for a people who ignore the ways of love.
A Shared Future Somewhere along the line, the idea developed that our ultimate future in God has nothing to do with the earth and the rest of creation. This portrait of heaven assumes that only the human soul and its future really matters.
Everything else has no lasting value in this philosophy. A complete reading of scriptures, however, does not lead to these conclusions. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God Romans 8: As in the beginning we are linked with all of creation, so it shall be in the ultimate future with God.
The creation will not simply disappear because it lacks lasting value, as some teach. The creation will be set free, as we will, and with us it has hope in God. We are to do our best to manifest now what will fully come in time. The creation is waiting for us to reveal ourselves as children of God in the present, and for us to lead toward that coming freedom for the creation and humanity so eagerly longed for. He The Christ is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all cre- ation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers— all things have been created through him and for him.
He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross Colossians 1: In Christ, all things hold together. Unity and wholeness are encompassed in recon- ciliation.
Let us remember, also, the famous pas- sage in the third chapter of John v. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. These encounter practices or activities enhance the retreat experience for participants and enrich the impact of the event on their faith. It is the purpose of this section to explore a variety of ways for encountering God, encountering others, and encountering creation during the retreat experience.
The previ- ous section developed the biblical and theological foundation for retreats. The encounter practices in this section will build upon those insights and observations.
The uniqueness of the retreat environment for Christian growth and formation can be found in several particular characteristics. These qualities offer opportunities for exploring faith that are not usually available in the church building during the regularly scheduled activities.
Leaving behind the church building, our regular schedules, the usual way of doing things, and the rush of our daily lives contributes greatly to the meaningfulness of the retreat experience. Under the best of circumstances, going on a retreat means going someplace else. Certainly that is the recommendation of this book! Retreat participants leave behind the ordinary of their lives and come away to a place apart for the purpose of encountering God, others, and creation.
Leaving behind the responsibilities and disruptions of their demanding lives and coming to another place makes possible rest, deeper relationships with others, and the time for reflection on the part of participants. Removed from the hectic pace of modern life, retreat participants enter into a more relaxed environment.
Comfortable clothing, conversation around the dinner table, walks in the woods, coffee shared by the fireplace, and time to watch the sun go down all reflect that atmosphere. Such a relaxed environment is an invitation to enter less formal means of study and discussion, worship and leisure. It opens the door for playfulness and laugh- ter. It places rela- tionships before tasks to be done. Within the safety of Christian community, people are able to share questions, doubts, and joys more freely and honestly.
They may even dare doing things in a new way! Frequently, church educational and nurture programs put an emphasis on shaping faith through learning information. Schooling techniques and methods using books, papers, and pens are the most common tools for Christian education. The reality that faith is formed and shaped in multiple ways is often overlooked. Instead, the stress is placed on linguistic and auditory learning within a classroom setting.
Little recognition is given to the importance of relationships, experiences of Christian community, creation, and spiri- tual practices. Retreats, on the other hand, recognize the multiple ways in which faith is formed through encounter practices that nurture the relationship with God, others, and creation. Explore Audiobooks.
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Save How to be a witness Acts : Acts - And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. Acts Week 4 with Dr. Heather Thompson Day. Podcast episode Acts Week 4 with Dr. Save Acts Week 4 with Dr. Heather Thompson Day for later. Episode 74 Acts Save Episode 74 Acts for later. Podcast episode Stephen: Slandered and Accused Acts : Acts - And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. Save Stephen: Slandered and Accused Acts : Acts - And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.
Podcast episode What God has promised Acts : Acts - Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation.
Save What God has promised Acts : Acts - Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation. Podcast episode Walking close with Jesus is key Acts : Acts - Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.
Save Walking close with Jesus is key Acts : Acts - Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. Podcast episode The Embassy: Have you ever been part of a tight knit group of people who gave you both a place to belong and a sense of purpose?
Because I was part of the team, the locker room became the place where we knew and accepted… by Genesis Church - Sermons. Save The Embassy: Have you ever been part of a tight knit group of people who gave you both a place to belong and a sense of purpose? Because I was part of the team, the locker room became the place where we knew and accepted… for later. Podcast episode Good News in a City of Idols: Ps Filmore kicks off our Easter series: Everyone, Everywhere, with a message on the idols or priorities that we put above God—and how everything our hearts long for is found in Christ.
Save Good News in a City of Idols: Ps Filmore kicks off our Easter series: Everyone, Everywhere, with a message on the idols or priorities that we put above God—and how everything our hearts long for is found in Christ. Podcast episode Experiencing God's Power - Dr. Save Experiencing God's Power - Dr. Crawford Loritts for later. Podcast episode Right in the sight of God Acts : Acts - Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished.
Save Right in the sight of God Acts : Acts - Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. Podcast episode Day The Ascension : Today, we begin the age of the church, transitioning from the Gospel of Luke to the beginning of the book of Acts.
Mike Schmitz. Save Day The Ascension : Today, we begin the age of the church, transitioning from the Gospel of Luke to the beginning of the book of Acts. Podcast episode Do Genres Matter in the Bible? Save Do Genres Matter in the Bible? Giving an Answer for later. Save 1 Corinthians Episode : 1 Corinthians Episode for later. The Gospel of God. Save The Gospel of God for later.
EVERY month is prayer month, but we as a church have set aside May as a month of intentional focus on the prayer life of our church so that we, like the early church, can be devoted… by Genesis Church - Sermons.
EVERY month is prayer month, but we as a church have set aside May as a month of intentional focus on the prayer life of our church so that we, like the early church, can be devoted… for later. Related articles. How to Spread the Gospel Like Wildfire.
Heaven Is My Full Salary. Saturday, March Building Faith Throught Trials. Rely On The Lord. Give It Up! Hold onto Jesus. The Church requires it. What did Jesus teach about the Holy Spirit? The context John. F Caring for a new Christian follow-up Sandy Fairservice ollow up is a commercial term familiar to sales people. You make a contact, then make it again to advance your purpose.
Dawson Trotman borrowed. Peace Scripture Verses In The New Testament Matthew If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. Matthew "Do not suppose that I have.
Have you ever thought about that? According to the Bible,. In this section of scripture Paul shares with us what it means to conduct ourselves in.
Some of these reasons are as follows: 1. Our Lord. God s love for us is a perfect example and starting place to study on love. There are also great verses. The importance of Prayer life Prayer means communication with God. Prayer will lead us into dependence upon God. A person completely declared before God I am nothing and God is supreme. And declare without. Bible Time for. The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Second Readings- Taken from the New Testament Please make your choices from the following readings and refer to the reading number in the box above the reading:.
The Celebration and Blessing of a Covenant Relationship A hymn or anthem may be sung as the liturgical ministers enter, either here or after the opening acclamation, in place of the opening dialogue. Jesus death was.
During Lent and Easter, we remember and. Luke The Gift That Keeps On Giving December 24, This is one of the most wonderful times of the year it s Christmas Eve and many are waiting with anticipation to see what gifts we get.
Either way,. Hal Brady Lesson scripture: 1 Corinthians 13 It goes beyond feelings. It is the set of the will for the welfare of another. As we moved through. Janice Marie Johnson, R. The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; He has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the broken-hearted, to.
Serving in the Love of Christ Opening Prayer Service September To prepare for this prayer service: Prepare a prayer focus table with the banner, a green cloth, a Christ candle, the plaque. Funeral Plans for: Behold, I make all things new. But if. Who is God? God is the one living, active Creator of all that is, seen and unseen. Matthias has been chosen to replace Judas. What are you worried about?
Looking Deeper Looking Deeper What are you worried about? Some of us lie awake at night worrying about family members, health, finances or a thousand other things. Worry can. Bible reading can take. Assisting Someone in Receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit: Bronc Flint The following is a number of practical and spiritual suggestions that have worked well for me through the years.
Remember they. Preparation of the. Medjugorje visionary, Ivan, speaking to several thousand pilgrims today, August 18, Ivan was given special instructions from Our Lady concerning the youth and family.
Being married to an American. Like a summer trip, the objective might be to get to California. In life, we can. Log in Registration. Search for. Size: px. Start display at page:. Lauren Nicholson 6 years ago Views:. Similar documents. Entrance Song We sing to celebrate that we More information. L i v i n g o u t a L i f e o f P e a c e Philippians L i v i n g o u t a L i f e o f P e a c e Philippians Philippians 4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear More information.
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At the heart of these discussions is a desire to see you and those More information. After the priest welcomes everyone to Mass, how do we respond to the More information. We believe More information. With these words the Church invites us to prepare our hearts to receive the newborn Jesus with greater humility, More information. The Spirituality of the Catechist The Spirituality of the Catechist Purpose This retreat experience will give catechists the opportunity to reflect on passages from the Scriptures that are pertinent to their vocation as catechists.
They More information. It is the one day in America we stop More information. You may have forgotten why we More information. With faith in you More information. How to Create a. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. John The Message The most important thing More information. Genesis More information. When he has arrived at the altar, after making a profound More information.
Paul is not talking More information. A lot More information. There is a great deal of truth in this because prayer More information. Many Christians today know next to nothing about the More information. In Acts chapter two, More information. The summary statement More information. Unity in Christ September 16, Ephesians I.
Introduction Unity in Christ September 16, Ephesians Since, as a whole, the Jews in Ephesus wanted nothing to do with Paul and his so-called Messiah, the church in Ephesus was made up largely More information. Consider the following scriptures: Romans for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, More information.
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