Come and join us for retreat.

"The Gospels reveal the clear pattern in the life of Jesus where He retreated regularly to the wilderness or desert or lonely place, in order to sustain a contemplative life and intimacy with his father. Withdrawing to a quiet place was His rhythm. In our lives, contemplative retreats are about listening and waiting for God and rediscovering stillness and making room for those habits in the rhythm of our lives.

We offer you this retreat as a gift. To withdraw, to Sabbath, to rest. To listen and receive what God may be wanting to offer you.

We will include times of silence and solitude as well as opportunities to explore spiritual disciplines for yourself. Simple corporate worship will also be a part of the rhythm of each day and a Spiritual Director will be available should you desire to talk with one.

We invite you to come and withdraw from the rush of the world.

Come and retreat."

Sign up here. http://covenantbay.ca/index.php?option=com_civicrm&task=civicrm%2Fevent%2Finfo&Itemid=364&reset=1&id=14

See you there.

There is a disturbance in the force field today

As I look out my office window high atop my castle this morning, I can see for feet and feet and feet.




It's bleak out there and it's bleak in here too.
It feels heavy, the sort of heavy that takes the joy out of what I do.

The interesting thing about shepherding a church is that it's a group of mostly human beings who are not yet perfect, so when we sin, we effect people all around us.

Well, people have been people, and people have made choices for themselves, rather than making choices with the consideration of others.
My work today, in part, is to help those effected by other peoples unwise choices.
And if there is room, to speak into the lives of those making those decisions.

It's not my best way to live out a day, but it is what it is. And people being people, there will be more days like this.

But for now, there is work to be done.

Your Great Name

I think the best version I've found.
It's been blasting here in my office as I prepare for Sunday.
(Yes we'll be singing it.)

peace.

To Come Home To Yourself.

A prayer, a blessing for you on this glorious September 4.

May all that is unforgiven in you
Be released.

May your fears yield
Their deepest tranquillities.

May all that is unlived in you
Blossom into a future
Graced with love.

John O'Donohue

Happy Birthday Johanna.