Creating Patterns for Retreat

 

Outline:

Note: this session was designed with photos in mind to go along with it. Please watch the video with this outline to see them as you follow along.


What Retreats are:

  • Defintion
    • A means to get closer to God
    • Every relationship needs work, including with God
    • Regular work makes it easier to do the work God has given us to do
  • When to take
    • Clergy
      • Most try to take monthly
        • Some make sure to include in Letter of Agreement
      • Best to have at least one day a month
        • Better if at one point in the year can get a week
      • Consequences if don't take
        • Hurts relationship with God
        • Hurts ministry
    • Lay
      • More flexibility for when to take
        • Don't have to work on Sundays
      • Regularity
        • Base on your needs and schedule
        • Don't need to spend a lot of money to go on retreat
          • Some retreat centers have scholarships
          • Others have "pay what you can" policies
      • Can do alone or with Parish groups
  • Going on Retreat is like a Pilgrimage
    • Typically go to a Holy Site because of what it is
      • Jerusalem is a great example
      • Eventually add our own stories and experience to the site
        • ex. my white stole has touched 2 holy spots at the Holy Sepulchre 
    • Sometimes make Pilgrimage to sites that are just holy to us
      • ex. Cambridge
        • Lots of great places of Reformation importance
        • Always go to Westcott House because that was my most powerful semester in seminary
Preparation:
  • What has worked before
    • Recall past Retreat and what worked then
      • ex. Sacred Heart Retreat Home in Colorado for me
        • First big retreat pre-seminary
        • Use experience to shape how I retreat now
      • ex. Taizé
        • First real retreat
        • Example for singing, worship, and pattern
    • If don't have a past experience, make one
      • Get recommendations from others you trust
        • Remember, what works for them may or may not work for you
Supply List:
  • Spiritual Director
    • Not a necessity, but helps
    • Spiritual Director is someone who walks the Faith Journey with you
    • Primarily asks "Where do you see God in this"
    • Spiritual Direction is not:
      • Counseling
        • Many have certificates, not licenses
        • Do not have a health care training background
        • Deal with spiritual relationship, not psychological 
      • Mentorship
        • Spiritual Direction is a listening ministry
        • Mentorship about giving advice for specific situations
    • Generally meet once a month
      • Some meet via phone or online
    • Can get resources to find from parish or Diocese
      • Rector will not serve in this role
        • Can be a conflict of interests
      • Associate could be suitable
        • Depends on circumstances
  • Rest
    • Advice from Mentor
    • Remember the Sabbath (Lev 23)
    • Can't do anything else without rest first
  • Worship
  • Other Practices
    • Journaling
      • Can help see where God is working
      • Can communicate directly with God too
    • Walking
      • A means of presence and communication
    • Reading
      • Religious texts cover:
        • Scripture
        • Literature
        • History
        • Theology
    • Centering Prayer
      • Specific form of meditation that empties oneself to let God in
      • Have to build up time to exercise well