Reflections on our First Retreat
Click here to see a flickr slideshow of the entire retreat.
Retreatants from the weekend have posted here and here and here and here and here.
The story so far:
Our little church has put on a number of Franciscan spirituality retreats, geared for our bunch, meaning not compulsively organized and pretty much an easy gathering of friends for conversation, prayer, and personal growth. On a whim, I thought, “Why not invite people who read this blog?” The response seemed good when I asked you what you thought. So we put three on the calendar. The first was last weekend (June 6-8).
This first retreat had less people than are signed up currently for the next two, which was perfect since we’re still figuring out the best way to do things. There were 7 people from around the United States (Washington State, New York, North Carolina, and a few from other parts of Texas). There were about 10 people from our church involved, some participating in the entire retreat and others who dropped in for parts of it.
The people who came were all delightful. It was such a joy to meet them. One woman pitched her tent on the church property and slept outside. Others slept on inflatable mattresses here and there. One person brought fancy chocolates from Seattle, so we had an impromptu chocolate tasting, my first.
Things were said and some information was given. People relaxed and spent time together. Most of the really wonderful things were not things we could have planned. I like our basic approach of trusting that living in the moment together is a virtue in itself and leads to the best moments. Such as:
-Mandolin music
-Chocolate tasting
-Midnight labyrinth walk by candlelight
-Conversation... Lots of it.
I was surprised at how immediately open everyone was. We had planned about 15 minutes for people to introduce themselves. Once everyone started talking, we ended up going over an hour. I immediately knew that some of these people needed to be here...desperately. A few had some rather important and difficult crises that they were dealing with. It seemed like they needed a safe place to relax, talk, share their stories, and yes, to pray and pursue a monastic, spiritual journey.
We were honored by their presence and so happy to provide a place where this might happen.
Whenever people get together, there are logistical details, of course. We used borrowed air mattresses this weekend, but a church here in Texas has volunteered to help us buy some really nice ones. And another church may purchase sheets and pillows and stuff. Ultimately, we hope to be able to say, “Just come. Bring nothing. We’ll feed you and care for your needs. Just find a way to get here and we’ll do the rest.”
I think this weekend was a good start.
And that brings me to the end of what I want to say, which brings me to Sumana. Everyone who came was, as I said, delightful. But Sumana was so delightfully unique. A very smart woman with, as she says, “Hindu leanings.” Her parents are Hindu priests. She grew up steeped in that tradition. Her natural curiosity, her love of life and mystery, brought her to us. She said she was a tourist in Christianity for the weekend. “I’m not a Christian, but you have such beautiful things. I’m always wanting to touch your pretty things.”
I felt grace coming from Sumana. I felt my own religion affirmed by her desire to find goodness in all things. I loved having her at the retreat. And at the end, when she came forward to receive communion with her head bowed, respectfully seeking to join us, I almost burst into tears. It was as if she said, “I don’t know all the details, but I’d like to join you as a fellow seeker after God.” I almost felt like this was finally coming true.
Technically communion is a ceremony reserved for those who have committed themselves to the way of Christ. But I dare anyone to spend a weekend with Sumana and not serve her communion. I double-dog dare you.
What can I say? It was wonderful. We get to do it again at the end of the month. The second retreat is getting full. I think we have 14 so far. Stay tuned. Who knows what this kind of thing can lead to?
rlp
Chocolate Tasting
Breakfast with Ben
Sumana & Me
Dinner on the Riverwalk
Dinner on the Riverwalk
.
I’m proud to announce that Turtles All The Way Down came out in November of 2009. This was my first experience with the Consafo model of social media community publishing.
2000 copies were printed. We sold well over 500 as advance purchases or in the weeks leading up to Christmas. This paid for the printing costs completely.
Being thoroughly experienced
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Her parents are Hindu
Submitted by Hannah (not verified) on Wed, 03/04/2009 - 07:06.Her parents are Hindu priests. She grew up steeped in that tradition. Her natural curiosity, her love of life and mystery, brought her to us.
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Submitted by Kim (not verified) on Mon, 06/09/2008 - 13:24.Gordon, I know that you may not appreciate the reference, but this telling is vaguely reminiscent of Francis and Edith Schaeffer's L'Abri. I think they were coming from a different place in the manifestation of their beliefs, but the spirit seems the same. The openness to honest questions and the pursuit of God. Even the word, L'Abri, meaning 'shelter' in French seems appropriate for what you are accomplishing.
Anyway, I appreciate you alot.
Your blogger friend, Kim
To Gordon
Submitted by Free dating (not verified) on Thu, 05/07/2009 - 08:46.As well appreciate you alot!
Everybody think they were coming from a different place in the manifestation of their beliefs, but the spirit seems the same.
To Gordon
Submitted by Free dating (not verified) on Thu, 05/07/2009 - 08:47.As well appreciate you alot!
Everybody think they were coming from a different place in the manifestation of their beliefs, but the spirit seems the same.
A beautiful weekend
Submitted by Adam Moore (not verified) on Mon, 06/09/2008 - 13:45.Gordon - it was a beautiful weekend. Thank you for your hospitality. I enjoyed every moment and hope I can return again someday. Thank you for creating such an open, welcoming, hospitable, and refreshing space. I hope this past weekend was only the first of many retreats your community will host over the upcoming years.
(I posted a few reflections on my blog in case you're interested - http://adammoore.wordpress.com/)
Thanks!
Submitted by Zee:- (not verified) on Mon, 06/09/2008 - 20:29.Great Information blog ! Thank you for keeping up the good work. I look forward to returning to your blog, and learning more from you !
About Communion
Submitted by Adam G. (not verified) on Tue, 06/10/2008 - 09:33.Although I agree with the logic of reserving the Lord's Supper for those who have "bowed the knee" to Jesus, sometimes a generous welcome can make a difference.
this makes me excited
Submitted by Mark Goodyear on Tue, 06/10/2008 - 14:38.Reading this post makes me even more excited that I get to go to the second retreat. Man oh man, do I feel like I need it.
I know that you may not
Submitted by Reena (not verified) on Thu, 03/05/2009 - 05:58.I know that you may not appreciate the reference, but this telling is vaguely reminiscent of Francis and Edith Schaeffer's L'Abri. I think they were coming from a different place in the manifestation of their beliefs, but the spirit seems the same.
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Submitted by Term Paper (not verified) on Sun, 03/08/2009 - 04:54.Thank you for creating such an open, welcoming, hospitable, and refreshing space. I hope this past weekend was only the first of many retreats your community
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I Wish
Submitted by wfinley on Tue, 06/10/2008 - 21:11.I wish I could be there.
I'm moving to a new ministry in the middle of July so the timing simply sucks.
Ever thought about doing in the winter? I'm afraid of Texas heat (or any thing above 75 really).
I do wish I could have been there it sounds like a sacred expirience.
Blessing,
Bill
bill.finley@gmail.com
Open Communion
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 06/10/2008 - 21:31.Be Methodist... we invite all who seek to be in relationship with God and with one another to join in the communion celebration! All are welcome at God's table :-)
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don't forget mamasoup's retreat blogpost
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 06/11/2008 - 11:33.don't forget mamasoup's retreat blogpost
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Hinduism
Submitted by johnlhamilton (not verified) on Wed, 06/18/2008 - 15:27.I noticed a missionary C.F. Andrews in the Gandhi film, and I've read up on him, which has led to a new appreciation for Hinduism, of which I am totally ignorant. But through Andrews' eyes I see that it can be gentle, loving, theistic in a way that makes me utterly not surprised you had to include Samana. What a rich experience! Andrews BTW is an unknown saint, whose stature was spent on behalf of the poor in India. He negotiated labor relations, race relations in South Africa, Africa, India in the period of 1910-1940 on strength of his love. Gandhi nicknamed him Deenabandhu, friend of the poor. If you're inclined, a great bio is Charles Freer Andrews by Chaturvedi and Sikes. A quick summary on the web at deenabandhu. He's what a missionary or Christian should be.
I enjoyed reading about your
Submitted by Danau (not verified) on Wed, 09/17/2008 - 13:39.I enjoyed reading about your experience, I had a similar one last summer when I went on a backpack trip to eastern europe, and I went through Poland, Hungary, Romania, The Czech Republic and Bulgary. It was a fantastic experience, life changing, it was also a good opportunity to learn to live without mattresses and forks or knives, a really raw and fulfilling life.
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Submitted by wow gold (not verified) on Fri, 10/03/2008 - 12:18.Like your article very much. Enjoy it to read such a informative view. Thanks for sharing with us.Greatly done. I am one for the very lucky ones to have Fr Joe at our parish, Sacred Heart, and Cardinal Sean you could not have made a better choice for him, its only been a few weeks and he is loved an respected as if he has been here forever. Not only are we blessed with a new Church but we are bessed with a new priest.
I noticed a missionary C.F.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 11/05/2008 - 12:55.I noticed a missionary C.F. Andrews in the Gandhi film, and I've read up on him, which has led to a new appreciation for Hinduism, of Oyun which I am totally ignorant. But through Andrews' eyes I see that it can be gentle, loving, theistic in a way that makes me utterly not surprised you had to include Samana. What a rich experience
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Submitted by James (not verified) on Thu, 02/26/2009 - 01:54.Thank you for creating such an open, welcoming, hospitable, and refreshing space.
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I noticed a missionary C.F.
Submitted by mnjt (not verified) on Mon, 03/02/2009 - 08:37.I noticed a missionary C.F. Andrews in the Gandhi film, and I've read up on him, which has led to a new appreciation for Hinduism, of Dave which I am totally ignorant. But through Andrews' eyes I see that it can be gentle, loving, theistic in a way that makes me utterly not surprised you had to include Samana.
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Submitted by Ywom (not verified) on Tue, 03/03/2009 - 13:23.such an open, welcoming, hospitable, and refreshing space. I hope this past weekend was only the first of many retreats your community will host over the upcoming years.
regards,
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Not only are we blessed with
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