Recent Retreats

 

COME AWAY - A silent retreat to restore and strengthen women

November 19-22, 2009 MARK Centre Chalet Abbotsford

Invitations from God are still going out to his leaders, “Come away by yourselves to a quiet place…” “Be still and know that I am God…”  “Taste and see that the Lord is good…”

This retreat designed to enable women to find sacred space for rest and reflection, renewal and restoration proved to be just that as seven women joined together for the common purpose of carving out space in their busy lives to slow down and listen. Cathy Hardy did a beautiful job leading through music, stories in Scriptures and readings.

It was all so meaningful - the warmth and welcoming of the place, the chapel times and music, the meditations and drama - beautiful!  

AWAKEN - A one day retreat to discover how God is speaking to you

October 24, 2009 Wichita KANSAS

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything too heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

Seventeen people gathered in the Wichita home of Nancy Boothe (a MARK Centre board member) to learn and listen together on the theme of listening to God.  As a group we pondered the story of Blind Bartimeaus, and later split into two small groups to experience the Examen by asking the questions "what brings us life and what depletes us?"  We had solo time to enjoy God in silence, and had great food and good opportunities to get to know each other.

Thank you Nancy for sharing your gift of hospitality by welcoming us all into your home. It was wonderful to be together.

Journey of Trust - Tapping into the wellsprings of life

March 26-29, 2009 Pender Island BC

October 1-3, 2009 Arroyo Grande CALIFORNIA

Invitations from God are still going out. "Come away by yourselves to a quiet place... Be still and know that I am God... Taste and see that the Lord is good..."

In March and in October two groups of people responded to this invitation by deliberately taking time to get away to enjoy God. Cathy Hardy beautifully led us through stories and songs in group sessions; we experienced listening times in small groups as well as in silence and solitude; and we enjoyed great food and sharing in community.

Here are some comments from one of the participants on these retreats:

"With the help of the men in my group as they restate what God was already saying I find God's comfort in the voices and faces of my friends. Their kindness and loving attention helped me to begin to take hold of what He is saying and doing and let go of my misconceptions about Him and myself. What a profitable time. We had a lot of fun, great food, and laughed a lot."