Listening to God in Creation and Scripture, a half day retreat at the Sanctuary, Woodville
May ’15, 2015
May 16th, Saturday. 9a-1p $60/person (see details below about what to bring)
Description: Though the Bible and creation are most often enjoyed separately, these rich media speak beautifully together. Creation and scripture complement each other as illustration and text which help us more fully know the Living One who spoke them both into existence. Join us as we listen and look for the God who still speaks through them. We will be attentive to God through outdoor solitude, Lectio Divina (listening to scripture), group interaction and personal reflection. Whether these spiritual practices feel familiar or new, anyone interested can benefit.
More: This program fits most levels of physical ability and contemplative experience. It will be reflective rather than rigorous, and flexible according to each person’s needs. We will spend significant time outdoors, between one and three hours depending on weather and participant ability/ interest. This event will take place in any weather (since all of it has things to teach us) and we have flexibility with indoor options. The day will start at The Sanctuary, walk to the lake/ woods entrance, and finish with time indoors. At the lake, people may walk trails of their choice, sit, or stay nearby. Please let me know in advance if walking about five or ten minutes (less than ¼ mile) along a paved street would be physically challenging. It’s possible to stay closer to the church building if needed.
children: This program is not designed with children in mind and childcare is not available. However, if you are wondering whether your young person could attend- for their enjoyment or to enable you to attend, please contact me so we may discuss it. Infants or children old enough to be self engaged (play/ read, etc for 20-30 minutes on their own) could probably do fine- as long as you and others will be able to focus and enjoy the time. Keep in mind that we may be in quiet listening and/or conversation for up to an hour at a time.
Please bring :
· “bag” lunch
· water bottle
· clothing and shoes for outdoor comfort in most weather (several layers for cool or warm/ wind/ light rain/ sun)
o Check the forecast. Keep in mind that sitting still for a while- especially if it’s windy or shady- cools a body off much more than being indoors or active.
o sun hat/ sun lotion/ insect repellent as desired
· portable camp chair or something to sit on (optional)
· Bible
· journal or some note paper
· something to write with
· small pack to carry things in (optional)
About Me:
I hail from Ashford, Connecticut, where I enjoy playing outdoors with my wife and two children, drinking coffee, creating and fixing things. As a follower of Jesus who loves being outside, my favorite work is helping people navigate the wilderness- both of the outdoors and in our hearts. I lead custom retreats and adventures, offer spiritual direction (group and individual), and facilitate at challenge courses in Connecticut and beyond.
For more than two decades I have been leading outdoor adventures and learning experiences, and helping people grow in their faith - in campus*, church** and outdoor*** settings. My formal training includes a certificate in Spiritual Direction from LTI’s Selah program; certifications relevant to leading outdoor ministry trips on land, water, rock and snow; and a B.S. in Wildlife Management. Some of my affiliations are with the Evangelical Spiritual Directors Network (ESDN), the Christian Adventure Association (CAA), and the Connecticut Experiential Education Association (CEEA)
(*12 yrs w/ InterVarsity in ME, NH& VT; **Assoc. Pastor/ assistant in VT/ NY; ***outdoor ministry guide, WA & VT)
May ’15, 2015
May 16th, Saturday. 9a-1p $60/person (see details below about what to bring)
Description: Though the Bible and creation are most often enjoyed separately, these rich media speak beautifully together. Creation and scripture complement each other as illustration and text which help us more fully know the Living One who spoke them both into existence. Join us as we listen and look for the God who still speaks through them. We will be attentive to God through outdoor solitude, Lectio Divina (listening to scripture), group interaction and personal reflection. Whether these spiritual practices feel familiar or new, anyone interested can benefit.
More: This program fits most levels of physical ability and contemplative experience. It will be reflective rather than rigorous, and flexible according to each person’s needs. We will spend significant time outdoors, between one and three hours depending on weather and participant ability/ interest. This event will take place in any weather (since all of it has things to teach us) and we have flexibility with indoor options. The day will start at The Sanctuary, walk to the lake/ woods entrance, and finish with time indoors. At the lake, people may walk trails of their choice, sit, or stay nearby. Please let me know in advance if walking about five or ten minutes (less than ¼ mile) along a paved street would be physically challenging. It’s possible to stay closer to the church building if needed.
children: This program is not designed with children in mind and childcare is not available. However, if you are wondering whether your young person could attend- for their enjoyment or to enable you to attend, please contact me so we may discuss it. Infants or children old enough to be self engaged (play/ read, etc for 20-30 minutes on their own) could probably do fine- as long as you and others will be able to focus and enjoy the time. Keep in mind that we may be in quiet listening and/or conversation for up to an hour at a time.
Please bring :
· “bag” lunch
· water bottle
· clothing and shoes for outdoor comfort in most weather (several layers for cool or warm/ wind/ light rain/ sun)
o Check the forecast. Keep in mind that sitting still for a while- especially if it’s windy or shady- cools a body off much more than being indoors or active.
o sun hat/ sun lotion/ insect repellent as desired
· portable camp chair or something to sit on (optional)
· Bible
· journal or some note paper
· something to write with
· small pack to carry things in (optional)
About Me:
I hail from Ashford, Connecticut, where I enjoy playing outdoors with my wife and two children, drinking coffee, creating and fixing things. As a follower of Jesus who loves being outside, my favorite work is helping people navigate the wilderness- both of the outdoors and in our hearts. I lead custom retreats and adventures, offer spiritual direction (group and individual), and facilitate at challenge courses in Connecticut and beyond.
For more than two decades I have been leading outdoor adventures and learning experiences, and helping people grow in their faith - in campus*, church** and outdoor*** settings. My formal training includes a certificate in Spiritual Direction from LTI’s Selah program; certifications relevant to leading outdoor ministry trips on land, water, rock and snow; and a B.S. in Wildlife Management. Some of my affiliations are with the Evangelical Spiritual Directors Network (ESDN), the Christian Adventure Association (CAA), and the Connecticut Experiential Education Association (CEEA)
(*12 yrs w/ InterVarsity in ME, NH& VT; **Assoc. Pastor/ assistant in VT/ NY; ***outdoor ministry guide, WA & VT)
