Contemplative Retreat in February

 

As winter deepens and our pace slows down a bit, it is the perfect season to recollect ourselves, to take some time to sense where our inner compass might be pointing, to listen quietly to our soul’s stirrings.

Whether we are facing a transition, or simply need reminding of what is foundational for each of us, our “homeground,” this contemplative retreat will provide the space, rest and discovery needed to navigate life’s passages. 

During this weekend of quiet time, artwork, presentations, journaling, community, walks in nature, yoga, delicious meals, and more, we will explore:

Being attuned to endings and beginnings
Identifying our homeground, our sources of strength
Ways of listening that encourage and deepen us

"To be contemplative does not mean to be curious about the world or to collect information, but to be quiet before the world and recollect oneself.”    -  Marv Hiles

The location is the incomparable Cobb Island Station retreat center just north of Cape Charles.  This expansive and soulful facility offers a beautiful waterfront setting, grounds for strolling, a labyrinth, hot-tub, and very comfortable accommodations and meeting rooms. Limited accommodations are available for overnight lodging.  Spaces are also available for retreat participation during Saturday only, or during both Saturday and Sunday. 

Dates:   9:00am Saturday, February 5th, till 2pm Sunday, February 6th.

Information/registration:    http://www.esva.net/~dryon/retreat.htm
Registration deadline:  Tuesday January 25th, 2011.  Debbie Ryon 710-4661 or dryon@verizon.net   

Rates: 
Full weekend, with overnight accommodation, materials and all meals: 

Double:  $225  Private:  $275  

Saturday only, materials & meals through dinner, no overnight accommodation:   $75
Saturday & Sunday, materials & meals through dinner, no overnight accommodation:  $125
Friday night extension (7 pm arrival for evening quiet time, no dinner)

Double: add $50, Private: add $75

About the leaders:

Nina Frost Close is an experienced retreat leader, spiritual director, career counselor, the director of Adult Education at Marble Collegiate Church in New York and the co-author of Soul Mapping:  An Imaginative Way to Self-Discovery.  She divides her time between New York and her Onancock home.

Nancy Collins, PhD is an administrator and career counselor for Old Dominion University.  She also teaches student development courses for Eastern Shore Community College.  Nancy has an interest in how art helps us to discover ourselves.

Debbie Ryon is a facilities engineer, leader of a local “Art & Soul” group and an avid contemplative retreat participant. 

Book Talk with Dr. Louis B. Weeks

You are invited to the inaugural "William Smith Morton Library Book Talk" - a new program through Union Presbyterian Seminary's "Union Live" initiative to bring Union resources to you and your church.

"William Smith Morton Library Book Talks" will semi-annually bring you a featured author who is also an alumnus/a of Union Theological Seminary, Presbyterian School of Christian Education, Union-PSCE or Union Presbyterian Seminary.

The first of these features Dr. Louis B. Weeks' To Be a Presbyterian, with discussion and Q&A.  For thirteen years, as Union and PSCE federated, and as the new programs opened in Charlotte, NC, Weeks served as President.  His books include To Be a Presbyterian-Revised Edition (2010); All For God’s Glory: Redeeming Church Scutwork (2008) The Presbyterian Presence: Bible Words That Shape a Faith (1992); and Making Ethical Decisions. He co-edited six casebooks, and he co-edited the Presbyterian Presence (1989-1993), a seven-volume study of the PC(USA). He writes regularly for several websites, including Resourcing American Christianity, Faith and Leadership, and The Presbyterian Leader.  He is also one of the authors of the new PC (USA) curriculum, Being Reformed: Faith Seeking Understanding. 

You may attend the Book Talk in person or you may view the discussion live by registering for the webinar here. 

Resources by Dr. Louis B. Weeks are available in the Resource Center... check the online catalog and reserve a title today!

God in America

Yesterday's Daily Break section of the Virginian Pilot highlighted the Top 10 TV Shows of 2010.  Among the 10 'top examples of when TV soared' this year was the PBS series, God in America.  Here's the article's summary:

     "In this six-hour documentary, "Frontline" and "American Experience" joined forces to tell the story of America with religious faith as its narrative thread.  Religious liberty was a founding principle that helped shape America's identity, and this film, spanning 400 years, surveys the rough-and-tumble competition of the religious free market that resulted."

This resource tells the sweeping and dramatic story of religious life in America, examining more than 500 years of American religious history, from the voyage of Christopher Columbus to the 2008 presidential election. Examine this history as it has played out in public life, exploring the complex interaction between religion and democracy in the United States; the origins of the American concept of religious liberty; the dynamics of the ever-evolving American religious marketplace; and more. The series explores its themes through a series of emblematic stories of the country's religious history, and the political and spiritual journeys of important historical figures.

Included are Disc One, Episode One: A New Adam; Disc One, Epidsode Two: A New Eden; Disc Two, Episode Three: A Nation Reborn; Disc Two, Episode Four: A New Light; Disc Three, Episode Five: Soul of a Nation; Disc Three, Episode Six: Of God and Caesar.

Also included on Disc Three: bonus behind the scenes videos and printable materials (study guide, eight Visiting Sacred Spaces guides, and viewing party tool kit).

This multi-DVD documentary is available at the PEVA Resource Center... 

check it out and learn more 

about how religion carved our nation's history,

and consider it for a small group study

in the coming year. 

 

Merry Christmas!

Joy, peace, and hope to you as you celebrate the birth of Christ!

Your savior is born today in David’s city. 

He is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:11

Cokesbury VBS Preview!

Great news! I’ve just received word that the dates/times are set for the VBS preview at the Chesapeake Cokesbury store are set:

Thursday, January 27th, at 12:00 noon and again at 3:00 pm.
Saturday, January 29th, at 10:00 am (with the Group Publishing representative) and again at 12:30 pm.

PLEASE remember to RSVP for this special event by calling the Cokesbury store, (757) 312-0084.


As an additional note, Augsburg Fortress will not be publishing a traditional Vacation Bible School curriculum this year. Augsburg is offering the new ‘green’ VBS curriculum introduced last year: ReNew. Learn more about this exciting option by clicking here.

Hurried and worried?

Is the rush and stress of the holiday season getting you down?  There's still time to find ideas for living more simply and rediscovering what Advent and Christmas are really about.  Check out Ideas for Reclaiming Advent and Christmas from PC USA's Enough for Everyone ministry.  This 4-page downloadable booklet offers great ideas for incorporating prayer, responsible gift-giving, and serving sustainable holiday meals.  The booklet also lists resources for further study.

Here's an excerpt from the Holiday Gifts section:

"Holiday Gifts
The Magi traveled a long distance to bring gifts to Jesus. Their gifts honored the child and provided for the family. Today, gift giving can be a tricky topic. Like the Magi, we should find humble gifts that honor our loved ones while honoring Christ and remembering why we celebrate Christmas in the first place.

   Meals: Give the promise of food and meals to people on your list. Promising to eat lunch with loved ones at their workplace or school once a month is a great way to spend more time together.
   Homemade Gifts: Knitted items, framed photos, handcrafted toys, works of art, and other personally made gifts show care and concern for the recipients because they require time and thought to create.
   Commitment: Make a commitment to someone this season. Find ways to serve the people on your list by committing to care for them. You might shovel snow, prepare meals, plan events, or schedule a vacation."

Enjoy a simple, sane, and sustainable holiday!

January Educators Luncheon - Be I.G.

Educators, Youth Leaders, Pastors, Volunteers, you are invited to the next Educators Luncheon to be held at the Presbytery of Eastern Virginia Resource Center.  Mark your calendars now and bring your lunch on  Thursday, January 6th, at noon for a great time of learning and sharing together. 

January's topic offers BIG ideas for Being I.G.! To grow as a church family means celebrating our similarities and exploring our differences among all ages.  In short, it means being intentional about being intergenerational (I.G.).  This presentation will include 'field tested' I.G. events for small and large groups.  Discover ways to engage all ages in fun, biblical, historical, and seasonal activities within your small or large congregation.  Tweak 'em and own 'em.  Jacqui Horton, DCE at First Presbyterian Church, Virginia Beach, will bring her creativity and enthusiasm to share with all!

Please RSVP to Donna Rae Barrow, Resource Center Director at PEVA, before Tuesday, January 4th, by calling 757-397-7063 or sending a message to donnarae@pcusa-peva.org.