3-28-08
Finding God, Finding Yourself, in the Scriptures

Scripture thought for today:

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 heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly.

Mark 6:31MSG)

Dear Friend,

Once again we have the privilege of being led on a day retreat with Ruth Barton. We have never met anyone like Ruth who is able to help lead people into the presence of God and practice listening to His voice. Our favorite comment from the retreat last time was, "I loved being on retreat with Jesus as the key-note speaker!" We don't want you to miss out on this opportunity to be in the presence of God and hear the words of life you need to hear from Him. We hope you will mark your calendars and sign up today. Give yourself a day to be with God and let God be with you. Below is the retreat description.

Finding God/Finding Yourself in the Scriptures

A day retreat at Crossroads
for men and women
with author/speaker
Ruth Haley Barton
April 19, 2008
9am to 4pm Retreat

Many of us, when we are honest, acknowledge some feelings of ambivalence about the Scriptures. We know there is life to be found there, but we are not always sure how to access it. In this retreat, we will explore lectio divina, a fresh approach to Scripture that is rooted in the Christian tradition of sacred reading. Intended to satisfy our spiritual thirst for a meaningful encounter with God, this process fully engages all aspects of ourselves-body, mind and soul-in the process of receiving spiritual nourishment. During our retreat time, we will open ourselves to an encounter with God by learning how to find ourselves in the Greatest Story ever told.

Cost (includes lunch)

$25 FULL TIME STUDENT
$35 PER PERSON
$50 COUPLE

Email the church office or call 269-781-9094 to register

About Ruth Haley Barton
Ruth is a teacher, retreat leader and spiritual director, educated at Wheaton College, Northern Seminary, Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation and Pathways Center for Spiritual Leadership. She has served on the pastoral staff of many churches including Willow Creek Community Church. She is the president of The Transforming Center and currently works with Zondervan and the National Pastors Convention through the teaching and directing of the National Pastors Retreats.

Her published works include:
Invitation to Solitude and Silence
"Best book on Spirituality for 2005"--Christianity Today
Sacred Rhythms
An Ordinary Day with Jesus
co-authored with John Ortberg
Longing for More
Ruth: Relationships that Bring Life

Blessings,
Scott & Clare

©2008 Scott & Clare Loughrige