Dear Christ Church,
As my family and I head out to Highland Lakes for the retreat today, there’s so much I’m excited for, but first a quick reminder:
There will be no worship services at 112 Medina St. this Sunday, October 30th. But do join us at Highland Lakes Camp for worship at 9am!
What excites me about this weekend? First of all, this is a record-setting year for our Parish Retreat; we’ve never had more than 300 people, but this year over 360 of us decided to spend our weekend together laughing and learning, in playfulness and prayer, in worship and wonder. I’m excited about the Briscoe concert Friday night and Saturday’s Rich Mullins tribute by our own musicians, the dance party and the bonfire. I’m excited about Angela Williams Gorrell’s teaching on the theme “Open to Joy,” helping us to turn towards joy in the midst of difficulty and pain.
The word “open” is powerful. That’s the courageous place where things happen. When we feel vulnerable, alone, or afraid we might want to shut down or withdraw. If, instead, we can be brave enough to remain open-hearted, then seeds of new life can be sown. Christ Church, let’s go into this weekend open . . . open to joy, open to God’s voice and work, and open to each other. I particularly want to encourage you to enter this weekend open to new friendships and new community. Reach out to people you’ve never met, welcome a stranger into your conversation. May this be a weekend where “no one stands alone.”
Lastly, I’m excited to meet some of you for the first time and reconnect with others for the first time post-sabbatical. See you soon!
Peace,
Cliff+