Rachel Held Evans got it right when she wrote:
This is what God's kingdom is like: a bunch of outcasts and oddballs gathered at a table, not because they are rich or worthy or good, but because they are hungry, because they said yes. And there's always room for more.
Over five days recently, a bunch of those oddballs (sorry folks!) gathered around the tables at Penhurst Retreat Centre because we were hungry for more of God. And through silences, prayer, music and meditations, our small group of 21st century disciples opened ourselves to the presence of God and met with Jesus in tangible ways.
The combination of music, silences and scripture-based meditations enabled people to meet with Love in their deepest vulnerabilities. And that is when healing happens. The peace and very special hospitality and beauty of Penhurst sustained us through the challenges. People spoke of profound encounters with Jesus and a tangible awareness of his presence with them. It was a blessing. It was a joy. It was holy.
We reflected with a woman at a well, a wedding at Cana, a cripple by a pool, disciples casting nets, the challenges of the pandemic, and so much more. And time and time again, Jesus led us into deeper levels of healing, renewed sources of strength and deeply gifted insights. It was a very special time of retreat and it was a privilege to be joined by Jill Hoffmann in facilitating it. There was laughter and tears, fellowship and solitude, beauty and prayer. And through it all, God wove His threads of healing.
We'll be leading similar 'Resting with the Healer' retreats at Penhurst next year, in June and October.
We'd love to have you with us.
