Silence and Solitude Retreat
Why silence?
In our busy world it can be hard to take time to listen. This retreat gives you an opportunity to get away from the noise of life.
"In silence we not only withdraw from the demands of life in the company of other but also allow the noise of our own thoughts, strivings and compulsions to settle down so we can hear a truer and more reliable Voice. ... It is in silence that we habitually release our own agendas and our need to control and become more willing and able to give ourselves to God's loving initiative."
"In solitude God begins to free us from our bondage to human expectations, for there we experience God as our ultimate reality. ... In solitude our thoughts and our mind, our will and our desires are reoriented Godward so we become less and less attracted by external forces and can be more deeply responsive to God's desire and prayer in us." -Ruth Haley Barton, Invitation to Solitude and Silence
Retreatants will be invited to about 36 hours of silence across an evening, a day, and a morning (September 26-28). There will be guided meditations/devotions and resources to help enter into silence and listen for God at work in the heart. All of Menno Haven's 231 acres are open for those searching for deeper solitude as well. Much of the time is unstructured to allow for time to pray and be with God. Space is limited.
Registration found here.
Or Register online here.
"In silence we not only withdraw from the demands of life in the company of other but also allow the noise of our own thoughts, strivings and compulsions to settle down so we can hear a truer and more reliable Voice. ... It is in silence that we habitually release our own agendas and our need to control and become more willing and able to give ourselves to God's loving initiative."
"In solitude God begins to free us from our bondage to human expectations, for there we experience God as our ultimate reality. ... In solitude our thoughts and our mind, our will and our desires are reoriented Godward so we become less and less attracted by external forces and can be more deeply responsive to God's desire and prayer in us." -Ruth Haley Barton, Invitation to Solitude and Silence
Retreatants will be invited to about 36 hours of silence across an evening, a day, and a morning (September 26-28). There will be guided meditations/devotions and resources to help enter into silence and listen for God at work in the heart. All of Menno Haven's 231 acres are open for those searching for deeper solitude as well. Much of the time is unstructured to allow for time to pray and be with God. Space is limited.
Registration found here.
Or Register online here.
Day OneThe first day begins in the evening. After retreatants arrive and get settled there is a time for introductions and an explanation of silence and what to expect the next couple of days. After an evening mediation the silence begins.
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Day TwoDay 2 starts with a morning meditation. After breakfast the day is free. Resources, such as clay, coloring utensils, and paper are available. There is also a prayer path with stations, and a labyrinth. The day ends with an evening devotion/meditation.
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Day ThreeLike day 2, day 3 begins with a sunrise meditation. After breakfast the silence is broken and after a short debriefing session you are free to stay and fellowship or move back into the outside world.
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