What does it look like to experience joy in the waiting of Advent?
The promise of Jesus’s coming was followed by a lot of waiting. I wonder how it felt to wait. Did Mary experience joy at the promise of bearing God’s son, even in the midst of her fears and uncertainties? What was it like to be a God-seeker in the time of Jesus’ birth? Was there joy in the midst of waiting for Messiah, even with the oppressive Roman government?
How about you? Do you experience joy in your life when you wait? Or, do you notice the absence of joy?
In the darkness of our world, amidst the pressures of our lives, joy can often feel elusive. Let us take time to listen for God’s invitation to experience joy as we wait for our Messiah. This Advent, Restoration Ministries invites you to join us on a contemplative retreat. Our hope is that Emmanuel, the Prince of Peace, Light of the World, and Hope of the Nations will fill our hearts and cause us to rejoice, even in our own times of waiting.
RETREAT OVERVIEW:
The same retreat will be given on Friday, December 13 and Saturday, December 14. This is a day retreat with the option to stay overnight on Friday night.
Location: Dunrovin Retreat Center, 15525 St Croix Trail N, Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047
Accommodations: Dunrovin is just north of Stillwater on the St. Croix river. There are 50 acres of walking trails, as well as cross country skis and ice skates available. Both day retreatants and those who choose to stay overnight will be provided with a private bedroom to use for silent reflection (and maybe even a nap!). There is a shared bathroom on each floor and a sink in each individual room.
Cost:
- Day only retreat on Friday or Saturday from 9am-4pm: $85 (includes lunch)
- Friday day retreat with Friday overnight: $197 (includes Friday lunch & dinner and Saturday breakfast)
- Saturday day retreat with Friday overnight: $185 (includes Saturday breakfast and lunch; add Friday dinner for $15)
Programming will include:
- Guided prayer times using contemplative prayer forms
- Time in silence and solitude in your own private room
- Optional time for group sharing & listening
- Freedom to use your time as the Spirit guides you