Retreating in a Worshipful Work Style
Okay, so you want to take a retreat, but are afraid that no one will go unless they have a "REASON" for going.
Like it or not, we tend to be agenda driven people. Turning from that to a reflective, thought full, renewed people is a long journey.
One of the steps on that journey is to begin infusing our "agenda" with "worship." Many churches have been using the ideas found in Charles Olsen's book, Transforming Church Boards, as they meet together.
Below is an overnight retreat model planned around Olsen's worshipful work style.
GOALS:
1) to continue developing consistory as a community of spiritual leaders
2) to help consistory grow as an effective working team
3) to dream about the ministry of ________ Church in the future
Friday
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WE APPROACH GOD AND WITNESS TO GOD'S PRESENCE |
| 6:00 | Arrive and settle in |
| 7:00 | Prayer of Blessing
Dinner and Fellowship |
| 7:45 | Silence
Lighting the Christ Candle
Sentences (for example)
Jesus Christ is the light of the world,
The light no darkness can overcome.
Stay with us , Lord, for it is evening
And the day is almost over.
Let your light shine in the darkness
And illumine your church
Hymn
Thanksgiving for the Day lived
Review Retreat Agenda
Psalm reading (8, 40, 121, are ideas. Or any of the 150 found in Scripture!! Try using the Lectio Divina as the community hears the Psalm together.) |
| 8:30 | Getting to know each other |
| 9:00 | Celebrating the Faith stories of our congregation this year.
Where has the Light shone in the darkness
- among our staff
- among our outreach
- among our committees
- among our children
- etc.
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| 10:30 | Close with prayers of thanksgiving
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Saturday
|
WE RESPOND TO GOD THROUGH THE LIVING OF OUR LIVES |
| 8:00 | Prayer of Blessing
Breakfast and Fellowship |
| 8:45 | Silence
Lighting the Christ Candle
Sentences (for example)
I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?
My help comes in the name of the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth.
Prayer of Confession
(perhaps for how we have failed to rely on the LORD, etc.)
Words of Assurance and God's Way of Living |
| 9:00 | A Look at How _______Church is currently living God's Law
(Committee reports/break into committee groups/etc) |
| 10:00 | Finish or present committee reports/Current business |
| 11:00 | Break. Take walk around the grounds. Small group or quiet time. |
| 12:00 | Light Lunch (you've just eaten at 8:00! Too much food will make people sluggish. If the setting is appropriate, maybe people are out having a bag lunch on a hike or in a canoe) |
| 1:00 | Sentences (for example)
God has told us what is good
Love God with our hearts, minds, bodies, & spirits
Jesus has told us what is good
Love your neighbors as you love yourself
The Spirit tells us what is good
To do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God.
Developing a Shared Vision
Next Steps |
| 3:00 | Closing prayers of thanksgiving, Intercession and Supplication |
| 3:30 | Benediction
Adjourn |
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