Mensch Mill Retreat

"As often as possible Jesus would withdraw to out of the way places for prayer."
--Luke 5:16, "The Message"

It is interesting to note that this passage from Luke (above) comes almost immediately after the story of Jesus leading Simon Peter to the "deeper waters," resulting in the Galilean fisherman and his colleagues
beginning their journeys of discipleship. This is Luke's way of saying that "time away" for prayer and discernment will always be an essential part of our lives as followers of Jesus.

Our retreat at Mensch Mill was an important time "away"for us prior to Pentecost Sunday. We:
-- were deeply blessed by the opportunity to be together
-- dedicated particular time to reflection and prayer and journaling as we approach Confirmation
-- continued to raise thoughtful questions and to share perspectives from our experiences "on the Way"
-- appreciated what is truly special about each of you
-- listened anew for the voice of the Lord speaking to us (Tim Wampler's example on Sunday was a powerful one!), opening ourselves to the movement of God's Spirit (this is discernment)
-- looked back at the way that we have come and anticipated God's leading for the future
-- had fun, ate bountiful meals, rolled down hills;
-- were in a wonderful place where many generations of disciples have gathered on retreat.

Immersion in the story of Jesus' baptism had us considering once again our own identities as (1) a child of God (2) deeply loved by God (3) God's pleasure (in the fulfillment of our life).

Some of the wisdom gleaned from what you shared:
-The best teachers are those who are continually learning (particularly when "fishing for people"). As followers of Jesus, we continue to grow throughout all of our lives.
-The best things can come when we don't expect them. God calls us, and acts in our lives, when we're not anticipating it. God surprises us!
-Faith is "not giving up." Amen!
-God's gracious love is always given, in all circumstances (forgiveness)
-Jesus enables us to see everything from a "whole new level," a different point of view. Disciples learn to see the world, others, and even themselves, with the "eyes of Jesus."
-the gospel is made real in our life with others. We don't just talk about the "good news;" it's what we do!
-It is our mission to be the change we want to see in the world.
-Every day will include acts of kindness and faithfulness.
-Our covenant with God is a relationship with God, initiated by God. God claims us first!
--We said that when we affirm our relationship with God, we are: cherishing that bond; declaring its importance in our lives; responding to God's promises with our own.

Why did Jesus have to die? That was among the questions that members of our class wanted to give more consideration to. Our discussion deserves a post of its own. But consider this: Jesus has made God's love real, in human form. We believe that such love (agape) is the greatest power of all , the saving power. "God is love," the evangelist John has testified. Thus, Jesus shared this love, he was this love, in all circumstances, even unto death. He even loved the people who put him on the cross. Those who took his life wanted to silence his self-giving love, they wanted to stop this movement of God that was including everybody and committed to setting everyone free from every kind of bondage. But nothing--not even violence and death-- could separate us from the love of God made real in Christ Jesus our Lord! And in the resurrection, the love of God triumphed over that violence.
We who share the life of Jesus believe that agape love is indeed stronger than death, and we live in a way that expresses that belief to the fullest. We will work for God's justice and peace even when it is difficult, trusting the Spirit to inspire us and help us.

It was a great blessing to be able to include Mrs. Corl in the retreat. She has always been deeply committed to the young people of our church, and helped me to lead nine Confirmation Retreats in the past. It meant a lot. Thanks to everyone who helped her to feel at home and to navigate all the steps at the Mensch House.

I enjoyed the whole retreat. What was most important for you?

The Community of the Spirit

"All who believed were together and had all things in common . . ." --Acts 2:44

Acts 2:42-47 and Acts 4:32-35 describe a community of faith born of, and living in, the power of God's Spirit. We read the text together, then shared the qualities we perceive in the Community of the Spirit:

--worship together
--devoted to prayer
--devoted to learning
--eat together
--distribute possessions as any have need
(no "absolute" private property)
--whole community taken care of
--thankful ( a community that practices gratitude)
--growing
--committed to spreading the good news of God's love everywhere

These were characteristics of "The Way," which was what the early church was called. The Spirit of the Lord inspires and nourishes the community, making growth possible. An apostolic community witnesses to the resurrection power of our God!!

We were then challenged to identify ways in which St. Andrew's Church might be such a community. After a significant period of silence, these were offered:
--we worship together
--we pray and sing
--we share food (The Shared Table was specifically mentioned)
--we express thanksgiving
--we dedicate offerings
--we share joys and concerns
--we share the good news through preaching
--we bring friends (at least, we can!)
--we help others
--we grow in number and expand our ministry

It will be good for us to continue to add to this list, to offer imaginative suggestions, and share where we perceive--and feel--the Spirit of God moving in our community. And where does Christian Education, and lifelong growth in the Spirit, fit in?

On Wednesday evening, we went on to explore and discuss "gifts of the Spirit." We'll continue that exploration Sunday.
At the suggestion of a class member, we sang together the hymn, "They'll Know We Are Christians By Our Love." An awesome way to conclude our session!

(above: Woodcut, Fellowship of Believers, Artist unknown)

"If you love me, you will keep my commands. And I'll ask the Father, and he'll give you another Advocate (Helper), who'll be with you forever: the Spirit of Truth. The world can't accept the Spirit, because it doesn't perceive the Spirit or know the Spirit. You know the Spirit, because the Spirit is always with you--and the Spirit's going to be in you."
--John 14:15-17

On the last Wednesday in April, we talked about our understandings--and more importantly, our experiences, of the Holy Spirit.
We remembered that the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus "like a dove" at the time of his baptism. It was the Spirit that filled him and led him, first in the wilderness, and then deep into the full-fillment of his identity and ministry.
We also recalled the Easter story, when (on Easter evening) the risen Jesus enters the locked room where the disciples are still hiding in fear. He draws close to them, offers them the his Peace, then breathes on them saying, "Receive the Holy Spirit (John 20:22)."
The Spirit is the breath of God. The creation imagery from Genesis 2:7 has God breathe the breath of life into the human being; it is God's breath that makes the person alive.
Jesus also refers to the Spirit as being like the wind. It blows where God chooses, and though you can't see it with your eyes, you can see the things (and people!) that it moves.
When we are filled with God's Spirit we are inspired, a word that means "breathe into."
The Spirit reveals the image of God in us: it is the Spirit of Imagination!
When Jesus is preparing to physically leave the disciples, he promises that the Spirit will be with them.

In discussing our understandings of the Spirit and how we realize its presence, we said that the Spirit:
--Inspires us to make right choices
--Stokes our imaginations.
--Helps us to be creative.
--Guides us.
--Broadens our view.
--Gives us hope.
--Frees us.
--Bridges distances between us.
--Joins us in Community.
--Comforts us.
--Surrounds us.
--Fills our emptiness.
--Gives us new energy.
--Offers us happiness and satisfaction.

The Spirit is:
--The Spirit of Teaching.
--The Spirit of Learning.
--The Spirit of Forgiveness.
--The Spirit of Generosity.
--The Helper.
--The Comforter.

This is a great start! Let's have each of us share more examples of the ways that the Spirit has done these things in our lives, and what we look forward to.