Meeting at McMenamin’s Kennedy School in NE Portland. Facilitated by Pastor Ben Conachan.
Throughout this season of Advent, in our Sunday sermon series we are exploring ways to make room for Christ through ancient practices: rest, prayer, fasting and forgiveness. In this half-day retreat, we will take time for you to explore in your own heart: where do I most desire to make space for Christ in this season? What might be preventing me from making this space? By paying attention and listening to our desires, our disappointments and our struggles, we can listen for the personal invitation of Jesus to our hearts.
There will be time for imaginatively engaging with Jesus in scripture, journaling, group discussion and creative reflection using art and photography.
There is a $5 suggested donation for this retreat. Space is limited to 15 people. To RSVP, please contact Ben Conachan.
Details
I am really excited for this time together. As Advent is a season about longing and hope, and our sermons right now are exploring the theme of Making Space for Christ, I thought we’d create some space to consider what we are longing for in this season, and to bring that into conversation with God.
For those of you who thrive on having an idea of what you’re walking into, I’ve included a schedule at the bottom of this page.
There is one activity I would like to invite you to prepare for ahead of time, and bring with you—our first activity with be “Laying the Altar”, where each of us will have the opportunity to bring and share an object/artwork/picture/thing that represents how we are currently experience God, faith, or spirituality. Please see this PDF about this activity, and bring an object with you if you are willing to do so. Let me know if you have any questions!
LOGISTICS:
We will be meeting from 9am-12pm at McMenamin’s Kennedy School in NE Portland:
5736 NE 33rd Ave, Portland, OR 97211
Our group will be in the Community Room; I have attached a map showing the quickest path from the parking lot, but if you get lost and can’t find us, you can go to the Front Dest by the main front doors of the campus on NE 33rd, and ask for the Community Room, they can direct you.
I will have coffee, tea and light snacks for us; if you would enjoy bringing something to share you are welcome, but please don’t feel obligated.
We will be sitting for some of the time, though rarely for more than 20-30 minutes at a time; you may want to bring a seat pad (or even a yoga mat, if you like sitting on the floor!).
Optional additions to our time:
While we are done at 12pm, the Kennedy School is a wonderful space and if you have more time, there are a few things you can do to extend your stay:
There are several restaurants and bars around the building which will be open by noon, and you could stay for lunch.
There is a soaking heated pool available, for $8 a person - reservations are required, see this page for details.
I’ll have a self-guided walking tour map for you if you’d like to explore the building more! It’s a cool spot.
SCHEDULE:
9:00-9:10 - Welcome and Orientation
9:15-9:40 - Opening Meditation, Laying the Altar activity
9:45-10:30 - Creative Art activity and discussion: What are you longing to make space for?
10:30-10:45 - Break
10:45-11:15 - Guided Meditation on Mark 10, Bringing longing into conversation with Jesus
11:15-11:40 - Space for journaling, prayer, walking
11:40-12:00pm - Closing Reflections