PAST RETREATS
January 6-9, 2022
In the Beginning: A New Year's Retreat
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, we are at the beginning. nnIn The Beginning invites us to return to the story where everything started: the seven days of creation. Beginning the New Year with the first words of Scripture allows us to return to our roots while asking our deepest questions:n
How is God leading us to live in the world?
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What love and work will fill our days?
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Where is God calling us to create anew?
nStarting on the Feast of Epiphany, we will enter into a time of prayer and reflection together as we begin the New Year. This holy season of light can illuminate our questions and invite each of us to create in our own lives.nnEvery human made in the image of God is called to create. If you wonder what this means for you, In The Beginning is the perfect place to dive into the story of creation we all share.nnWhether you feel creative by nature or simply want to start the new year with a spiritual boost, the story of Genesis asks each of us to reflect on our own lives. Far from a simple story, the seven days of creation offer a fruitful framework for our own callings.nnIn The Beginning is a virtual retreat, coming to you in the comfort and convenience of your own home. We’ll gather on Zoom each day during the retreat and spend time in prayer outside the group sessions. nnThe companion e-book will give you a complete retreat guide: prayer, Scripture, reflection questions, and creative ways to pray in the New Year. nnJoin us on January 6-9, 2022, to celebrate creation and creativity together.nnMay the light of Epiphany and the hope of New Year’s be yours as we begin.nn n
Who is the retreat for?
nIn The Beginning is for you if:n
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- You are weary after a long year and need hope
- You love starting the New Year with prayer and intention
- You create in everyday ways—working, parenting, cooking, gardening, etc.—but have never considered this “creative”
- You are drawn to art, writing, or music and want to reflect on spirituality & creativity
- You want to make a retreat but can’t do an in-person retreat right now
- You’ve ever glazed over Genesis and want to go deeper
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nThe retreat will offer large group presentations, optional small group conversations, and ideas for creative ways to pray and reflect on your own throughout the retreat days. nn n
How does the retreat work?
nThe retreat will run from January 6-9, 2022.nnWe’ll gather on Zoom for 4 one-hour sessions of presentation, prayer, and reflection:n
Session 1: 7:00 pm CDT, Thursday, Jan. 6th
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Session 2: 7:00 pm CDT, Friday, Jan. 7th
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Session 3: 3:00 pm CDT, Saturday, Jan. 8th
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Session 4: 3:00 pm CDT, Sunday, Jan. 9th
nEach day of the retreat, we’ll dive into the days of creation, discovering the inspiration they offer for our own lives and creativity, and go forth with questions to ponder in prayer. nnParticipants will have the chance to join small group discussion for 30 minutes following each large group session—often the heart of our virtual retreats but always optional!nnZoom links will be sent to participants via email, and all sessions will be recorded if you’re unable to join live (or simply want to listen again). nnIn The Beginning includes an e-book that will guide you through the retreat and give you resources to keep reflecting:n
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- tips for making an at-home retreat
- Scripture, prayers, reflection questions, and creative ways to pray
- space for journaling or drawing/painting
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nThis retreat is designed to fit your life. You can watch the recorded live sessions later according to your needs, and spend each day in reflection and prayer whenever it fits your schedule. nnTogether we’ll create time and space set apart to encounter God. In The Beginning will meet you right where you are, at the start of a new season.
Feedback from Retreat Participants
"This retreat was life-changing for me. From the first night, my eyes were opened to a new way of looking at things I had struggled with for years. Laura, your honesty, your insights and your humor have helped me navigate this difficult year and feel inspired about what God has in store for me next."
"Having the retreat stretched out over four days and in between daily responsibilities was a gift to me. It gave me time for reflection (both conscious and unconscious) as well as immediate connection to my daily life. In addition, I'm so grateful you added in the small group discussion. It was a piece of what made the retreat so rich for me."
"I was so surprised how intimate and 'in person' the zoom retreat was. While there would be benefits to in-person, I also loved that the virtual format reached more people and allowed for the participation of kids, etc."
"I loved this retreat. The guidebook was very helpful to me, and the option of being able to access the retreat on your own schedule and go back to repeat sessions is so helpful for those of us whose schedules might be irregular. So looking forward to the next retreat!"
Past Retreats
Book Reviews
Book Reviews