21 people took part in the church day retreat “A Date with God” last Saturday. It was an opportunity to just get away
from our everyday lives and to intentionally rest in God’s presence. It was a time to remember that we are human “be-ings” not human “do-ings”. People took fantastic photos of the gardens and enjoyed experiencing God through their
imaginations, through art and in writing.
In marked contrast, on the following day 6 of us headed off to Sports Central to take part in a touch rugby tournament, to raise funds for Northern Pride. Instead of rest and relaxation,
it was serious physical activity and cheerful noise. We had our flag flying in the main hall and our display boards and publicity material available in the community area. We were out and proud as LGBT Christians. People were intrigued
to see a church group having fun and a pastor running around the sports hall like a mad thing!
A life of faith contains these two aspects – time away from the world and full engagement in it. The challenge always to get the right balance between the two. Too much time on retreat and we lose contact with the world that we are called to serve and may become self absorbed. Too much time running around and we can find it hard to actually hear God’s voice, guiding, challenging, loving us.
Jesus was active and fully present in the world. Yet he also knew that he had to spend time alone in prayer, or with a small group of his disciples, so that he could recharge his spiritual, emotional and physical batteries.
In our worship at the moment, we are “Learning from
Jesus”. Perhaps this is one of the lessons that we need to learn.
This week, just try and notice the balance in your own life. Do you need to make some adjustments? Take the chance to change a little.
God bless,
Cecilia
from our everyday lives and to intentionally rest in God’s presence. It was a time to remember that we are human “be-ings” not human “do-ings”. People took fantastic photos of the gardens and enjoyed experiencing God through their
imaginations, through art and in writing.
In marked contrast, on the following day 6 of us headed off to Sports Central to take part in a touch rugby tournament, to raise funds for Northern Pride. Instead of rest and relaxation,
it was serious physical activity and cheerful noise. We had our flag flying in the main hall and our display boards and publicity material available in the community area. We were out and proud as LGBT Christians. People were intrigued
to see a church group having fun and a pastor running around the sports hall like a mad thing!
A life of faith contains these two aspects – time away from the world and full engagement in it. The challenge always to get the right balance between the two. Too much time on retreat and we lose contact with the world that we are called to serve and may become self absorbed. Too much time running around and we can find it hard to actually hear God’s voice, guiding, challenging, loving us.
Jesus was active and fully present in the world. Yet he also knew that he had to spend time alone in prayer, or with a small group of his disciples, so that he could recharge his spiritual, emotional and physical batteries.
In our worship at the moment, we are “Learning from
Jesus”. Perhaps this is one of the lessons that we need to learn.
This week, just try and notice the balance in your own life. Do you need to make some adjustments? Take the chance to change a little.
God bless,
Cecilia
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