STEPPINGSTONES

COME AND LET YOURSELVES BE BUILT AS
LIVING STONES INTO A SPIRITUAL TEMPLE
1 Peter Ch.2 v5 (New English Bible)
 

From the Minister
AN ADVENT RETREAT
What is a Retreat?
This is a time set aside by Christians, committing them to an intentional awareness of God’s activity in theirlives. In other words, getting closer to God.
How do people make a Retreat? Some ‘direct’ themselves, setting aside time for prayer and Bible reading, for silence and meditation. Others have people who accompany them in exploring God’s place in their lives. Some of these accompaniers are called Spiritual
Directors or Prayer Guides.
What is a Retreat During the Day? Some Christians do not have the opportunity, nor the money, to go away to a Christian retreat centre. Some may lead such busy lives wherein they cannot commit to taking ‘time out’. Some have doctors’ and hospital appointments so going away for long periods of time is not an option. So, a Retreat During the Day offers a dedicated day during

Advent that suits the individual’s calendar. We still go about our daily business but do so more mindful of God through the disciplines of occasional prayer.
What do I do? Choose a day during Advent between 3rd – 8th (if you attend Epping Methodist Church and Epping United Reformed Church) or 10th – 15th December (if you attend North Weald Methodist Church and Ongar United Reformed Church). Sign up for your day on the sheet available in church. Meet the Minister
at Church (or in your home if unable to get out) and he will act as your Prayer Guide for the day kicking things off with a meeting no longer than 20 minutes.
It is important that you engage in the Retreat of your own free will. The Minister will not judge you but will listen to you and offer suggestions so that throughout the day you can set aside time for prayer. He will give you a simple prayer leaflet to guide your devotions at the outset. He will offer Bible passages relevant to Advent and a short spiritual writing for reflection. If you are going to work in the morning the Minister is prepared to meet as early as 7.00am in order that your daily schedule starts with prayer guidance. It may be good, if you wish, to meet the Minister at the end of the day too (on your return from work, for example) or in the evening. All such meetings would be in your church where the Minister can help you start and end your day God-centred. The Minster pledges to pray for you throughout your chosen day.
So…… take time to consider if you could commit to a Retreat During the Day. Sign up on the day of your choice by Advent Sunday (2nd December). The sign-up sheet is available at the rear of the church.
Devotions for Advent shall be posted by the Minister on
a WhatsApp Group called AdventRetreat2018.
If you wish to join this group then do ask the Minister.