Some of my time away was spent at a monastery in Sand Spring, Oklahoma. Actually, it used to be run by the Benedictine nuns, but was sold to a group of locals who are making the “Forrest of Peace” into an ashram and eclectic, contemplative retreat.
Three times a day, six o’clock in the morning, noon, and at six o’clock in the evening, they “sit” for thirty minutes and then have a standard liturgy of native American, Buddhist, and Christian readings. Three days was not long enough, but by the last day, I was beginning to let go of my busy world here and thinking about replenishing and nurturing my spirit.
Then I had three days at the Christian Universalist Association’s first annual conference and three days with one of my spiritual advisers/life coach. In-between I had 5 wonderful days with my nephew Darin and his young family which includes Kelly, his wife, and Jared, 8, and Vanessa, 6.
All in all, I had a great time, and will begin a summer of planning with the worship committee and our new interim music director Darryl Winston. I am grateful for our collaborative ministry.
See you in church, Pastor Lillie