Recently my family traveled to our beloved Rocky Mountains. For various reasons it was not a typical Colorado vacation. However, as I reflect back there were definite God moments. Like sitting near the cool of a chattering river, vivid magenta and yellow flowers dipping their toes in the clear water. Or, sipping a good cup of coffee, reading Henri Nouwen’s meditations on the Eucharistic life, and breathing in the heady fragrances of the forest.
One day my daughter and I walked Baker Creek Trail. Setting foot on that path, a thick mat of pine needles muffling our footsteps, was like entering the quiet of the cathedral–the holy, heavy hush of the sanctuary. Something larger than ourselves. Something sacred. The more I walked, the more renewed I felt.
I’m in need of more “trail time,” more time in the sanctuary of God’s renewing presence. Its something we all need. And this summer at Trinity Lakeside we’ve been talking about our calling as both sanctuary of rest for the weary and hospital for the wounded. Amidst the pain, loss and anxiety of our world, we are called to be a people of Christ’s peace and rest, presence and quiet hospitality. On our own journey of restoration, walking together as wounded healers. It brings us JOY to make space for the renewal of your soul. Here are a few upcoming opportunities for restoration at Trinity Lakeside Abbey:
1. Monastery Day, Saturday, September 9, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm: This is a peaceful day of silent togetherness and corporate prayer. In the morning and afternoon you have space for personal reflection, prayer-walking and/or optional gardening. Bring your Bible, journal or devotional materials, and lunch (and work gloves if you’d like to garden a bit). There is no charge. See the Pray page for schedule and details.
2. Day Retreat, From Communion to Community to Ministry: Saturday, September 30, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Rev. Markene writes a unique guide and leads us through a day of prayer, reflection (on scripture, art, poetry or nature) and gentle conversation. The fee is $99 and includes a light lunch and retreat materials. See the Retreat page for details or go directly to the Register page to reserve your spot.
4. Shadowlands Grief Recovery Retreat, Saturday, October 14, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Grief and loss are part of life in this world, whether losing someone you love, suffering chronic illness or changing jobs. Whatever the context, grief expert Sharon Fox will guide us in moving from loss to restoration through our hope in Jesus. See the Shadowlands page for details and to register. We hope to see you at the Abbey!
3. Online Evening Prayer + Contemplative Practice: Join us online Wednesdays at 5:00 pm, September 6 through November 15 for Evening Prayer and various contemplative practices such as breath prayer, meditating on an icon of Jesus or visual art. Email Rev. Markene for the Zoom link.