By Adriene B. Wright
I am excited about the upcoming St. Peter's Women's Mini Retreat being held Friday, February 18th, and Saturday, February 19th. Retreats have been a significant part of my spiritual journey and I believe this is an ideal opportunity for the women in our congregation and their friends to participate.
For ages, people have separated themselves from life's daily obligation to seek spiritual renewal. We've sought to replace the busyness with mindfulness and the temporal with the eternal. In choosing to retreat from our normal routines, we seek the presence of our God, and a clearer awareness of our relationship to a Christ-inspired life.
On my journey of Christian faith, I've been blessed to attend many spiritual retreats in rustic and idyllic places, beach resorts, as well as contemporary cosmopolitan areas. Regardless of the setting, retreats have allowed me to listen, reflect, share, and renew my Christian identity in community with others. At every step of my faith journey, retreats have been a refuge for prayer, meditation, inner peace, and Christian renewal.
The past two years have been unprecedented. The impact of the pandemic on our families and society is unlike anything I have experienced in my lifetime. Within my family alone, we've lost my stepfather and long-time friends. We each have our own "lived experiences." Life is rife with circumstances. It is not uncommon to become consumed by our issues such that they dominate our thoughts and actions. We may also overlook others among us who may be coping with unemployment, loneliness, isolation, or changes in financial stability. The effects of ongoing public debates and disagreements over vaccines and masks, and concerns about the safety and protection of our children, schools, and workplaces can be mentally exhausting.
Even with the greatest of wisdom, careful thought, and the best-laid plans, life challenges are inescapable. Perhaps we’re overdue for a fresh reminder that God is bigger than all our fears, plans, and preoccupations.
Susan Yates of Falls Church, Virginia will contextualize our lived experience to the powerful grace of a generous and loving God. In her talks on Discovering a Generous God, Susan will lead us on a journey of re-energizing our faith. Susan has authored numerous publications on Christian life including Risky Faith, her most recent book, and is considered to be one of the most prolific speakers within the Anglican community. Moreover, the St. Peter's Women's Mini-Retreat will also provide opportunities to meet and connect with women we may not know, building community. It will provide an atmosphere to cast away the weights and cares of life through worship and prayer. You can feel free to be transparent in sharing your thoughts and lived experiences in small group discussions, and I certainly do not want to miss this opportunity to experience fellowship with others!
Come and be rejuvenated! Invite a friend and secure your place by registering today at, StPetersFL.com/retreat2022