It was a great blessing to spend the weekend with this fine group of pastors, chaplains, and spouses.
Central Plains Leaders’ Retreat
As with most retreats, I received far more than I had to offer, and on my return flight, I counted my blessings: the peaceful setting of St. Benedict Center in Schuyler (pronounced Skyler), Nebraska,
Facing the lake
a weekend schedule with plenty of time to pause between and after sessions for conversation, browsing in the gift shop, book signing, snacking, reading, napping, and quiet contemplation,
Stoles, vestments, and icons just outside the gift shop
good food and interaction over mealtimes,
Mine is the empty chair
worship in the chapel,
and in the outdoor amphitheatre,
Gathering for worship
a visual feast with art work both indoors and outdoors.
At the entrance. Notice the small table on the right with a lit candle–there is also a sign flat on the table that says “This candle burns for peace.”
This was a wonderful setting for a Sacred Pauses retreat, and for my three sessions: The Power of Pausing, Pausing Alone and Together, Pausing as a Way of Life.
Thank you to Tim Detweiler and Susan Janzen of the Central Plains Mennonite Conference for inviting me and to everyone who gathered. It was a privilege to pause with you, and I pray that you returned home refreshed.
