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Ready, Set, Go!

I just returned from a discernment retreat in Richmond, Virginia. The purpose of the retreat was for people who are thinking about going into ministry full time to understand the process of the Episcopal Church to figure out where God is really calling each of us. It was an incredibly informative weekend with a great balance between information about the process and getting able to experience some of the practices I'll be using as I go through the process.

For example, we spent Saturday morning getting a whole bunch of paper and walking through exactly what the different options are and how you go through the process to be a lay leader, deacon or a priest (the presentation included what each of those means, thank goodness). Then the afternoon was all about silence and beginning to get our minds in line with individual prayer with God to hear his calling (essentially what He wants us to do) for us. Sunday was more information about what to do over the next few months, followed up with a group discussion where we have some problem and an interesting way to find clarification and a solution. Essentially we have our problem, tell the group, and then the group can only ask questions to help me clarify what I'm thinking and what god's saying. It's pretty hard not to give advice.

All in all though, it was an amazing weekend, and I even missed huge technical problems at church, though my wife says if I'd been around they never would have happened. She's so supportive… Except she really bases it on superstition and not my own technical skill.

And now that it's over I've not got a title. I'm a seeker (unfortunately not one of those cool ones who fly around trying to catch snitches). I've officially heard the gun fire and I can work with our church community what God has planned for the rest of my life. I left that retreat with the incredibly strong sense of…

Ready…

Set…

GO!

Comments

Anonymous said…
Very Cool, Good Luck!!
Did you see mcGreevy where you were at?
May 14, 2007 at 4:49:00 PM EDT
Anonymous said…
Pretty interesting. Are you on a path now, or is it just for information and you are thinking about what to do next?

I hope you waved at us when you travelled down 95. :)
May 15, 2007 at 9:25:00 AM EDT
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