Event Type 2: Silent Retreat

For December’s Guided Silent Retreat we will explore themes from the overlooked people and stories that come from The Protoevangelium (“First Good News”) of James. This is a very ancient Infancy Gospel that explores the early life of Mary and the birth of Jesus. It is the earliest fully intact Gospel ever found, and it had a tremendous influence on the early church’s understanding of Mary and Jesus, as well as has influenced much of the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox iconography. Our Advent theme this year is “Overlooked,” and we will explore some of the overlooked persons from the Christmas story, e.g. Elizabeth, Herod, Joseph, and the midwife. Find out all about her at our retreat.

The retreat will begin with a brief introduction and major themes of this ancient text. Then, we will descend into a time of group centering prayer. Afterwards, you will receive a full copy of The Protoevangelium as well as other readings around Advent. You will be free to use the day as you wish – reading the texts or doing your own reading and praying. There will be plenty of time for reading and reflection, prayerful walking, and space for prayerful art. Participants will receive handouts with readings, prayers for use as lectio divina as well as reflective questions. 

The cost of the Retreat is $25 and includes the price of lunch.  We don’t want anyone to miss out because of pricing. Contact Haley for information on scholarships at hbrown@chapelwood.org.

The word “epiphany” means “manifestation.” Often this Day is set aside to remember how Christ was “manifested” or revealed to the magi as representative of Gentiles (or non-Jews). But what if this was not the original meaning of the “wise ones from the East” who opened their three treasures and offered them to the Anointed Child? In our January Guided Silent Retreat, after a time of Centering, Michael will give a short presentation on the ancient as well as the inner meaning of the treasures of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Much of the symbolism has been lost but, once seen, will deepen your understanding and experience of this day and how it helps us to both receive and embody grace. As a part of this day, participants will experience anointing with holy oil. The day will have plenty of time for silence and will end with a contemplative communion together.

You will be free to use the day as you wish – reading the texts or doing your own reading and praying. There will be plenty of time for reading and reflection, prayerful walking, and space for prayerful art. Participants will receive handouts with readings, prayers for use as lectio divina as well as reflective questions. 

The cost of the retreat is $20 and includes the price of lunch.  We don’t want anyone to miss out because of pricing. Contact Haley for information on scholarships at hbrown@chapelwood.org.

We will begin at 9:00 am  with a gathering time of Morning Prayer and Introduction to prayer beads as a contemplative practice. This prayer tool can be especially helpful and centering as we move into and through the season of Lent, which begins on February 14. After Morning Prayer and the Introduction, we will then give you some instructions and guidance in creating your very own set of traditional “Protestant Prayer Beads”. We will have a dedicated “workshop” space where you will be able to craft these from the materials we provide for you. 

You will be free to use the day as you wish – reading the texts or doing your own reading and praying. There will be plenty of time for reading and reflection, prayerful walking, and space for prayerful art. Participants will receive handouts with readings, prayers for use as lectio divina as well as reflective questions. 

The cost of the retreat is $35 and includes the price of lunch, one set of prayer beads, and a little booklet of liturgies and templates you can use with your prayer beads. 

We don’t want anyone to miss out because of pricing. Contact Haley for information on scholarships at hbrown@chapelwood.org.

The Stations of the Cross began as a remembrance that pilgrims had when they were retracing Jesus’ finals steps in Jerusalem up to the hill where He was crucified. Wanting to share that practice and experience with people who couldn’t make the trip to Jerusalem, they created local stations of meditation that became in itself a tradition. You can find this tradition on the inside of many churches still today. At this guided silent retreat participants will be able to reflect on this journey through meditations, scripture and artwork from Scott Erickson.

You will be free to use the day as you wish – reading the texts or doing your own reading and praying. There will be plenty of time for reading and reflection, prayerful walking, and space for prayerful art. Participants will receive handouts with readings, prayers for use as lectio divina as well as reflective questions. 

The cost of the retreat is $35 and includes the price of lunch.  We don’t want anyone to miss out because of pricing. Contact Haley for information on scholarships at hbrown@chapelwood.org.