April Guided Silent Retreat

Saturday, April 11 | 9:00am – 2:00pm | The Anchor House | $35

When you were a child, what were your favorite picture books? Do you remember why those were your favorite? Now as an adult – perhaps one who enjoys books with the children in your life – how do the stories land in you? Do they take on a mystical and quality? Do you recognize the Divine Voice?

All literature is an invitation to walk around in someone else’s shoes, to see with someone else’s eye, to take an adventure you might never get to take, to think new thoughts and feel new feelings.  Children’s literature is no different. Using well-chosen words with pristine clarity, the best children’s literature takes us beyond moralism into Mystery.

For this day-long retreat, the sacred text will be children’s picture books. A generous assortment of some of the best in children’s literature throughout the years will be available for you to select, read, listen with your heart, reflect, rest, and respond. It will be a lectio divina of sorts. 

Retreatants can journal about questions like this:

• Where do I find myself in this story?
• How do I feel? What do I remember?
• What is the Holy One’s word for me in this story?
• What is the invitation for me?

All are invited to bring their own favorite picture books to share with others if they so wish. In sum, the invitation of this retreat is to practice simplicity (to let go), humility (to be close to the earth), and obedience (to listen).“…Jesus called over a child, whom he stood in the middle of the room, and said, “I’m telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you’re not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God’s kingdom. What’s more, when you receive the childlike on my account, it’s the same as receiving me.” – Matthew 18:3 The Message

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.