Advent Retreat: Hymns for Singing and Reflection
Advent Retreat: Hymns for Singing and Reflection
Advent is the first liturgical season of the Christian year starting this year on November 29. The focus of this season is on the ancient expectation of the coming of the Messiah; the coming of Jesus into our lives anew at each Christmas; and the need to be alert to the second coming of Jesus. Advent is a time of waiting, watching, anticipating and preparing for the coming of Jesus.
Advent is a time to rethink one’s priorities; a time to seek God’s forgiveness and the forgiveness of friends and family for hurtful words and actions; a time to look for the image of Christ in each person we meet; and a time of anticipating/experiencing God’s surprises in our lives. Both penitence and hope are found in the scriptures and hymns related to the season.
On Saturday, November 7, 9:00 am-3:30 pm at Scarritt-Bennett Center a retreat will be held to assist in our preparation and celebration of Advent and Christmas. It will be a day filled with spirit-led singing coupled with silent, prayerful meditation and reflection. Using old and new hymns from a variety of communities, we will lift our voices together in song before taking time to reflect, read, write, and pray on specific hymns that fills with sacred hope during this season of expectation.
Registration fee is $50 which includes lunch. Registration can be done on line at scarrittbennett.org/event/advent-hymn-sing-a-retreat-in-song-and-prayer/ or by calling 615-340-7557.
I hope you can join us for this retreat. As you think about attending, please join me in this prayer: Lord, we are waiting for your coming. Our world appears dark, but we know you bring us light. For the fractures and broken parts of our lives, we know you bring healing and reconciliation. Our nation appears to be floundering, looking for direction, but we know you bring wisdom equity, and justice. Remind us that your Spirit opens wide not only doors, but also hearts and minds. God, you are in our midst. We will be alert and watchful as we wait for God’s promised redemption this Advent. Amen
Joyce D. Sohl, Laywoman-in-Residence