18th Annual MSA Celtic Prayer Retreat August 14, 2009

Restore the Rhythm * Rebuild the Soul * Renew the Call

There are times when we need space. . .
space to breath, hear and respond,
space for transformation and renewed clarity in our lives.
Join us on a wild piece of land on Camano Island for our annual Celtic prayer retreat. We will set aside the busy clutter in our lives and greet a quiet space for prayer and renewal.

Following the Celtic Christian tradition, this retreat will incorporate the rhythms of work and rest, community and solitude, prayer and biblical study. Throughout the day, we will meditate on Scripture and listen for the movement of the Spirit on forested prayer trails or in the wood-rimmed labyrinth. We will spend time together for worship at the Eucharist service, a potluck lunch and BBQ dinner, and fellowship around the fire pit. Truly, this will be a spiritual retreat to restore rhythm in our lives, rebuild our souls and renew our call to go out into the world.

This year's theme is "Rhythms of the Kingdom." Jeff Greer will lead us in worship, and Ryan Marsh will serve the Eucharist. There will also be a separate children's program for kids 5 to 12 years old during some of the morning and afternoon sessions, but we will all be together to prepare the altar and for the Eucharist service. Besides stinging nettles, the land is a very safe environment for kids.
Note: Registration fees do no cover the cost of this event. If you would like to sponsor another attendee or make an additional contribution, email us at mail@msainfo.org.

SCHEDULE
Friday, Aug. 14 Program (optional):
afternoon | preparing the land for visitors (light manual labor)
dinner | bring your own food
evening | Compline: Evening Prayers
Saturday, Aug. 15 Program:
6:00 am | Morning bike ride (bring a bike and join Tom Norwood for a jaunt around the island)
before breakfast | Morning Prayers (for those staying Friday night)
10:00 am | Registration and Gathering
10:30 am | Preparing the Altar
11:00 am | Lectio Divina
12:30 pm | Potluck Lunch (bring something to share)
1:30 pm | Silent Prayer and Meditation
3:30 pm | Eucharist Service
5:30 pm | BBQ Dinner: The Great Shared Feast (bring something to grill)
Sunday, Aug. 16 Program (optional):
breakfast | bring your own food
morning | Morning Prayers, clean up the land
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What to bring for Saturday:
1. Bible and journal
2. Camp chair or blanket for worship times
3. Shoes for hiking
4. Recycleable or reusable eating utensils
5. Dessert, salad or pasta dish for the potluck lunch
6. Something to grill for dinner
7. Extra water
8. Rain jacket, just in case
If you would like to come up for the whole weekend, you are very welcome, but keep in mind that the land is completely undeveloped. Bring:
1. Tent
2. Sleeping bag
3. Plenty of water
4. Food for Friday evening and Saturday and Sunday mornings
5. There is a port-a-potty on the land
Start praying now for good weather!

Official Website: http://msainfo.org/articles/msas-18th-annual-celtic-prayer-retreat