August tends to be a month of transition, as those of us on a school schedule get ready for a new year. There is the saying goodbye to slow summer days, the preparation for new beginnings, and the welcome relief of routine and rhythms.Â
With that in mind, we will spend this month holding two paradoxical ways of living together: action and contemplation. At first glance they seem to be opposed, but they have a symbiotic relationship. In contemplation we pause to be still, be held, be loved, and from that place we go back out into the active world and live and move. Energized by the Spirit we serve and give away the love we have been given. With that in mind, lets see what's happening in August!
Mid August, the BFR team will be doing just that while traveling to Kenya and holding these two values as they go. They will be serving our global side of BFR through hosting a camp for their students to draw them closer to God. These kids come from some of the most impoverished areas in Kenya and over the last 15 years, they have formed this beautiful family together. At Ignite camp (for elementary-high school age) and Blaze (college-age and young professionals) these bonds forge stronger and they are able to dive deeper and intentionally into their struggles and pains, while also empowering them to live a life on fire for God in their communities. You can learn more about our global side by CLICKING HERE
Our monthly Content Conversations Webinar on August 29th will be a chance for Britney Christie and Lacey Stluka to share and teach about what it was like to experience contemplation and action all the way across the world. They will give practical guidance on how to incorporate both of these essentials in your everyday life. REGISTER HERE
Working backwards on the calendar, we will have Somatic Integration with Dr. Kevin Shelby and Allison Bradsher offered on the evening of Tuesday, August 27th. This teaching will build on the foundational pieces taught in the somatic 101 workshop, but is not required to have attended for this offering. REGISTER HERE
We will host our monthly silent retreat on Thursday, August 15th! Do not miss the chance to send your kids back to school, catch your breath, and enjoy some silence with the Lord! REGISTER HERE
Lastly, we will have two open hours dates this month: Friday the 9th and Monday the 19th. As always, this is a chance to come enjoy the grounds of The Retreat House with no cost and no registration. Carve out some time to read, journal, pray, or paint, and put these opportunities on your calendar.Â
If you would like to schedule a private retreat for a group of friends, a staff, or maybe kick off the new year with your Bible study group, we would love to facilitate that for you! Cabin stays are also a beautiful way to step away from your roles and soak up the quiet and clarity of time in the woods.Â
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