Dates: May 1-5, 2023
 
Course Description: “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28–30, MSG

In a busy, hectic world it is often difficult to step away from the schedule life demands and into the rhythms that God invites us. The Center for Lifelong Learning invites you to this Monday-Friday retreat as part of the Certificate in Spiritual Formation.  Embraced by the hospitality of the Benedictine Sisters and our Creator, you are invited to explore the power of stillness, silence, and the unforced rhythms of grace. During the week we will have opportunities to learn more about monastic life and contemplative expressions of prayer. Retreatants are encouraged to attend Lauds and Vespers (morning and evening prayers) as well as participating in a 24-hour period of silence for it is in silence that God often speaks. 

This ecumenical retreat is open to all.  No prior experience at a convent or monastery, or with contemplative prayer, is required. The retreat is a capstone retreat for the Certificate in Spiritual Formation in lieu of a pilgrimage. You do not need to be pursuing the certificate in spiritual formation to attend.
 
Location: Sacred Heart Monastery, Cullman, AL

With: Denise and Michael Moore 

Michael, a retired US Air Force Chaplain and PC(USA) minister and Denise, a Christian Educator, Life Coach, and Ruling Elder (PCUSA) bring a unique combination of ministry experience and passion for faith formation, peacemaking, and social justice. Together they completed the Certificate in Spiritual Formation through Columbia Seminary’s Center for Lifelong Learning and began teaching and leading retreats. Their greatest joys are finding new and creative ways to discover the Divine in the ordinary. Michael regularly bogs at https://scotsirishpadre.blog and Denise occasionally blogs at https://lovetrumps.wordpress.com. Michael is the Interim Pastor at Swift Presbyterian Church.  Denise and Michael currently live in Orange Beach, AL with Stella, the kitty who rescued them.
 
Schedule: The retreat will begin on Monday, May 1 at 5:30 pm with dinner and conclude on Friday, May 5 at noon with lunch.  All times are Central Time. 

Program Fee: $375

Housing and Meals: $420 four nights single occupancy including 12 meals.

Earning CEUs for this course: If you desire to earn a certificate confirming earned CEUs in this course, please contact the Center for Lifelong Learning.

In order to qualify for CEUs in this course you must fulfill the following requirements:

  1. Confirm that you have read the assigned text.
  2. Participated in the full course and all discussions.
  3. Completed any assignments, papers, and projects.
  4. Completed the course evaluation.
  5. Made a formal request for a CEU certificate.