Retreat Agenda  9Nov2022  In PDF Format
Click on the Link Above to download the PDF file which you can print.

St. Paul United Church of Christ, Wapakoneta
Retreat Agenda
(Agenda as of November 9, 2022)

Facilitated by Interim Pastor Mark Bishop
Maria Stein Retreat Center
2365 St Johns Rd, Maria Stein, OH 45860

Friday Evening: November 11, 2022

(NOTE: Mark Vaughn will be there at 4 p.m. before the offices close, you may walk the grounds early if you would like.   No dinner is arranged though.)

Arrive after Dinner – 6:00 p.m. – settle in for those staying over (Mark Vaughn will email your room assignment, just know that they provide most everything.   Bring your toiletries, clothes, and YOU.)

7:30 p.m. – Optional Session: Preparing Ourselves for Reflection and Planning

Scripture: Matthew 11: 28-30   Both a Comfort and a Command

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” NRSV

9:00 – Fellowship

Saturday Agenda: November 12, 2022

8:30 a.m. – Breakfast for those who have stayed overnight

9:00 – Gathering Worship and Contemplation

9:30 – Presentation on Vital growing Mainline Churches – based on the research found in Christianity for the Rest of Us, Diana Butler Bass, 2012   Ten Signposts:

• Hospitality
• Discernment
• Healing
• Contemplation
• Story
• Diversity
• Justice
• Worship
• Reflection
• Beauty

 

10:00 – Break

10:15 – Small Groups “What helps me to feel that I belong in church?” then Sharing Time

10:45 – Small Groups “What traditions and practices, of St Paul (or outside in other places) give you the most hope for the future?” then Sharing Time

11:30 – Individual reflection and writing answers to the 5 Questions below.   (Use separate sheet provided, of course you may get started on this ahead of the retreat.)

12:00 – Lunch

1:00 p.m. – History Wall Exercise

2:00 – Break

2:15 – Appreciative Inquiry

“Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8

1. Reflecting on your entire experience at our church, remember a time when you felt the most engaged, alive, and motivated. Who was involved?   What did you do?   How did it feel?   What happened?
2. When you consider all your experiences at our church, what has contributed most to your spiritual life? What relationships and experiences have been most helpful in fostering the congregation’s relationship with God?   Tell me what has made a difference and how that has happened
3. Don’t be humble; this is important information: What are the most valuable ways you contribute to our church personally—your personality, your perspectives, your skills, your activities, your character? Give me some examples.
4. What do you think is the most important, life-giving characteristic of our church? When we are at our best, what is the single most important value that makes our church unique?
5. What three wishes would God have for the future of our church? Describe what the church would look like as these wishes come true.
6. What are we doing well that we want to continue?
7. What are we doing that we need to improve?
8. What new ventures are we willing to consider to be faithful to God?

 

5:30 – Dinner (and walk the grounds?)

7:00 – Prioritizing our dreams and visions!   What do you have the energy, (passion, inspiration, motivation) to make happen?

NOTE: Saturday participants may, of course, leave as your schedule allows.

8:00 – Evening Worship

 

Sunday Morning Agenda: November 13,2022

(Please NOTE: Pastor Mark and the choir, organist, etc. will be holding 10:15 worship as usual in the St. Paul sanctuary.   Anthony will be leading worship at Maria Stein)

8:30 a.m. – Breakfast

10:15 – Informal WORSHIP at Maria Stein for those who stayed over.   Prayers for the church, people, creation, and the world.

11:00 – depart for home?   Walk the grounds?

 

Retreat Final Agenda   9Nov2022  In PDF Format
Click on the Link Above to download the PDF file which you can print.