Beside Still Waters T ESTIMONIAL : PHIL PROTHERO - Leaning into Life with Childlike Adventure SEPTEMBER 2016 Issue Theme: Growing in Grace with Jesus I once knew a sensitive, imaginative little boy who loved adventure. Surrounded by creeks, forest, fields, and a riverbank where new treasures would wash ashore, the boy and his dog spent countless hours exploring and playing. As he grew into a man, he pursued the American dream: college, marriage, and his career. By middle age, the accumulated stresses from medical challenges, addiction, a mortgage, lack of retirement saving, depression, and spiritual emptiness had buried his adventurous heart. I came to my first Ignatian Prayer retreat in 2013 as this burned out, broken man. I spent that year opening my heart to receive God’s love. When I repeated the retreat in 2014, I was more able to quiet my internal voices and listen with an open heart to God’s voice. In my third year of the Ignatian retreat, I sensed God calling me to participate in an intensive equine therapy experience in the mountains of Montana. This calling terrified me as it was far outside my comfort level and thus beyond the limits of my ability to control. Fearfully, I followed the call and the adventure was exactly what it needed to be. At the end of the week, I rode my horse out of the mountains, having rediscovered my childlike, adventurous heart, which had gotten lost in my attempt to make life work on my terms. In Montana, what I learned restored my life. • My need for control doesn’t leave much room for God’s direction. • My spiritual gifts emanate from my child like sensitive and adventurous heart. • The path God chooses to lead me to his green pastures may look nothing like what I imagined. • God knows what he’s doing, thus fear is irrelevant. Trust God’s process! The Ignatian prayer retreats helped me quiet and open my heart to God’s quiet voice. With an open heart I’m more able to fully own and accept God’s truth that he loves me beyond measure. And with God’s love as my foundation, I am free to be his beloved child, trusting his provision and care, while leaning into life with my childlike adventurous, sensitive, and imaginative heart as my gifts. Adventure awaits! Rest for your Soul “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:3 5-MONTH GUIDED PRAYER RETREAT 2017 This retreat introduces us to the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola (16th century). They help us to engage in a regular practice of “time apart with God” while going about our everyday lives. Through these prayer practices, we grow in our ability to be attentive and aware of God’s presence and to listen to God speak into our lives. “and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.” — John 10:4 DATES/TIMES of the 5-MONTH RETREAT Saturday January 14, 2017 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Saturday February 11, 2017 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Saturday March 11, 2017 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Saturday April 8, 2017 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Saturday May 13, 2017 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Wrap-up session (optional) Saturday June 3, 2017 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Facilitators: Rev. Denise Easter, Rev. Dianna Kunce, and Rev. Dr. Bob Slater Location: All located at St Mary on-the-Lake in Bellevue For Information & Registration: Visit www.renewalminnw.org or call 425-361-7953 I N T HIS I SSUE PAGE 1: Phil Prothero’s Story PAGE 2 & 3 RMNW staff share inspirational practices PAGE 4 Upcoming Events!
Transcript
Beside StillWatersWatersWatersWaters
T E S T I M O N I A L :
PHIL PROTHERO - Leaning into Life with Childlike Adventure
INVITATION TO RENEWAL
Payable to: Renewal Ministries NorthwestPO Box 12243 Mill Creek, WA 98082——————————[email protected]
A confirmation letter with directions will be sent.
S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 6
I s s u e T h e m e : G r o w i n g i n G r a c e w i t h J e s u s
I once knew a sensitive, imaginative little
boy who loved adventure. Surrounded by
creeks, forest, fields, and a riverbank where
new treasures would wash ashore, the boy
and his dog spent countless hours exploring
and playing. As he grew into a man, he
pursued the American dream: college,
marriage, and his career. By middle age,
the accumulated stresses from medical
challenges, addiction, a mortgage, lack of
retirement saving, depression, and
spiritual emptiness had buried his
adventurous heart.
I came to my first Ignatian Prayer retreat in
2013 as this burned out, broken man. I spent
that year opening my heart to receive God’s
love. When I repeated the retreat in 2014,
I was more able to quiet my internal voices
and listen with an open heart to God’s voice.
In my third year of the Ignatian retreat, I
sensed God calling me to participate in an
intensive equine therapy experience in the
mountains of Montana. This calling terrified
me as it was far outside my comfort level
and thus beyond the limits of my ability to
control. Fearfully, I followed the call and the
adventure was exactly what it needed to
be. At the end of the week, I rode my horse
out of the mountains, having rediscovered
my childlike, adventurous heart, which had
gotten lost in my attempt to make life work
on my terms. In Montana, what I learned
restored my life.
• My need for control doesn’t leave much
room for God’s direction.
• My spiritual gifts emanate from my child
like sensitive and adventurous heart.
• The path God chooses to lead me to his
green pastures may look nothing like
what I imagined.
• God knows what he’s doing, thus fear is
irrelevant. Trust God’s process!
The Ignatian prayer retreats helped me quiet
and open my heart to God’s quiet voice.
With an open heart I’m more able to fully
own and accept God’s truth that he loves me
beyond measure. And with God’s love as my
foundation, I am free to be his beloved child,
trusting his provision and care, while
leaning into life with my childlike
adventurous, sensitive, and imaginative
heart as my gifts. Adventure awaits!
Rest for your Soul
Newsletter by SaraLarsonDesign.com and CoxPrintingandSigns.com 425-361-7953 • [email protected] • www.renewalminnw.org
E V E N T S Y O U D O N ’ T W A N T TO M I S S !
F E B R U A R Y 2 1 - 2 3 , 2 0 1 7J U N E 2 0 - 2 2 , 2 0 1 7
N O V E M B E R 1 3 - 1 5 , 2 0 1 7
Visit www.renewalminnw.org for detailed program and registration information.
S U N D A Y
O C T O B E R 2 , 2 0 1 65 : 3 0 - 8 : 0 0 P. M .
Beside Still Waters“Stories of Prayer and Renewal”
Come and enjoy hors d’oevres,
delectable desserts and special
live music (no host-bar)
Location: Mill Creek Country Club RSVP by Sept. 20 at [email protected] | 425.361.7953
Stories of Prayer and Renewal
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2016
S A T U R D A Y
N O V E M B E R 1 2 , 2 0 1 6 9 : 0 0 A . M . - 3 : 3 0 P. M .
A Day of Renewal in the Lord’s PrayerSpeaker: Rev. Darrell Johnson “57 Words that Change the World”
(includes Sunday November 13 – Preaching at North Creek Presbyterian 9:00 and 11:00)
Cost: $25 (lunch provided)Co-sponsored with and located at North Creek Presbyterian Church in Mill Creek - See registration form below.
“Truly I tell you, unless you change and
become like little children, you will never
enter the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:3
A unique one-year experience designed exclusively to nourish pastors at the
deepest levels of their souls
S A T U R D A Y
O C T O B E R 1 5 , 2 0 1 6 9 : 0 0 - 1 2 : 3 0
Fall Prayer Retreat:
Faith Under PressureFacilitators: Rev(s) Denise Easter
and Dianna Kunce
Location: North Creek Presbyterian Church
Cost: $30 (snacks included)
“…do not be dismayed, for I am your God.” – Isaiah 41:10
Faith under pressure can lead discouragement
and weakened trust in God. Come to this
prayer retreat and allow yourself to sit at
the feet of Jesus, the One who has been
tested as we are. Bring your questions,
doubts, and longings to him. We will lead
you in Scripturally-based prayer exercises
to help you listen and hear! S U N D A Y
D E C E M B E R 4 , 2 0 1 6 7 : 3 0 P. M .
A Celtic Christmaswith Brian Dunning (�ute & whistles), Je� Johnson (keys & Vocal) & Wendy Goodwin (violin)
Co-sponsored with and Located:
Bethany Presbyterian Church
For tickets: Call 206.284.2222 or
go to www.bethanypc.org
5-MONTH GUIDED PRAYER RETREAT 2017This retreat introduces us to the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola (16th century). They help us to engage in a regular practice of “time apart with God” while going about our everyday lives. Through these prayer practices, we grow in our ability to be attentive and aware of God’s presence and to listen to God speak into our lives.
“and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.”
— John 10:4
DATES/TIMES of the 5- MONTH RETREAT
Saturday January 14, 2017 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.Saturday February 11, 2017 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Saturday March 11, 2017 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Saturday April 8, 2017 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Saturday May 13, 2017 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Wrap-up session (optional)Saturday June 3, 2017 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Facilitators: Rev. Denise Easter, Rev. Dianna Kunce, and Rev. Dr. Bob Slater
Location: All located at St Mary on-the-Lake in Bellevue
For Information & Registration: Visit www.renewalminnw.org or call 425-361-7953
Special Food Needs: ____________________________________________________
q October 15 - “Faith Under Pressure” - $30q November 12 - “Day of Renewal in The Lord’s Prayer” - $25q December 10 - “Advent Retreat” - $50
q Enclosed is my $10 deposit to reserve my place.q I am paying in full.
S A T U R D A Y
D E C E M B E R 1 0 , 2 0 1 6 9 : 0 0 A . M . - 1 2 : 3 0
Advent Prayer Retreat “An Exercise in Walking in the Dark”
Facilitator: Rev. Kim Crispeno
Location: Peace and Spirituality Center
Cost: $50 (includes snacks)
What are we about at Renewal Ministries? We engage people
in spiritual practices leading to deeper relationship with Jesus that
refresh their souls, renew their spiritual vitality, and encourage them
to participate with Jesus in transforming the world. We hope these
Spiritual Practices, shared by a few of our staff, will inspire you as you
grow in grace with Jesus. Also, we hope you will join us for a time of
spiritual renewal at our upcoming events this Fall (see back panel).
REVIEWING MY DAY WITH GOD – The Prayer of ExamenR E V. D I A N N A K U N C E
The Prayer of Examen has had a profound impact on my prayer life. It is rooted in Scripture and was developed by Ignatius of Loyola (16th century). He is known
for his teachings on spiritual discernment. It’s the ability to identify the “movements of spirits” in both the joy and sorrow of daily life. We consider what leads us away from God and what leads us closer to God. Using the Examen, we grow in our awareness of God’s presence and work through the Spirit of Christ.
Often, I begin my times of prayer with the Examen. Trusting in God’s love, I ask God to guide me as I review my day. I see how God graced me with unconditional love, spiritual gifts, protection, and guidance. And I assess my response to circumstances that “tested” my trust in God’s love and goodness. I look for what may have pulled me away from God.
WELCOMING PRAYERREV. KIMBERLY CRISPENO
Recent months have found me spending a lot of time with a prayer called The Welcoming Prayer. It has revealed itself as a powerful way for me to get in touch with what is really going on inside me in relation to particular situations where I find myself struggling. It helps me
identity the ways I am grabbing for control, security and approval and refusing to open myself to God’s loving presence and action. A great place to learn more about this prayer:
MEETING GOD IN WORDLESS STILLNESS REV. DR. ROBERT E. SLATER
I was raised in a church where silence was never linked with prayer. Our prayers were always contained in words that joined us together in worship or asked Divine Presence
for some gift, healing or guidance. These prayer-words could vary from those that came spontaneously in a simple prayer service to the more elaborate, formal ones used around the Sacraments. In this season of my life there is another, equally important, way of praying in which I am silent before the Creator simply listening instead of crafting words to speak.
In 2007 I was on sabbatical & had the opportunity to spend a week with the contemplative community in Taize, France. After those days of meditative singing in worship & long periods of silence in the
CONNEC TING OUR INNER AND OUTER WORLDSR E V. D E N I S E E A S T E R
The writer of the book of Hebrews gifted us with an accounting of many “giants of the faith.” Eugene Peterson translates the final two verses of chapter 11 in The Message this way:
“Not one of these people, even though their
lives of faith were exemplary got their hands
on what was promised. God had a better
plan for us: that their lives of faith and our
faith would come together to make one
completed whole, their lives of faith not
complete apart from ours.”
While what we do in this life is important, I think these faith-filled people and the many who have come after them, help us to see that our tasks in life will not amount to much at all if we are not also just as committed to our inner worlds. This is a great gift we can pass on to future generations!
In his book, “Let My People Go with Martin Luther King Jr.,” Charles Ringma points out that it is important that we live in such a way that we can say: “I take my work and service so seriously that I commit myself to fervent prayer.” One way we can learn to do this is through those who have come before us and set their eyes on the Lord. Through that commitment, their faith and trust have gone deep. Charles Ringma was one of my favorite professors of Christian Spirituality at Regent College. He has written meditational readers that provide short scripture references, a quote from a person of deep faith from the 20th Century and a reflecton/prayer to accompany their quote. It has been such an encouraging experience for me to spend time in this way with Henri Nouwen, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Mother Teresa, Thomas Merton, Martin Luther King Jr., and Jacques Ellul. Here is a brief example from his book “Seize the Day with Dietrich Bonhoeffer”: March 4
The Priority of PrayerPsalm 88:13
“Wasted time which we are ashamed of,
temptations that beset us, weakness and
listlessness in our work, disorder and indiscipline
in our thinking and our relations with other
people very frequently have their cause in neglect
of the morning prayer. The organization and
distribution of our time will be better for
having been rooted in prayer.” – Life Together
The Examen also helps me discern God’s direction for my daily decisions, especially where God is calling me to serve others.
How to use the Prayer of Examen: Trusting in God’s love for you, invite the Holy Spirit to guide your prayer. Review each part of your day. Consider the various feelings you have around those times and how you responded to God. Choose the questions that work best for you.
• What do I have to be grateful to God for today? I thank God for the graces given What was I ungrateful for? What is my prayer to God? • Where today did I feel drawn to God and where was I drawn away from God? What may or may not lead me toward or away from God now? • What stood out in my day as causing me the greatest joy and the greatest sorrow? How was God present with me in this? • Did I meet my commitments (to God, myself, others) and how can I ensure I will do this in the days to come? How is God leading me forward now? • Is there something in my day for which I need forgiveness from God, myself, or others? I seek God’s grace and assurance of forgiveness.
Recommended Resources: The Examen Prayer – Ignatian Wisdom for our Lives, Timothy M. GallagherOn-line resource: Jesuit Missions Monthly Prayer Pages (downloadable) www.jesuitmissions.org.uk
countryside of France I traveled to Paris on a Saturday morning. The next day, Sunday, I worshiped at the American Church in Paris. The service was conducted with skill yet I was stunned how bombarded I felt by all the “wordiness.” They were hindering my silent, deeper-than-words encounter with God. Since then I have found my praying to be less about words & more about seeking a wordless stillness where I can become open to the divine reality beyond myself.
Recommended Reading: The Other Side of Silence – Meditation for the Twenty-First Century by Morton Kelsey; Space for God – The Study & Practice of Prayer & Spirituality by Don Postema
Prayer is the time to be still. It is a way to reflect. It is time to be honest. It is the time for confession. It is the way by which we may seek God’s help, wisdom, and strength…
ThoughtFor the busy person, prayer is never an option that can be dispensed with, but the source of power and perseverance.
Recommended Reading: Charles Ringma Meditational Readings on Giants of the Faith (see books mentioned in this article)
Sacred Space – Your Daily Prayer On-lineMake a ‘Sacred Space’ in your day, praying
PHIL PROTHERO - Leaning into Life with Childlike Adventure
INVITATION TO RENEWAL
Payable to: Renewal Ministries NorthwestPO Box 12243 Mill Creek, WA 98082——————————[email protected]
A confirmation letter with directions will be sent.
S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 6
I s s u e T h e m e : G r o w i n g i n G r a c e w i t h J e s u s
I once knew a sensitive, imaginative little
boy who loved adventure. Surrounded by
creeks, forest, fields, and a riverbank where
new treasures would wash ashore, the boy
and his dog spent countless hours exploring
and playing. As he grew into a man, he
pursued the American dream: college,
marriage, and his career. By middle age,
the accumulated stresses from medical
challenges, addiction, a mortgage, lack of
retirement saving, depression, and
spiritual emptiness had buried his
adventurous heart.
I came to my first Ignatian Prayer retreat in
2013 as this burned out, broken man. I spent
that year opening my heart to receive God’s
love. When I repeated the retreat in 2014,
I was more able to quiet my internal voices
and listen with an open heart to God’s voice.
In my third year of the Ignatian retreat, I
sensed God calling me to participate in an
intensive equine therapy experience in the
mountains of Montana. This calling terrified
me as it was far outside my comfort level
and thus beyond the limits of my ability to
control. Fearfully, I followed the call and the
adventure was exactly what it needed to
be. At the end of the week, I rode my horse
out of the mountains, having rediscovered
my childlike, adventurous heart, which had
gotten lost in my attempt to make life work
on my terms. In Montana, what I learned
restored my life.
• My need for control doesn’t leave much
room for God’s direction.
• My spiritual gifts emanate from my child
like sensitive and adventurous heart.
• The path God chooses to lead me to his
green pastures may look nothing like
what I imagined.
• God knows what he’s doing, thus fear is
irrelevant. Trust God’s process!
The Ignatian prayer retreats helped me quiet
and open my heart to God’s quiet voice.
With an open heart I’m more able to fully
own and accept God’s truth that he loves me
beyond measure. And with God’s love as my
foundation, I am free to be his beloved child,
trusting his provision and care, while
leaning into life with my childlike
adventurous, sensitive, and imaginative
heart as my gifts. Adventure awaits!
Rest for your Soul
Newsletter by SaraLarsonDesign.com and CoxPrintingandSigns.com 425-361-7953 • [email protected] • www.renewalminnw.org
E V E N T S Y O U D O N ’ T W A N T TO M I S S !
F E B R U A R Y 2 1 - 2 3 , 2 0 1 7J U N E 2 0 - 2 2 , 2 0 1 7
N O V E M B E R 1 3 - 1 5 , 2 0 1 7
Visit www.renewalminnw.org for detailed program and registration information.
S U N D A Y O C T O B E R 2 , 2 0 1 65 : 3 0 - 8 : 0 0 P. M . Beside Still Waters“Stories of Prayer and Renewal”
Come and enjoy hors d’oevres,
delectable desserts and special
live music (no host-bar)
Location: Mill Creek Country Club RSVP by Sept. 20 at [email protected] | 425.361.7953
Stories of Prayer and Renewal
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2016
BE STILL
S A T U R D A Y N O V E M B E R 1 2 , 2 0 1 6 9 : 0 0 A . M . - 3 : 3 0 P. M . A Day of Renewal in the Lord’s PrayerSpeaker: Rev. Darrell Johnson “57 Words that Change the World”
(includes Sunday November 13 – Preaching at North Creek Presbyterian 9:00 and 11:00)
Cost: $25 (lunch provided)Co-sponsored with and located at North Creek Presbyterian Church in Mill Creek - See registration form below.
“Truly I tell you, unless you change and
become like little children, you will never
enter the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:3
A unique one-year experience designed exclusively to nourish pastors at the
deepest levels of their souls
S A T U R D A Y O C T O B E R 1 5 , 2 0 1 6 9 : 0 0 - 1 2 : 3 0
Fall Prayer Retreat:
Faith Under PressureFacilitators: Rev(s) Denise Easter
and Dianna Kunce
Location: North Creek Presbyterian Church
Cost: $30 (snacks included)
“…do not be dismayed, for I am your God.” – Isaiah 41:10
Faith under pressure can lead discouragement
and weakened trust in God. Come to this
prayer retreat and allow yourself to sit at
the feet of Jesus, the One who has been
tested as we are. Bring your questions,
doubts, and longings to him. We will lead
you in Scripturally-based prayer exercises
to help you listen and hear! S U N D A Y
D E C E M B E R 4 , 2 0 1 6 7 : 3 0 P. M .
A Celtic Christmaswith Brian Dunning (�ute & whistles), Je� Johnson (keys & Vocal) & Wendy Goodwin (violin)
Co-sponsored with and Located:
Bethany Presbyterian Church
For tickets: Call 206.284.2222 or
go to www.bethanypc.org
5-MONTH GUIDED PRAYER RETREAT 2017This retreat introduces us to the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola (16th century). They help us to engage in a regular practice of “time apart with God” while going about our everyday lives. Through these prayer practices, we grow in our ability to be attentive and aware of God’s presence and to listen to God speak into our lives.
“and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.”
— John 10:4
DATES/TIMES of the 5- MONTH RETREAT
Saturday January 14, 2017 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.Saturday February 11, 2017 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Saturday March 11, 2017 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Saturday April 8, 2017 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Saturday May 13, 2017 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Wrap-up session (optional)Saturday June 3, 2017 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Facilitators: Rev. Denise Easter, Rev. Dianna Kunce, and Rev. Dr. Bob Slater
Location: All located at St Mary on-the-Lake in Bellevue
For Information & Registration: Visit www.renewalminnw.org or call 425-361-7953
