At "The Gathering" -- Part Two
Last night we actually moved from "The Gathering," which as I said is an annual get-together of pastors, to "Soul Fiesta", a spiritual renewal retreat for both clergy and laity. So basically we added a couple of hundred new people and a somewhat different spirit. By that I mean that most (I won't say all) of the pastors see this time as not only a spiritual retreat but also a relaxed time of visiting, enjoying fellowship with friends and a little bit of holiness. The laity who are here have come precisely because they want to be inspired, and so I think the spirit here is now just a tad more serious.
Our Soul Fiesta began with a two-hour worship service, which is certainly not typical of the average United Methodist church, but was a great experience with wonderful music, meaningful liturgy and inspiring preaching. Today, Friday, began with worship (and another fantastic sermon by Trevor Hudson -- I really have to get a copy of it), moved to a variety of workshops, an afternoon worship, another workshop and then yet another worship service in the evening. As I said, this is a spiritual retreat and United Methodist s love to worship!
We finish up tomorrow with a morning worship service, a final workshop and then the big closing worship. I can already say that it has been more than worth the time and effort in what I have learned and been challenged to incorporate into my own spiritial life. I plan to share much more with you in our Harmony Groups and other get-togethers. Hope to see you there.
Blessings,
Steve