Outline
The theme of the Retreat is “Waiting on Christ” centred on Luke 10:38-42, during which we will be exploring the dual importance of having a willing servant heart after the example of Martha and a heart that waits upon Christ’s teaching after the example of Mary. Are you naturally a Mary or are you a Martha? Christ needs you to be both.
The retreat will take place as last year during the last weekend in August in Bielefeld at the home of our very own Mary, Mary Devine our ELCM Chair. The retreat postcode area is (33729 Bielefeld-Milse – Precise address withheld for reasons of privacy until your booking is confirmed). It will run from 0900 hrs on Sat 31st Aug until 1430 hrs after lunch on Sun 1 Sep 2024.
How to get there:
Transport: Tram/SBahn – Stop: Milse (Line 2 – direction Altenhagen)
Train – Bielefeld Hbf and then tram Line 2 – direction Altenhagen
Train – Bielefeld Brake -10 minute walk
Bus Line 30 – Stop Meerwiese – 3 minute walk
Car – Parking for 8 cars
Facilities: Garden/Terrace with seating, Pool, Outdoor/covered eating, outdoor table
Table tennis, Meeting/conference facilities with break out rooms as required,
Shower/changing facilities – please bring towels and sun cream
PLEASE NOTE THAT OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION AT THE RETREAT VENUE IS NOT POSSIBLE
Booking.com is a great place to look for accommodation ideas.
COST
The retreat itself is free, but a small charge per-person will be made only to cover catering.
HOW TO BOOK?
The booking form can be found at: https://forms.office.com/r/yDp1WFgEEn
Programme
DETAILED PROGRAMME STILL BEING DEVELOPED
09:00 hrs – Refreshments on arrival
09:30 hrs Welcome brief – Chapel room
Session 1: 10:00 hrs – 1100 hrs – The home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus in Bethany (The importance and aim of making a retreat)
Film clip from “The Chosen”
Refreshments: 1100 hrs-1130 hrs
Session 2: 1130 hrs – Being a Martha – Martha on Trial – (Waiting on Christ as Practical Christian Service)
Bring and share Lunch: 1230 hrs – 1330 hrs
Session 3: 1400 hrs – Being a Mary – Mary on trial (Waiting on Christ as reflective listening)
1430 hrs – 1600 hrs: Reflective prayer and spiritual food / Relaxation
Relax: Reading / Swimming
1600 hrs: Refreshments
Session 4: 1700 hrs Jesus on trial by Mary and Martha (the challenge of unanswered prayer)
19:00 hrs BBQ Buffet with vegetarian option
Fellowship and relaxing
21:00 hrs – Compline / Night Prayer – Chapel Room:
Session 5: Sunday Service
From 09:45 hrs Refreshments
10:30 hrs Session 5: Sunday Service with Holy Communion
“Waiting on Christ” Martha as Martha, Mary as Mary and Jesus as Jesus
Bible Bingo
13:00 hrs – Lunch
From (14:30 hrs) clear and free to depart
What to bring?
– a Bible
– a pen
– shoes for walking (all paved pathways), waterproof/umbrella/sunscreen,swimmers and towel if desired
– cash to cover catering costs of retreat – if you are attending both days, cost will be roughly x, Saturday only x, Sunday only, then cost will be x.
– any alcohol/drinks for your own consumption – we will label and keep cool. Still and sparkling water will be provided throughout.
if possible–
– a folding chair
– Games ideas for games – activities outdoor /indoor and/or a musical instrument that you can play
There is parking for up to 5 cars in front of the venue and up to 3 on the driveway. Additional parking is available on the edge of the uneven cobbled part of the street before you get to the house.