I'm Shaped by 20 Years of Retreat Habits
Rev. Jacki Belile
www.livingwellministries.net
I hope this will give you a sense of the ways spiritual retreats have shaped me over the last twenty years.
TOPICAL RETREATS (2000-present)
Gatherings as individuals -- either unaffiliated or from one or more church -- to explore a common theme
A Few Examples of Topics I’ve Led (vs. attended) for eleven faith communities since 2000:
A Flourishing Life: Living the Serenity Prayer
Finding Our Wisdom: A Retreat for Older Adults
Savoring Spring: A Church Visioning Retreat
Befriending the Bible: A Retreat for LGBT Christians Seeking Peace w/ God
Forgiveness: Freedom for a Flourishing Life
Prayerful Living: Beyond Stress Management
The Spiritual Power of Simplicity
Prayerful Living: The Freedom in Spiritual Disciplines
God’s Dream: Cultivating Christian Community
A New Way for a New Day: Excellence vs. Perfectionism
Our Story Too: LGBT Christians Reclaim the Bible
The Gift of YOU: A New Approach to Spiritual Gifts
Faith Beyond Resentment (worship leadership @ retreat based on this book)
PERSONAL RENEWAL RETREATS (2000-present)
Regular unstructured, individual retreat time (beginning in my first pastorate, where I retreated 3-4 times/year for approximately a week)
LOCAL CHURCH RETREATS (1990-2006)
A tradition of annual Grace Baptist Church retreats, attended as an active lay member and then pastor
RETREATS WITH COLLEAGUES (1990 – present)
Sacred time set aside to rest, play and study with fellow seminarians, fellow ministers, parish nurse colleagues, and interfaith dialogue advocates
ORIENTATION RETREATS (1986, 1996)
Sacred time set aside to get students off to an intentional and well-supported start to their new lives
DISCIPLESHIP COORDINATORS' RETREATS (1988-9)
Refreshing time away from college classes for intense Bible study and training as a Discipleship Coordinators (a network of small groups for prayer, fellowship and Bible study at Taylor University)
The habit of retreat-taking is central to my Christian life. They renew, restore and reorient me for the sake of Gospel (repentance for the sake of abundant life).
I’d be honored to serve you on your own journey of Living Well in an upcoming retreat experience, whether it is inspired by the above topics or something else you imagine. Contact me at 773.655.4357 or jacki@livingwellministries.net for more info on my previous experience. Watch for more information about LWM’s upcoming retreat schedule, including one-day Bible Study retreats.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Retreat Leadership - Jacki's Style/Passions
PASSIONS?
Yes, passions!
I’m a frequent attendee and leader of retreats, from three-hour “minis” to week-long immersions.
For twenty years I have experienced a deepening appreciation, personal use and increased leadership of retreats for people of faith. “Passion” describes my strong, heart-felt conviction that we all need some version of a regular retreat. Perhaps it’s always been that way. Perhaps retreats are the remedy for a particularly imbalanced society and church. Perhaps (probably!) our biblical heritage of Sabbath-keeping is one way to understand the gift of retreat.
Beyond the literal ancient observance of Sabbath lie many other biblical principles that convict me of our common need. The psalmist hears God invite us to “Be still, and know that I am God.” Following Christ’s resurrection, the disciples uprooted by grief and disorienting joy abide together in Jerusalem, awaiting together the plans and power of God. The epistle writers urge in many varying ways that we not forsake “assembling together.” Time and time again, I’ve seen renewal happen in the special retreat time, a renewal that sadly doesn’t always occur in the day-to-day “operations” of being disciples, of being church.
So, I’m passionate about the spiritual discipline of retreats. They have an ability to restore and reorient us to God’s work -- work that may be in, through or despite us. What that time away looks like will surely vary from person to person, organization to organization, and season to season. The point is an intentional rhythm of consecration, an intentional habit of setting time aside to be uniquely receptive to God and one another.
These are the gifts I appreciate so much about retreats; consider them a glimpse into my leadership style and priorities. These will be present in some measure, tailored in unique combinations, in any vibrant retreat.
Slowing Down – The Gift to sleep a little later, move a little slower, and stop ‘working’ long before bedtime…
Stillness -- The Gift to ponder without producing, whether in nature’s beauty, around the fireplace or in prayer/meditation…
Play – The Gift to enjoy recreation (re-creation!) and leisure, whether alone or with those sacred souls with whom we’re so often working hard…
Creativity – The Gift to access our intuitive, opening side, whether in arts, music, cooking, movement (or even brainstorming!)…
Fellowship – The Gift to deepen intimacy in a setting that is sensitive to varying needs and styles of relationship-building…
Discernment – The Gift to listen alone or together, to name patterns and accept truths, to identify landmarks and Spirit’s call…
Commitments – The Gift to name response to emerging Truth, to set forth in language of heart and mind the fruits of retreat’s reflection…
Worship – The Gift to proclaim God’s empowering faithfulness amid the valleys and heights of our journey, and the Gift of attending to one another as the Body of Christ…
I believe the Christian gospel to be invitation to the abundant life of Jesus Christ. For this, I believe the Biblical patterns of journey, sabbath, discernment, surrender, solitude and community to be timeless. A “Living Well,” you might say.
Wherever you are on your personal journey of spiritual growth, I pray this stirs your own reflection on current habits and/or needs for retreat! Perhaps we’ll meet at a LWM-sponsored retreat, or at a retreat for your church or organization. Perhaps in our coaching session, I’ll support your exploration of a renewing retreat experience.
Wherever it is, here’s to the abundant life Jesus promised, here’s to “Living Well,” together.
Yes, passions!
I’m a frequent attendee and leader of retreats, from three-hour “minis” to week-long immersions.
For twenty years I have experienced a deepening appreciation, personal use and increased leadership of retreats for people of faith. “Passion” describes my strong, heart-felt conviction that we all need some version of a regular retreat. Perhaps it’s always been that way. Perhaps retreats are the remedy for a particularly imbalanced society and church. Perhaps (probably!) our biblical heritage of Sabbath-keeping is one way to understand the gift of retreat.
Beyond the literal ancient observance of Sabbath lie many other biblical principles that convict me of our common need. The psalmist hears God invite us to “Be still, and know that I am God.” Following Christ’s resurrection, the disciples uprooted by grief and disorienting joy abide together in Jerusalem, awaiting together the plans and power of God. The epistle writers urge in many varying ways that we not forsake “assembling together.” Time and time again, I’ve seen renewal happen in the special retreat time, a renewal that sadly doesn’t always occur in the day-to-day “operations” of being disciples, of being church.
So, I’m passionate about the spiritual discipline of retreats. They have an ability to restore and reorient us to God’s work -- work that may be in, through or despite us. What that time away looks like will surely vary from person to person, organization to organization, and season to season. The point is an intentional rhythm of consecration, an intentional habit of setting time aside to be uniquely receptive to God and one another.
These are the gifts I appreciate so much about retreats; consider them a glimpse into my leadership style and priorities. These will be present in some measure, tailored in unique combinations, in any vibrant retreat.
Slowing Down – The Gift to sleep a little later, move a little slower, and stop ‘working’ long before bedtime…
Stillness -- The Gift to ponder without producing, whether in nature’s beauty, around the fireplace or in prayer/meditation…
Play – The Gift to enjoy recreation (re-creation!) and leisure, whether alone or with those sacred souls with whom we’re so often working hard…
Creativity – The Gift to access our intuitive, opening side, whether in arts, music, cooking, movement (or even brainstorming!)…
Fellowship – The Gift to deepen intimacy in a setting that is sensitive to varying needs and styles of relationship-building…
Discernment – The Gift to listen alone or together, to name patterns and accept truths, to identify landmarks and Spirit’s call…
Commitments – The Gift to name response to emerging Truth, to set forth in language of heart and mind the fruits of retreat’s reflection…
Worship – The Gift to proclaim God’s empowering faithfulness amid the valleys and heights of our journey, and the Gift of attending to one another as the Body of Christ…
I believe the Christian gospel to be invitation to the abundant life of Jesus Christ. For this, I believe the Biblical patterns of journey, sabbath, discernment, surrender, solitude and community to be timeless. A “Living Well,” you might say.
Wherever you are on your personal journey of spiritual growth, I pray this stirs your own reflection on current habits and/or needs for retreat! Perhaps we’ll meet at a LWM-sponsored retreat, or at a retreat for your church or organization. Perhaps in our coaching session, I’ll support your exploration of a renewing retreat experience.
Wherever it is, here’s to the abundant life Jesus promised, here’s to “Living Well,” together.
Past Pulpit, Retreat, Education Supply or Consulting
A hearty thanks to each of these communities for my opportunity to serve in some way -- "big" or "small" -- since 1995. Each of these encounters have shaped me and the trajectory of this current ministry.
Phoenix Community Church (Kalamazoo, MI)
Grace Baptist Church (Chicago)
Community Church of Wilmette (IL)
Chicago Theological Seminary
Community Church of Barrington (IL)
Companis (Seattle, WA)
Ebenezer Lutheran Church (Chicago)
Epiphany United Church of Christ (Chicago)
The Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists
Irving Park Baptist Church (Chicago)
Concordia Lutheran Church (Chicago)
Lake Street Church (Evanston, IL)
St. Benedict Catholic Church (Chicago)
Lakeview Presbyterian Church (Chicago)
Immanuel Lutheran Church (Chicago)
Elmhurst College (Elmhurst, IL)
North Park Theological Seminary (Chicago)
Light of Christ Lutheran Church (Chicago)
Uptown Ministries (Chicago)
The Leaven Center (Lyons, MI)
The South Church (Mt. Prospect, IL)
Community Baptist Church (Warrenville, IL)
St. James Presbyterian Church (Chicago)
Ravenswood United Church of Christ (Chicago)
Parish Nurses Program, Advocate Health Care (IL)
Morgan Park Baptist Church (Chicago)
Church of Jesus Christ, Reconciler (Chicago
Phoenix Community Church (Kalamazoo, MI)
Grace Baptist Church (Chicago)
Community Church of Wilmette (IL)
Chicago Theological Seminary
Community Church of Barrington (IL)
Companis (Seattle, WA)
Ebenezer Lutheran Church (Chicago)
Epiphany United Church of Christ (Chicago)
The Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists
Irving Park Baptist Church (Chicago)
Concordia Lutheran Church (Chicago)
Lake Street Church (Evanston, IL)
St. Benedict Catholic Church (Chicago)
Lakeview Presbyterian Church (Chicago)
Immanuel Lutheran Church (Chicago)
Elmhurst College (Elmhurst, IL)
North Park Theological Seminary (Chicago)
Light of Christ Lutheran Church (Chicago)
Uptown Ministries (Chicago)
The Leaven Center (Lyons, MI)
The South Church (Mt. Prospect, IL)
Community Baptist Church (Warrenville, IL)
St. James Presbyterian Church (Chicago)
Ravenswood United Church of Christ (Chicago)
Parish Nurses Program, Advocate Health Care (IL)
Morgan Park Baptist Church (Chicago)
Church of Jesus Christ, Reconciler (Chicago
Living Well Ministries' Affiliations
Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists
Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America
Chicago Faith and Health Forum
Chicago Coalition of Welcoming Churches
Center for Progressive Christianity
Network of Spiritual Progressives
PENDING ASSOCIATIONS
Health Ministries Association
OTHER RELATIONSHIPS *
American Baptist Churches of Metro Chicago
American Baptist Churches - USA
Ministers Council, ABC-USA
Lake Street Church of Evanston
St. James Presbyterian Church
Edgewater Community Religious Association (no website)
Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America
Chicago Faith and Health Forum
Chicago Coalition of Welcoming Churches
Center for Progressive Christianity
Network of Spiritual Progressives
PENDING ASSOCIATIONS
Health Ministries Association
OTHER RELATIONSHIPS *
American Baptist Churches of Metro Chicago
American Baptist Churches - USA
Ministers Council, ABC-USA
Lake Street Church of Evanston
St. James Presbyterian Church
Edgewater Community Religious Association (no website)
* These represent significant personal and/or professional relationships; programs of LWM are not affiliated with these organizations. Through my membership in the regional and national Ministers Council of the American Baptist Churches -USA, I remain actively connected and committed to the collective mission of my denominational family. I am a member of Lake Street Church in Evanston, an American Baptist congregation which is a "progressive community in the Protestant tradition." I have great respect for my neighborhood ministerial assocation (ECRA) and appreciate the fellowship and shared mission of this vibrant interreligious community of colleagues. I am especially appreciative of St. James Presbyterian Church in West Rogers Park, the home of LWM in this inaugural year of programming.
LWM Activity Report: July 2007- December 2009
LIVING WELL MINISTRIES
ACTIVITY REPORT
DECEMBER 2009
ACTIVITY REPORT
DECEMBER 2009
This "at-a-glance" report shares a glimpse of the program priorities to date... including partnership and rest opportunities!
Summer 2007
Sabbatical Rest
Pulpit Supply:
Morgan Park Baptist Church
Community Baptist Church, Warrenville
St. James Presbyterian Church
Church of Jesus Christ, Reconciler
Fall 2007
Office Establishment/Administrative Development
Retreat Supply:
The Spiritual Power of Simplicity (Community Church of Wilmette)
Excellence vs. Perfection (Advocate Health Care Parish Nurses)
Finding Our Wisdom through Forgiveness
(Seniors’ Retreat, Lake View Presbyterian/Uptown Ministry)
Winter 2008
Local LWM Programs:
Forgiveness: Freedom for a Flourishing Life
Resurrection Reimagined (A Study of The Non-Violent Atonement and The Rapture Exposed)
The Power of Forgiveness Film/ Discussion
Pulpit Supply:
Church of Jesus Christ, Reconciler
Community Church of Wilmette
Collaborations/Conversations:
Toward a Welcoming and Affirming Church (Training of Institute for Welcoming Resources)
Spring 2008
Local LWM Programs:
A Faith that Frees (A Study of Faith and Surviving Bible Abuse)
Love Your Life: Gateway to Health and Peace
Forgiveness: Freedom for a Flourishing Life
In Memory: Memorial Day Ritual for Peace
The Power of Forgiveness Film Discussion
Launch of Coaching Practice
Collaborations/Conversations:
Gay Liberation Network Interview
Out in Scripture Editorial Advisory Board
Everything Must Change Emergent Churches Conference
Summer 2008
Local LWM Programs:
LGBT Coming Out Support Group
The Power of Forgiveness Film/Discussion
For the Bible Tells Me So Film/Discussion
Forgiveness Support Group
Pulpit Supply:
St. James Presbyterian Church
Consulting:
Companis (Seattle, WA)
Fall 2008
Local LWM Programs:
A Life at Work (Study of this title by Thomas Moore)
A Meal With Micah: Prayer Breakfast for Election Anxiety
Holiday Stresses Coaching Group
The Power of Forgiveness Film/Discussion
Retreat/Workshop Supply:
Finding Our Wisdom in Time Management
(Seniors’ Retreat, Lake View Presbyterian Church/Uptown Ministry)
Life After Seminary: A Spirituality of Self-Care (Chicago Theological Seminary)
Winter 2009
Local LWM Programs:
Journey Justice Film Series
Forgiveness: Freedom for a Flourishing Life
Collaborations and Conversations:
Steadfast Love: Holy Relationships and a Wilderness God
The Heart of the Matter: Energy Leadership and Living into Change (P-FLAG, Oak Park)
Winter 2008
Local LWM Programs:
Forgiveness: Freedom for a Flourishing Life
Resurrection Reimagined (A Study of The Non-Violent Atonement and The Rapture Exposed)
The Power of Forgiveness Film/ Discussion
Pulpit Supply:
Church of Jesus Christ, Reconciler
Community Church of Wilmette
Collaborations/Conversations:
Toward a Welcoming and Affirming Church (Training of Institute for Welcoming Resources)
Spring 2008
Local LWM Programs:
A Faith that Frees (A Study of Faith and Surviving Bible Abuse)
Love Your Life: Gateway to Health and Peace
Forgiveness: Freedom for a Flourishing Life
In Memory: Memorial Day Ritual for Peace
The Power of Forgiveness Film Discussion
Launch of Coaching Practice
Collaborations/Conversations:
Gay Liberation Network Interview
Out in Scripture Editorial Advisory Board
Everything Must Change Emergent Churches Conference
Summer 2008
Local LWM Programs:
LGBT Coming Out Support Group
The Power of Forgiveness Film/Discussion
For the Bible Tells Me So Film/Discussion
Forgiveness Support Group
Pulpit Supply:
St. James Presbyterian Church
Consulting:
Companis (Seattle, WA)
Fall 2008
Local LWM Programs:
A Life at Work (Study of this title by Thomas Moore)
A Meal With Micah: Prayer Breakfast for Election Anxiety
Holiday Stresses Coaching Group
The Power of Forgiveness Film/Discussion
Retreat/Workshop Supply:
Finding Our Wisdom in Time Management
(Seniors’ Retreat, Lake View Presbyterian Church/Uptown Ministry)
Life After Seminary: A Spirituality of Self-Care (Chicago Theological Seminary)
Winter 2009
Local LWM Programs:
Journey Justice Film Series
Forgiveness: Freedom for a Flourishing Life
Collaborations and Conversations:
Steadfast Love: Holy Relationships and a Wilderness God
The Heart of the Matter: Energy Leadership and Living into Change (P-FLAG, Oak Park)
Itinerant Opportunities:
Together in Ministry Covenant Group, Monthly Facilitator
(American Baptist Women in Ministry, Metro Chicago)
Spring 2009
Local LWM Programs:
Journey Justice Film Series
The Power of Forgiveness Workshops
Spiritual Life Coaching
Retreat/Pulpit Supply:
Berry Memorial UMC, Chicago
Itinerant Opportunities:
Together in Ministry Covenant Group, Monthly Facilitator
(American Baptist Women in Ministry, Metro Chicago)
Summer 2009
Local LWM Programs:
LGBT Pride Film Series
Befriending the Bible Intro Workshop
Forgive for Good: The Way of Releasing Resentment
Living With Intention: Using Five Wishes to Plan Well for End of Life
Spiritual Life Coaching
August Program Break
Retreat/Pulpit Supply:
Lake View Lutheran Church
Collaborations and Conversations:
Faith and Health Consortium of Metropolitan Chicago
Chicago Coalition of Welcoming Churches --
(Co-coordinator June LGBT Pride Worship Series)
Out in Scripture Lectionary Reflection Team
Fall 2009
Local LWM Programs:
Befriending the Bible Intro Workshop
"Tuesdays Together" Spirituality Group
The Power of Forgiveness Film/Discussion
Taking Time, Transforming Time: The Spiritual Promise of Self-Care
Prepare the Way of the Lord: Advent Forgiveness Retreat
Living With Intention: Using Five Wishes to Plan Well for End-of-Life
The Gift of Forgiveness Coaching Group
Spiritual Life Coaching
Retreat/Pulpit Supply:
Prayerful Living: Finding Wisdom in the Serenity Prayer (Seniors' Retreat)
Itinerant Opportunities:
Together in Ministry Covenant Group, Monthly Facilitator
(American Baptist Women in Ministry, Metro Chicago)
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