This week finishes the first two months of Between Retreats, and we want to pause, look back, and ask for your honest feedback. Did it work? How did you find it helpful...or not helpful? The goal is to create a virtual space to continue the healing, connection, and re-imagination that begins on a Pastor, Priests and Guides retreat. In what ways did these first six episodes create that space? And what could we do to serve you better?
Note: We're really asking! Please be honest.
In March, poet Drew Jackson helped us lean into the mystery (Episode 1), choose solidarity rather than self-centrism (Episode 2), and explore the subversive gift of Sabbath (Episode 3). You can go back and re-explore Drew’s incredible guidance and poetry, and here is one of our favorite short clips…
In April, author Sarah Bessey invited us into the terrifying yet life-giving Wilderness (Episode 4), taught us Practices to sustain this journey (Episode 5), and offered wisdom for discerning what to keep, toss, and re-purpose (Episode 6). Her vulnerability and courage is such a gift as our faith evolves, breaks open, and deepens. This is a beautiful clip…
Many many thanks to Drew and Sarah for getting this space launched! Such wise and gracious human beings. We are all deeply grateful they are part of this community and can’t wait to see how they continue to pastor us.
While the hub of Between Retreats is here on Substack, all the extended conversations are also on the Between Retreats Podcast. We hope that creates another way for you to engage.
But to return to the focus of today: In the spirit of St Ignatius, please help us do an Examen on these first two months. How is the Spirit moving and trying to move? Where is good fruit growing, and how can we tend to the garden? Let’s discern and create this thing together! Three ways to speak into it…
Thank you! We are beyond grateful for this brave, honest, growing Pastors, Priests and Guides community. May the Spirit of Christ lead us in every way, for the sake of our souls and churches…and for the sake of the world.
Grace and peace,
Aaron and the PP&G Team