You need to rest.
You need to rest.
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You've been juggling so many things, lately, trying to "keep it all together" while the world around you seems to be falling apart. Have you taken any time for yourself lately? Even a few seconds to pause and breathe?
You've been juggling so many things, lately, trying to "keep it all together" while the world around you seems to be falling apart. Have you taken any time for yourself lately? Even a few seconds to pause and breathe?
Jesus says “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:28-30). The purpose of Refresh, Restore, Renew: Solace & Strength is to take Jesus Christ at his word; seeking the soul-rest that we all so desperately need. The weekend, February 12-14, is designed to help you pause, tend to your delicate soul, and listen to the loving voice of God.
Come as you are and wherever you are!
Come as you are and wherever you are!
Join us from your kitchen, a cozy chair, or hiding in the closet with your secret stash of chocolate (moms, I'm lookin' at you!). Every event is optional, so you can move at your own pace and only participate in what feels useful to you. We think it's all good stuff, but we don't know your life or your needs. Make sure you check out opportunities for prayer and community care! Social activities and small groups are available to all registered participants.
Speakers
Speakers
Karen Ballard
Karen Ballard
Karen is passionate about helping people of all ages get excited about the transforming power of Jesus Christ, believing that the Word of God is meant to be lived out in all of life! During her years as a pastor she has constantly been attentive to the spiritual growth of ministry leaders in her churches (currently Rome Presbyterian Church in Pennsylvania) and in her denomination (ECO) and in the Christian community at large. She has a passion for Scripture and cherishes any opportunity to be with others in the Word. She is married to Barry Ballard and together they have two adult children pursuing careers in theater and music.
Gary Pope-Sears
Gary Pope-Sears
A born and bred Methodist, Gary and his family have participated in Christian Ashrams since their children were young. Gary currently serves at Holy Cross United Methodist Church in Stockton, CA. In addition to his pastoral service, Gary enjoys his life with Sybella, his wife of 38+ years. They both enjoy music, especially singing, and then pursue divergent interests: she loves to garden, and he relishes woodworking.
Schedule
Schedule
Some of the content will be scheduled at a certain time (live) but others can be accessed on your own. A sample daily schedule that a person might follow is provided at the end.
Friday
Open Heart
6:00pm Speaker time and discussion followed by community time (speed mixer)
Saturday
Morning Meditation
9:30 am Prayer Groups A (Zoom)
10:15 am Social Groups A (Zoom)
Morning Message
12 noon Lunchtime Chat (Zoom)
2:30 pm Prayer Groups B (Zoom)
3:15 pm Social Groups B (Zoom)
5:30-6:15 pm Dad Joke-a-Thon (Zoom)
Evening Message
7:00 Evening Chat - Service for healing and prayer (Zoom)
Community Care
Prayer Vigil
Sunday
Morning Meditation
9:30 am Prayer Groups A (Zoom)
10:15 am Social Groups A (Zoom)
Morning Message
12 noon Lunchtime Chat (Zoom)
2:30 pm Prayer Groups B (Zoom)
3:15 pm Social Groups B (Zoom)
5:30-6:15 pm Themed Dinner/Dessert Discussions (Zoom)
Evening Message
7:00 Evening Chat (Zoom)
Community Care
Prayer Vigil
Talent Show
Overflowing Heart
Sample Daily Schedule
Sample Daily Schedule
Click to expand
8am Morning Meditation
9am Breakfast – Walk the Dogs
10am Community Care
11am Listen to Morning Message
12noon Lunch Chat
1:00 Free time
2:30 Prayer Group B
3:15 Social Group B
4:00 Set aside time for Prayer Vigil
5:30 Themed Dinner
6:30 Listen to Evening Message
7:00 Evening Chat
Top Questions About Refresh, Restore, Renew: Solace & Strength
Top Questions About Refresh, Restore, Renew: Solace & Strength
Q: How much content will there be?
A: We will begin Friday evening with a shortened program. On Saturday and Sunday there will be 4-5 hours of content that can be accessed as you have time. We know that some people will have a meaningful experience by interacting with a small portion of that while others will engage with all of it.
Q: Where will I access the content?
A: All content except discussions can be accessed through the website. Additional materials for kids including an interactive prayer journal and themed crafts will be mailed to those who request them.
Q: Do I need to have an account to access resources?
A: You do not need an account to sign up or to access the resources. There are some portions of the retreat that will use certain programs but these can be accessed without signing up. For instance, we will be using Zoom to allow for discussions and small groups. There will also be opportunities to interact with material on Padlet and YouTube.
Q: What if I am working and cannot attend any of the live discussion or I can attend some and not others?
A: We hope that as many people as possible can participate in the discussion times but they are not required. If you are unable to attend some live discussion but not others that is perfectly fine.
Q: I am not very good on a computer. How will I figure out how to use Zoom and Padlet?
A: We understand how you feel. We have written up instructions on using both of these resources. Check them out here. If you have difficulty accessing zoom or other materials we have a tech team that is happy to help.
Q: What kind of device should I use?
A: Any device will work; a phone, tablet or laptop.
Q: I have children that want to participate. Is there a program for them?
A: We recognize that our children and youth have experienced a unique year and have unique needs. In order to be sensitive to the amount of time children are being asked to spend on devices for school we have limited our curriculum to physical materials. This will include an interactive prayer journal and themed crafts that go along with Bible stories. Youth will be able to participate with the adults for the weekend. We are also providing a space for youth to have their own time together for fellowship, fun, and prayer.
Q: I live far away and I’m concerned about receiving materials for my children. When will the supplies ship?
A: We plan to ship the materials by February 1. This should allow plenty of time for you to receive everything in time. Unfortunately we will not be able to ship materials outside of the United States.
Q: I still have some questions about this "online retreat." Is there someone I can talk to?
A: Yes! All of our contact information is listed at the bottom of the page. We would love to hear from you.
Q: What are Redwood Christian Ashram and California Winter Ashram?
A: Redwood Christian Ashram is a Christian family camp held each summer in the Santa Cruz mountains of California and California Winter Ashram is held in southern California each year on President's Day weekend. Since we are unable to hold a camp in person we have decided to put our efforts into an online retreat that is accessible to everyone.
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