BC Workshops & Retreats in 2010

“Consider the lilies of the field - How St Luke’s Gospel could save the Planet” A Wednesday evening series during Lent - February 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 2010

The reality of climate change, and the challenge it presents to sustainable living is perhaps the key issue facing humanity at present. This series will touch on a variety of topics including eco-crisis, sustainable living, and the future of the planet. What kind of footprint are we leaving? These Wednesdays are an opportunity to explore these themes together. Join Barbara and Barry Jenks, Su and Scott McCleod, and the St John’s household. Each evening will end with a short service of Compline (the monastic late evening prayer)

• Time: 7 pm - 8:30 pm.
• Place: St John's House, 3937 St Peter's Road, Victoria, BC. map »
• Cost: contribution to the Sister’s ministry appreciated. Come for one evening or all five evenings.
• Registrations due: February 19
• Please phone 250-920-7787 / e-mail bchouse@ssjd.ca

“A Season of Conversion” - A Quiet Saturday at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Nanaimo - February 27, 2010 (Saturday)

Lent is a time of focus on the call to a life of conversion and interior worship, mutual forgiveness, and the absolute claims of justice and love. It is a time of focus on Jesus, Word of God, healer and life-giver. This is an opportunity to come apart for a quiet Saturday of addresses and reflection as we seek to deepen our relationship with God during Lent in preparation for the celebration of Easter. All churches and interested persons in the region welcome.

• Time: 10 am - 3 pm. Please bring a bag lunch - tea / coffee will be provided.
• Cost: Contribution to the ministry of the Sisters appreciated
• Registrations are due by February 22.
• Please phone St. Paul’s Church 250-753-2523 for further information or to register. 29 Church Street, Nanaimo / parish website » / map »

Prayer in the Scrap Yards of our Hearts: Being Contemplative in the Midst of Chaos - A weekend silent retreat. March 19 - 21, 2010

If we look for signs in the heavens, we may easily overlook God’s presence in our day-to-day life. Margaret Silf, author of many books, writes: “There is more prayer in the scrap yards of our hearts than we imagine.” The weekend’s reflections might help us grow closer to God in personal prayer. In our time together we will go to the scrap yards, and there reflect on a couple of foundation stones for a life of personal prayer; explore some particular ways of praying; experience praying the word; uncover some stumbling blocks that cause prayer to fall apart; and reflect on a few means of encouragement to deepening our prayer life. Enjoy the walking trails and meditation sites while taking in the endless views overlooking the Finlayson Arm, the Olympics, and the San Juan Islands.

• Where: The Malahat Park Retreat 801 TransCanada Highway, Malahat
• Cost $150 which includes accommodation, meals, and a retreat leader
• Registrations due by March 11. Numbers are limited.
• Please phone 250-920-7787 / e-mail bchouse@ssjd.ca

A Garden Work party at St John’s House! April 12, 2010 (Saturday)

Come and help the Sisters prepare the garden to for planting! This is a time of fellowship and fun, as well as a good work out!

• Time: 10 am - 3 pm. At noon: Share Eucharist together, then soup and a bun for lunch!
• Registrations are due by April 5. There is no cost for this day long event.
• Place: St John's House, 3937 St Peter's Road, Victoria, BC. map »
• Please phone 250-920-7787 / e-mail bchouse@ssjd.ca

"A Circle of Quiet" Praying with Beads - using the Anglican Rosary April 24, 2010

The Anglican Rosary has been gaining new popularity as a tool for prayer. Learn to pray with the Anglican Rosary and to make your own. We will provide cord, plastic and wooden beads, crosses and instructions.

• Place: St John's House, 3937 St Peter's Road, Victoria, BC. map »
• Time: 10 am - 3 pm
• Cost: $35 (includes $10 for the materials needed) Please bring a bag lunch, tea / coffee will be provided
• Registrations are due by April 19 Numbers are limited to 10
• Please phone 250-920-7787 / e-mail bchouse@ssjd.ca

Patronal Festival of the Sisterhood of St John the Divine - May 6 Thursday

An invitation to celebrate with the Sisters. Eucharist at 10 am for Priest Associates, Associates, Oblates and friends at St John’s house, followed by a coffee party.

• Call if attending please: 250-920-7787 / e-mail bchouse@ssjd.ca
• Place: St John's House, 3937 St Peter's Road, Victoria, BC. map »

7th Anniversary of Blessing of St John’s House June 12, 2010 (Saturday)

An invitation to celebrate with the Sisters. Eucharist at 10 am for Priest Associates, Associates, Oblates and friends at St John’s house, followed by a coffee party.

Call if attending please: 250-920-7787 / e-mail bchouse@ssjd.ca

Quiet Garden Days (Saturdays) June 26, August 7, September 18, 2010

This is a day to relax, renew, and rest in the beauty of God’s outdoors, as well as to enjoy the Sister’s chapel and library at St John’s House, Victoria. In case of rain, there is comfortable space indoors to sit, dream, and pray. We begin with a brief time of prayer, and a Sister will offer suggestions on how to use the day. The rest of the morning is yours. The Eucharist is celebrated at noon, followed by lunch (please bring a bag lunch). The afternoon is again free, with a brief gathering at 3 pm when we will have a closing time of prayer, and the option of sharing the fruits of the day.

• Place: St John's House, 3937 St Peter's Road, Victoria, BC. map »
• Cost: $25, please bring a bag lunch, tea / coffee will be provided
• Registrations due by June 21, August 2, Sept. 13
• Please phone 250-920-7787 / e-mail bchouse@ssjd.ca

The Labyrinth - July 10, 2010 (Saturday)

The Prayer Labyrinth is one of the oldest contemplative and transformational tools known and thought of as a symbolic form of pilgrimage towards God. Come and experience this creative and simple form of prayer.

• Place: St John's House, 3937 St Peter's Road, Victoria, BC. map »
• Cost: $25, please bring a bag lunch, tea / coffee will be provided
• Registrations due by July 5.
• Please phone 250-920-7787 / e-mail bchouse@ssjd.ca

A Day with the King (Elvis) for the Kingdom of God! July 24, 2010 (Saturday)

Come and enter into the depths of Elvis - enjoy music and reflections - as we explore the Gospel values of the Kingdom.

• The day will begin at 10 am, includes a Eucharist and lunch at noon, and concludes at 3 pm.
• Place: St John's House, 3937 St Peter's Road, Victoria, BC. map »
• Time: 10 am – 3 pm.
• Cost: $25 Please bring a bag lunch - tea/coffee will be provided.
• Registrations are due by July 19.
• Please phone 250-920-7787 / e-mail bchouse@ssjd.ca

A Day Apart with the Sisters "Nourishing your Inner Monk" October 2, 2010 (Saturday)

Enter into the rhythm of our community life for a day. This is an opportunity to experience the balance of prayer, work and study in the context of a monastic community at St John’s House in Victoria. Reflections will be on the Rule of St Benedict as a contemporary tool for 21st century Christians struggling to find balance in their lives.

• Time: This day begins at 9 am with morning prayer. There will be time for reading, rest, shared reflections and prayer, work projects and some community time. The day ends with evening prayer at 4:30 pm.
• Place: St John's House, 3937 St Peter's Road, Victoria, BC. map »
• Cost: $30 and includes lunch.
• Registrations are due by September 27.
• Please phone 250-920-7787 / e-mail bchouse@ssjd.ca