In The Beginning
A reflection on John 1:1 and a retreat to start 2022
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God.
In the beginning was the Word.
In the beginning.
Who among us couldn’t use a fresh start?
Advent begins our new year in the church, and New Year’s peers around the corner of our calendars, too. Here we are, ready to renew.
The perfect time to return to God in deeper prayer, on retreat.
In The Beginning is a brand-new virtual retreat I’ve created for 2022. Based on Genesis 1-2, this retreat invites us into the story where everything started: the seven days of creation. Beginning the New Year with the first words of Scripture allows us to return to our roots while asking our deepest questions:
How is God leading us to live in the world?
What love and work will fill our days?
Where is God calling us to create anew?
Whether you feel creative by nature or simply want to start the new year with a spiritual boost, Genesis asks each of us to reflect on our own lives. Far from a simple story, the seven days of creation offer a fruitful framework for our own callings.
For every human made in the image of God is called to create.
From Jan. 6-9, we’ll dive into the stories of creation, discovering the inspiration they offer for our own lives and creativity, going forth with questions to ponder in prayer.
We’ll gather each day on Zoom and join in small groups, too. The companion e-book will give you a complete retreat guide: prayer, Scripture, reflection questions, and creative ways to pray in the New Year including art and music.
You can find all the details here.
New for this retreat: you can give a registration for Christmas and get a special gift certificate to print or send. Sliding scale fees and scholarships are always available for those who need. Feel free to share this email with a friend or relative who might love to make a retreat, too.
One practical note: this is the last virtual retreat I’ll be offering for the short term. I’ve loved this new format to gather and pray with you, diving into Scripture and God’s work in our lives together. But 2022 is beckoning with new book projects and in-person retreats to prepare. So if you’re interested in making this retreat anytime during 2022, register now and you’ll have access to the materials whenever you are ready.
Thank you for your support in 2021! I pray that In The Beginning will help us enter and embrace the New Year together.
Peace,
Laura