reVive // Guided Retreat Day: Psalms of Ascent – Preparing our hearts for Easter
The Psalms of Ascent were sung by Jewish pilgrims as they journeyed to Jerusalem for the annual festivals – a slow, gradual climb that was both literal and metaphorical. The journey to Jerusalem to worship God acted out a ‘life-lived upward’ together: a life of discipleship, growing maturity and Christ-likeness. It was a journey Jesus himself made each year and on the way to the cross. These ancient songs explore themes of trust in God, confidence in the face of opposition, and longing for God’s presence – vital preparations as we journey with Jesus towards Easter.
This guided retreat day will centre on three short reflections on Psalms 130-132, but the emphasis will be on space – space to be still, to listen, to pray, to reflect. These psalms speak of crying out from the depths, waiting on God with hope, and finding contentment in His presence. We’ll provide gentle input, but the heart of the day is creating an unhurried rhythm for you to meet afresh with God.
We will eat lunch together and can also gladly offer time with a member of our pastoral staff if that would be appreciated.
In the rush toward Easter Weekend – with sermons to write, services to plan, and people to care for – it’s easy to lose sight of the very story we’re proclaiming. This guided retreat offers pastors, ministry leaders, and church members a rare gift: time to slow down, step back, and truly reflect on the cross and resurrection before the busy-ness of Holy Week arrives.
Join us at Yarnton Manor for a day of quiet, Scripture, and space to encounter afresh the heart of our faith.
Schedule:
- 9.30am – Meet for coffee/tea and pastries
- 9.45-10.15am – Opening Session
- 10.15-11.30am – Personal Reflection
- 11.30am-12pm – Guided Session
- 12-1pm – Personal Reflection
- 1-1.30pm – Lunch
- 1.30-3pm – Personal Reflection
- 3 – 3.30 pm – Closing Session
- 3.30-4pm – Final Reflections and departure
Please do contact hello@yarntonmanor.com if you would like to come but cost is prohibitive.
Come rest, remember, and be renewed!
The day after reVive is reEquip // Suffering and the Christian Faith
reEquip is our day for equipping church ministers.
Join us on March 27th for reEquip with Dr Sharon Dirckx – speaker, author and broadcaster – on Suffering: One of the biggest barriers to faith, raising questions for us all.
Stay overnight in our self-catering accommodation.
If you are coming from afar, would like to come to both reVive and reEquip, or simply want to make this into a ministry retreat lasting more than the day, then click below to enquire about staying in one of our self-catering cottages.