Christmas, according to much of the world around us, is already here. Music is playing in stores, and people are showing photos of their homes decorated and ready to celebrate. Radio stations have already started playing some Christmas music, and thoughts of not being able to get the gifts our loved one’s want, has become a source of great fear and stress. The joy and light that all of these preparations are a welcoming spot of warmth this year, yet, we know that Christmas is still weeks away. How will you prepare for Christmas?
This year, The Hem of Christ is hosting its inaugural Advent Retreat, a virtual
retreat designed for those walking the dementia journey. As we explore the themes of Hope, Faith, Joy, and Peace, we head back to the simplicity of childlike anticipation, taking delight in the beauty of Christ’s coming some 2000 years ago while also preparing for His 2nd coming. This retreat is not designed to become another to-do list item, but a time to help you create space for Christ in your everyday life. Over four weeks, there will be daily moments for prayer and reflection along with Friday live video (that will be recorded if you cannot make it) for us to gather and pray together.
We know that sometimes, especially during the holidays, we can’t step away for a weekend or even an afternoon to go on retreat, so this retreat was created to help you fit it in whenever and wherever you can. It is designed to be something you can come back to, even after Advent is long over, and find moments for quiet prayer. This retreat looks to help start to cultivate our community, journeying together, working each day to live in the fullness of our faith. The manger is currently empty, the darkness of winter is growing stronger, and the world feels like a candle that has been snuffed out. Let us gather together in prayer reflecting on the simple preparations for Christ’s coming. Let us sit in awe and wonder of Christ’s birth.
Here is a quick rundown of the retreat
Registration is now CLOSED!
After you register you will be shipped a box containing elements to help make the retreat a tangible one. You will find in this box an Advent workbook, a mug,
information about a prayer partner and spiritual direction, and other little goodies to help make the retreat real. You will also receive an email with the full schedule of the retreat.
The retreat starts on Sunday, November 28th. Each day as a page in the workbook and a corresponding email that will be sent to you in the morning. Enter the retreat at any time of day that works best for you. If you find it best to group all days into one morning, feel free to do that as well. This again is not meant to be another item on your to-do list but an invitation to enter into prayer. Each day is about 15-30 minutes in guided prayer and an invitation to extend it on your own time as long as you desire.
Each Friday we will go live via Zoom from 12:30 – 1:30 Eastern. During this time we will pray the rosary followed by small group conversation. This time will be
recorded so if you cannot attend live, you can still join us in community.
Spiritual direction is offered to you each week.
Upon the close of Advent, you will receive information that contains all of the retreat videos in one email, a link for a survey, and information about our Epiphany Memory Café to be held on January 6th. As we get closer to Lent, you will also receive a discount code to attend the Lenten Retreat for $25. I do hope you will join this inaugural retreat for the Hem of Christ. It has been a
labor of love to put it together for all of you, and is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build community, and help determine the path the ministry will take as it grows