Learning to Rest

A JOURNEY INTO THE GIFT OF SABBATH

FROM RELIGION TO REST

In Matthew's Gospel are recorded some of the most famous words of Jesus, including: "Come unto me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Jesus offers this invitation to everyone, including those under the weight of religious expectation.

There are other burdens we come under in life which, though not necessarily religious, are of a similar bent: the burden of performance, high expectations, stability (whether that be financial, physical, emotional or mental), productivity, success or flourishing.

Jesus invites us to rest - indeed, to find rest for our souls. The words of the psalmist also come to mind: "Be still and know that I am God."

FROM HURRY TO HOSPITALITY

We live in a fast pased culture where there seems to always be something to do - either at work or at home. When we've finished the busyness of earning we move into the busyness of entertainment. There is never a dull moment; never a moments rest in which to stop and be.

Two of the spiritual disciplines which can be helpful in the rat race of our times are solitude and silence in which we create the space to stop, to listen, and to observe. This space helps us to reconsider what really matters in life - what life is really all about.

In the space created by stopping for awhile, we create the opportunity to see what matters most: the others who are on this journey with us. An invitation for hospitality presents itself.

FROM SABBATH TO SHALOM

Once we have slowed things down a little bit, stepping out (or at least on the edge) of the rat race of our times, we see another rhythm presenting itself to us. It is a rhythm of life which begins not in the place of expectation but rather expectancy; there is something to be received and not simply gained in life.

It is in this space of reception and expectancy that one rests on what God has done and is doing and begins to learn how to shape their life around this greater reality. The form this life leads to is peace.

Peace is a big word in the BIble; it points to all things being as they should be. Shalom is a community in right relationship with God and all that God has made.

Richard Hovey

Richard is the Education Director for Renovaré Canada, oversees our Consumed Program, and provides leadership to the Empey Centre. He will be facilitating this Online Renewal Group.
2027

Learning to Rest: A Journey into the Gift of Sabbath


This is a 12 week journey of faith into the rest and peace of God; this means learning what is of ultimate importance (what really matters for a fullfilled life) and how to shape our lives around this new found reality. We will journey through three themes:


From Religion to Rest

From Hurry to Hospitality

From Sabbath to Shalom


There will be times of private reading and reflection, and of joining with others in conversation around material provided; group conversation will be online via Zoom on Wednesdays (from January 13 to March 31 2027).


(COST: $35 registration fee)
Name E-mail
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I am interested in joining a Learning to Rest Online Renewal Group
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10am Eastern Time
7pm Eastern Time
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