Description
The Bible is not a single, declarative statement of fact. It is a series of competing voices wrestling with great questions of faith. Of the many Biblical stories, three (The Exodus, The Exile, and The Crucifixion & Resurrection of Jesus) are the most foundational. Prior to each of these watershed moments our spiritual ancestors thought they had life figured out. They thought that they had God figured out, or at least had come to accept their spiritual fate. And then suddenly everything changed: forgotten slaves are rescued, an invincible nation is destroyed, the Messiah is executed and returns.
This self-study retreat will explore these watershed moments in sacred history that motivated the authors of Scripture to write down their stories of faith for themselves and future generations. Through reflection, contemplation, and creative practice we will ask ourselves these same questions that continue to shape our own faith journeys today:
Do you long for ways to enter more mindfully into this holy time of year? Are there stories you would like to remember and honor?
Why do we suffer so much? (The Exile)
Who was Jesus of Nazareth? (The Crucifixion & Resurrection)
Weekly Themes
Week 1: Introduction and Foundations of Faith (Abraham & Sarah to Joseph) – Why were we chosen?
Week 2: The Exodus (Moses & the Ten Plagues) – Why are we so blessed?
Week 3: The Creation Myths – Why is there suffering?
Week 4: The Babylonian Exile – Why do bad things happen?
Week 5: Incarnation – How is God made manifest in the world?
Week 6: The Crucifixion – Who *was* Jesus of Nazareth?
Week 7: Resurrection – Who *is* Christ Jesus?
Retreat Details
What's Included
- Rich, engaging content posted six times each week on our user-friendly online platform (with one day for Sabbath rest and integration) . You have lifetime access to the materials.
- Thoughtful and thought-provoking commentary on scripture passages from biblical scholars John Valters Paintner and Richard Bruxvoort Colligan
- A song each week composed by psalmist Richard Bruxvoort Colligan to deepen into the materials
- An audio recording of Christine Valters Paintner leading you in the practice of lectio divina each week.
- A weekly creative invitation from Melissa Layer designed to engage the questions in intuitive ways.
- A weekly invitation into the practice of writing Midrash with the scripture texts (an imaginative journey with the scriptures).
How It Works
Day 1 – Introduction and First Reflection by John
Day 2 – Guided Lectio Divina Practice with Christine
Day 3 – Richard's reflections on a Psalm and accompanying song
Day 4 – Invitation to Midrash writing
Day 5– Melissa's invitation to Creative Expression
Day 6 – Conclusion & Second Reflection by John
Day 7 – Sabbath Rest
Registration
*Please note that if you choose the monthly payment option you are committing to completing both payments and paying in full for the program. If for any reason you do not complete payment, your registration in the retreat will be cancelled and you will not have access to previous materials.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
There are no refunds for self-study purchases. Please make your selection carefully. Materials stay available to you indefinitely. There is no "expiration" date for your access.
Discounts are available for small groups wanting to move through the material together: 20% off when 3 people register together, 30% off for 5, 40% off for 7 and above. Please contact Christine by email to request an invoice.
If you need a payment plan to participate, we can arrange that with you directly. We also offer partial scholarships to those for whom the full cost would be a financial hardship. Please contact us to inquire.
Your Guides for the Journey
Christine Valters Paintner, PhD
(visit the "About Christine" page for more information)
John Valters Painter, MTS
John is the online prior for Abbey of the Arts, where he assists his wife Christine in ministering to global community both online and through in-person programs. John was a youth minister and pastoral associate for four years before becoming a high school religion teacher for twelve years. He has a Masters of Theological Studies from the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkely. His love for the Bible, particularly the Hebrew Scriptures, emerged when he taught the “Old Testament” at an all-boys high school. John is also a lover of the art of story-telling and has written dozens of short stories, one-act plays, and short films in a variety of genres.
Melissa Layer, MA
Melissa honors our unfolding journeys through life’s transitions and challenges as compelling invitations for creative, integrative, meaning-making in BodyMindSpirit. Serving as a psychospiritual therapist and interfaith spiritual director, she offers compassionate presence and deep listening with the ear of her heart. Calling upon the rich realms of symbol, synchronicity, metaphor and expressive arts, Melissa encourages curious exploration of the Great Mystery in extraordinarily ordinary moments. The evergreen forests of Olympia, WA in the Pacific Northwest are her sacred sanctuary. Visit Melissa's website here>
Richard Bruxvoort Colligan, MA
Richard is a Psalmist, spiritual director and freelance musician. He enjoys all manner of projects in theology and the arts. Through his company, Worldmaking.net, he is publishing imaginative and adventurous songs for the ever-evolving church. Raised in the Midwestern United States, he is a husband to Trish and a dad to Sam. Faves: discovery, music, Star Wars, bosc pears, blue, laughter, naps. Visit Richard's website here »
