Introducing: Moments Retreat

When life gets busy or complicated it’s easy to overlook the power of simple things. Moments is a self paced, online, retreat created in collaboration with CRC Worship Ministries. The practices we are going to share with you are about the simple, the small and the quiet. Some, you have heard of before, if so we encourage you to revisit those this week. Though we have included a few details on the intent and research behind each exercise, at it’s core, the Moments Retreat is an invitation to resume small life-giving practices.

Retreat Outline

Designed to fit anyone’s schedule, this retreat is made up of moments can be spread across the span of a week, or it can even be experienced in a half-day.

For a week-long retreat: Use one of the suggested scripture passages each day during “Moment: God’s Word” leading up to the Lectio Divina exercise on your final day.

To enjoy Moments as a half-day retreat: Choose one of the suggested passages as your focus and move directly into the “Lectio Divina” exercise when you arrive at “Moment: God’s Word”.

Moments Retreat Outline

Introductory Moment: In the Midst of the Struggle (2 minutes)

Moment: Worship

• A playlist to accompany you on the retreat

Moment: God’s Word (5-10 minutes)

• 5 minutes a day for as many days as you would like

• For a half-day version of this retreat—choose one passage and move directly into Lectio Divina

Moment: Lectio (30 Minutes)

• Dwelling with one passage

Moment: Between the Words (30 minutes)

• Expressing feelings as you create art (no experience required)

Moment: Words We Think (5-10 minutes)

• Contemplative gratitude

Moment: Together (Optional on Marco Polo app)

• Reflecting and respond in fellowship

Moment: Closing (5 Minutes)

• A closing prayer and final thoughts

Getting ready for Moments: (before you begin)

This retreat requires very little preparation.

The only things you need to gather besides what we provide here are: the supplies for the art portion, your computer, a way to listen to to music (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, etc.), your favorite hot drink, and a favorite candle, or essential oil, or light.

Do what you can to make these brief moments special for yourself. Use your favorite pen if you journal, drink from your favorite mug, and sit in a favorite quiet spot. 

The art moment requires 3 simple supplies and absolutely no artistic talent whatsoever. It’s as easy as coloring an imperfect rectangle.

Art materials: (order these now via the Amazon links for ease)

- Mixed media paper (any size; watercolor paper is also fine, though more costly)

- Painters tape (painting tape for home projects; the linked tape is extra gentle)

- Water-soluble oil pastels are ideal. Alternatively, regular oil pastels or other pigment sticks are great. Pigment sticks are like crayons but softer. 

-Cup with water

-Paper towel

-Optional: paintbrush

Note about art supplies:

Supplies can be found at any art store or on Amazon. Purchase these as soon as possible so that you have them when you are ready to use them.  If you buy the three art supplies linked above, the total cost of this retreat should be less than $32.

This project can also be done in paint, or even makers, if those feel more comfortable to you. You can also use paper, board, or canvas. Use the medium you feel the most happy using. If you are painting with acrylics or watercolor, add a brush and water cup to this list.

Art Set up/Clean-up:

If you are working with water soluble oil pastels, then you don’t have to worry about cleanup; anything that gets on your surface will wipe right off with soap and water.

Once you have purchased and received these supplies, you are ready to begin. Sign up below to start your retreat.

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