2011 CHURCH RETREAT

On a Saturday morning on February 5, 32 people of all ages gathered at Grace United Methodist Church for Old Otterbein's 2011 Church Retreat, facilitated by the Rev. Roderick Miller.  We were a diverse group in many ways – age, race, gender, sexual preference, religious background, and level of involvement at Old Otterbein – some came who had only attended worship once, some came who haven't attended regularly for a long time.

Together, we painted this verbal portrait of what attracts us to Old Otterbein:

Come as you are – be who you are

Hugs – we welcome everyone 'with open arms'

Reconciling – breaking down walls, fences, barriers

Accepting of single people, married people, divorced people – all are welcomed

Everyone is accepted, wherever you are on your faith journey

Questioning and challenging are OK

We notice you, we miss you when you're not here, we still include you

You can get involved right away

The sermons are real, alive, and apply to our lives

The pastor is one of us

We're connected to the local community

We're a family, a church home

Our discussion of where we are and where we are going focused in part on the following reading, attributed to an unnamed Hopi elder from the Hopi Nation, Oraibi, Arizona.

“You have been telling the people that this is the Eleventh Hour, now you must go back and tell the people that this is the Hour.  And there are things to be considered…

                Where are you living?

                What are you doing?

                What are your relationships?

                Are you in right relation?

                Where is your water?

                Know your garden.

                It is time to speak your Truth.

                Create your community.

                Be good to each other.

                And do not look outside yourself for the leader.”

Then he clasped his hands together, smiled, and said, “This could be a good time!”

“There is a river flowing now very fast.  It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid.  They will try to hold on to the shore.  They will feel they are torn apart and will suffer greatly.

“Know the river has its destination.  The elders say we must let go of the shore, push off into the middle of the river, keep our eyes open, and our heads above water.  And I say, see who is in there with you and celebrate.  At this time in history, we are to take nothing personally, Least of all ourselves.  For the moment that we do, our spiritual growth and journey comes to a halt.

“The time for the lone wolf is over.  Gather yourselves!  Banish the word struggle from your attitude and vocabulary.  All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration.

“We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.”

We invite you to join us in the river, no matter who you are or where you are on your journey.

Click here to view pictures from the retreat