By Rev. Cora Glass
“The retreat helped me intentionally be present before God through scripture and prompts.”
Fifteen participants gathered at Wesley Woods Camp & Retreat Center in February for the Introduction to Contemplative Prayer retreat. They immersed themselves in a number of creative prayer practices including a Taizé worship service, sacred imagination, visio divina, praying in nature, and centering prayer. The participant quoted above appreciated the exploration of spiritual practices and time set apart for prayer. Another said the retreat offered a space to experience contemplative practices together.
Attendees at the February 2023 Introduction to Contemplative Prayer Retreat at Wesley Woods Camp & Retreat
In April, 10 retreat attendees met at Lake Huron Retreat Center for Pray and Paint: Inquisitive Painting Retreat. Times of worship were scattered throughout the three-day retreat, which focused on teaching inquisitive (also called intuitive) painting. Rev. Cora Glass and Patty Glass lead the event, encouraging participants to paint from a place of curiosity and intuition. Some participants had not painted since grade school, but remarked that the painting process allowed them to try something new. One participant shared that the encouragement to paint over what wasn’t working on their canvas and try something new was a revelation. Each participant left with their own unique piece of art, but greater than the art was the reflections and new learnings for the time together.
Attendees show their artwork from the Pray and Paint: Inquisitive Painting Retreat at Lake Huron Retreat Center.
The next contemplative retreat is April 25-27, 2024 at Lake Huron Retreat Center. “GOing Deeper Prayer Retreat” provides space for contemplatives to dive deeper into one area of contemplative practice for the weekend. All are welcome, those who are new to exploring contemplative prayer or regular practitioners. Each participant will choose one of three tracks for the weekend. Over the weekend, each session will lead participants deeper into their chosen practice.. This retreat will be led by Rev. Dillon Burns, Rev. Cora Glass, and Lisa Batten. This is a great retreat opportunity for individuals or small groups. Register online or call 810-327-6272.
Exploring sacred spaces at Wesley Woods Camp & Retreat.