This year, Education and Clergy Development encourages pastors and clergy leaders to Reclaim Sabbath like never before.
“Sabbath practices often involve times of solitude for recharging and regaining perspective,” said Rev. Dave Higle, Clergy Care director and Reclaim Sabbath frontrunner.
Many people know that recognizing Sabbath includes taking time to stop, rest, pray and play during their moments of aloneness and reflection with God. But it might be difficult to know where to start in order to adapt to this potentially new and unfamiliar or forgotten and unused lifestyle.
The 24-hour retreat guide serves as a method to assist pastors and clergy leaders in taking steps to truly reclaim the Sabbath.
“Alan and Gem Fadling lead an excellent ministry called Unhurried Living,” said Higle. “Among the many resources they offer is this guide for experiencing a 24-hour retreat. Their guide offers practical ideas for experiencing a retreat focused on rest, refreshment and quiet. It includes advice for choosing the right location, time, items to bring, what to do and what not to do. It is a great place to start if you are unsure of where to begin.”
The guide offers necessary tips for those who are new to the journey of reclaiming Sabbath, as well as those who are searching for fresh and new perspectives on how to recognize Sabbath.
It advises anyone who will take part in the 24-hour retreat to keep things simple as they plan to enjoy unhurried time with God. The guide suggests various methods to prepare to retreat and encourages everyone to consider timing, meals and a location beforehand. It even provides a special guide of what to pack such as a journal, Bible, books and possibly a computer and charger.
“In the Fadlings’ blog post titled, ‘An Unhurried Rule of Life,’ Alan unpacks their vision statement of ‘inspiring leaders around the world to rest deeper so they can live fuller and lead better,’” said Higle.
To learn about Reclaim Sabbath, click here. For more ideas and resources from Unhurried Living, click here. To write a Sabbath plan, click here.
