Somewhere In The Middle by Diana Sim

God’s faithfulness is as powerful today as when Jesus led His disciples to cross to the other side of the lake.

Faith reminds me that I am somewhere in the middle of ministry at the Martha Retreat Centre. Crossing from one shore, leading to another shore fills me with abundant hope.

Starting with the doors closed and programs halted provided an interesting learning curve to the life of the Centre. These last two years, holding onto faith has provided strength beyond measure. God has provided:

• Volunteers to support the work
• Facilitators flexible with restrictions in place
• Participants gleaning peace through the ministry at the Centre
• Staff dedicated to service

Together, we are somewhere in the middle, reaching into the future of Martha Retreat Centre. The Sisters returned to Antigonish in July 2019 with two Sisters serving on the current MRC Board of Directors; restrictions due to COVID shut the Centre down in March 2020; I came to the Centre April 2020 looking forward to serving in the life of the Centre. The Centre took a different turn, yet people continue to come.

Together, God is leading the way.

Together, we all have unique internal wisdom that will strengthen Martha Retreat Centre Society to be the bright beacon of hope our community could benefit from.

My desire is to serve God in fullness. Lord, help me. I am so grateful to everyone on the journey towards the future of Martha Retreat Centre. We are coming towards the other shore. Together, we are getting through a time of stillness that is leading to brightness. Everyone’s contribution adds to the beacon of hope that the Centre provides.

Your part in the journey impacts our world.

Faith equips us to walk across the line. God, have your way in all things. Together, let’s travel the distance.

Board Reflection by Lise Schmidt

Both Sister Theresa and Sister Liz provided us with some deep insights as to what these words mean to them. Gospel hospitality is the life of Jesus. Everyone he met he treated well. He established relationships and got to know people. Jesus taught us that when we meet people that are different from us, our lives become enriched by them. We are to welcome whoever comes into our lives, especially those who unexpectedly come into our lives. We should also look to the Gospels for guidance in our relationships with those we meet.

These are most certainly very deep words of wisdom from Sister Theresa and Sister Liz. The remainder of the Board shared the following thoughts:
    Relationships with kindness and love
    Gospel hospitality comes out in the Gospels
    We treat those who come to the Centre with respect
    It’s a reflection of what it means to be kind to people
    It involves layering
    Receiving Gospel Hospitality enables us to extend it to others

At the Martha Retreat Centre we strive to provide a welcoming atmosphere and Gospel hospitality and respect for all who come through our doors.

Why I Facilitate at the Martha Retreat Centre 

by Hailey Pinksen

Meditation is like that really good friend.  You know the one.  They teach you life lessons and help you grow.  They calm you and support you along your life journey.   You hold more compassion for yourself and others as a result of their kindness.  They enhance your present moment awareness.
The same can be said about MRC. The centre radiates a healing energy that helps soothe the soul. MRC is about stillness, reflection, connection and support.  Facilitating at MRC allows me to continue my meditation journey of reflection and insight and share the experience with others.  The MRC community inspires me to keep doing this work.  To keep spreading mindfulness, resilience, and gratitude into the world.  When people engage in meditation and share their insight, there is always something to learn. I am so grateful for the individuals I met along my meditation journey. 
 Meditation is a practice and it takes practice. It is a journey of peace, stillness, and reflection.  Your whispers of insight may be different from mine and that is the beauty in the practice, it is unique and individual for everyone.
So come away and rest with me in reflection and stillness, at MRC, when you get the chance.

Next Workshop My Six Degrees of Gratitude is coming on March 10th.