Behold - Now It Springs Forth by Sister Theresa Parker |
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It was a privilege for me to return to Martha Retreat Centre from September 15 to 27. While there I often reflected on the surprises in life’s journey. When I was living at Martha Retreat Centre, Diana Sim would come for a program or a retreat or lend a helping hand with her IT skills. Now, she is the executive director of Martha Retreat Centre and I have had the good fortune of visiting her! |
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During the past two years, Martha Retreat Centre Society Board and Diana, as the Executive Director, have met many challenges posed by Covid. Often, because of the mandates they were unable to welcome people to the Centre, yet, they moved on with undaunted hope. The grounds at the Centre became the gathering space with: The development of the labyrinth Benches strategically placed to absorb the scenic beauty Music on the grounds Peace at Lunch - people could order a noon lunch and be alone or with a group and enjoy the outdoors |
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A wonderful addition that Diana has brought to the Centre is her experience of developing volunteers and specifically volunteer teams. Several members of the “Grounds Team” came while I was at the Centre – what care and energy they exuded in the early morning! |
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A word often used in the Christian Scriptures is “Behold!” It is a call or an alert for people to pay attention. In Isaiah 43:19, we are challenged, “Behold, I am doing a new thing: now it springs forth. Do you not see?” I believe this is the call to me and many others who come to Martha Retreat Centre, to take time to notice the creative spirit that is displayed for all to see and experience. |
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Sister Liz, the other Board member from the Marthas and myself are part of the Eastern Prayer Team. We continue to pray for all involved in caring for the Centre, for those who offer programs and retreats and those who come to nourish their spirits. May we all continue the development of Martha Retreat Centre by, “creating an inclusive and nurturing Centre offering stillness and peace (Vision Statement, 2022).” |
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A Glimpse at this Last Year by Diana Sim |
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“Coming to the Centre today was for me a coming home and a day spent in gratitude for God’s calling in my life and in the Centre. The fellowship and the silence both had their teaching moments for me today. The stillness is the reminder that I felt safe to share, even when I felt vulnerable. It was wonderful to have a day filled with time for reflection, solitude, silence and knowing that others cared for me and that I could express care to others.” – participant of Oasis Day |
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“Time to step away to recognize the meandering thoughts offered me time to meditate and to see my thoughts go for now. I learned the practice of sending loving kindness thoughts to everyone, even to those people I am frustrated or angry with. The Centre provides a welcoming, secure, spiritual place where I could let down my guard, relax and be with myself and my God. I appreciated the learning attitude of everyone, it is amazing how connection with others is created, even in silence.” – participant of The Four Foundations of Mindfulness Retreat |
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“This retreat was such a gift. May God continue to richly bless you with all that you do. Thank you for the hospitality and earthly love! It is a sacred space at the Centre. I am filled with gratitude. I have been looking forward to this retreat for 2 years now. It was every bit as good as I'd hoped.” – participant in Deepening Intensive Centering Prayer Retreat |
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The Martha Retreat Centre is referred to as “a second home” by many. Following her recent visit, Sister Josie wrote: “Everything is so inviting and the people there are so special. May you continue to believe and respond so that more and more will find the hidden treasure that you are offering.” “Peaceful” is the number 1 word used to express how people feel about the Centre; the second most popular expression is that of “reflection and rest.” This jewel is being discovered by more people. The Peace at Lunch (P.A.L.) and Music on the Grounds programs increased curiosity as to what the Centre offers. In 2021-2022 we had over 2890 visits to the Centre. On social media we have 821 followers. It is exciting to witness the growth as we strive to stir new interest in the activity of the Centre. A number of participants regularly donate to the Centre. Will you consider a donation to the Centre during this end of year period? Giving Tuesday is on November 29, 2022, a day when the world comes together to unleash the power of people coming together. Check out https://www.givingtuesday.ca/ for details and watch a 30 second video. |
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Some of the projects that we are working on include: |
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o Grow a garden o Supplies for Centre Programming o Add additional programming – Garden to Table concept o Provide fresh produce to others o Recent surprises The hot water tank needed to be replaced, the pilot light was going out and then we discovered the tank was leaking The ground had increased mounds developing when I turned the irrigation system on. Yikes, the mounds went down once I turned the irrigation off. Repairs were required before snowfall. Extension of the irrigation system for the beautification of the grounds
o Changing some of the old fluorescent light fixtures to LED fixtures Sponsorship (forms available to apply for sponsorship) o Fall and winter programming o P.A.L. (Peace At Lunch – summer lunch program) o Music on the Grounds
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Join us as we move to create an inclusive and nurturing Centre offering stillness and peace as we serve the people in this community. |
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Donations of Cash, Cheques or E-Transfer are most welcomed. Call us to drop in for a visit or mail Cheques to 1130 Scenic Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7J1 If you have any questions, please give us a call: 403-328-3422. |
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Find Martha Retreat Centre Society on Canada Helps | | |
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Open House at the Martha Retreat Centre November, 15 6:30 - 8:00 pm | | |
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