Annual Leaders Retreat March 24 - 26, 2019
Retreat Theme
Cultivating a Habit of Joy
The hope of Jesus is that his joy would be in us and that our joy would be made complete. In the face of overwhelming upheaval and division in our social, political and ecclesial environments, our sense of hope can be diminished and we are drawn to cynicism in the face of the world’s problems. As people of the resurrection our call is to joy and hope. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit. It is a habit to be cultivated. In ALR this year, we will study the Bible together to renew our minds in hope by cultivating the habit of joy in our communities of faith and in our witness in the world.
The hope of Jesus is that his joy would be in us and that our joy would be made complete. In the face of overwhelming upheaval and division in our social, political and ecclesial environments, our sense of hope can be diminished and we are drawn to cynicism in the face of the world’s problems. As people of the resurrection our call is to joy and hope. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit. It is a habit to be cultivated. In ALR this year, we will study the Bible together to renew our minds in hope by cultivating the habit of joy in our communities of faith and in our witness in the world.
David Boshart, Executive Conference Minister for Central Plains Mennonite Conference will be our retreat presenter. David is also the Conference Minister for Outreach and Service. He has over 25 years of pastoral experience in local congregations. David has a PhD in Leadership Studies with an emphasis in Missional Theology. He works to provide leadership for the overall mission of Central Plains Mennonite Conference. He enjoys working with congregations in helping them to focus their mission for impactful ministry in their local contexts. David, a gifted Bible teacher will lead our three retreat sessions on the theme of “Cultivating a Habit of Joy”.
Cultivating a Habit of Joy
Retreat Sessions
Session 1: Joyful Imagination: Living in Hope for Complete Joy
In this session we will explore the Biblical vision of complete joy and consider how our life together can enhance our experience of joy
when the world’s situation evokes despair and division.
Session 2: Tending our Joy: Living Joyfully in any Circumstance
In session 2, participants will consider the spiritual practices that prepare the soil to produce the fruit of joy in hope for that joy to be made
complete. How do we remain rooted in the joy that is set before us in any and all circumstances?
Session 3: Joyful Witness: Exuding Joy in the Holy Spirit
In the final session, we will explore how joy informs our witness to peace. How is our witness to peace and justice/righteousness more
prophetic, attractive, and transformative when it is rooted in joy?
Retreat Sessions
Session 1: Joyful Imagination: Living in Hope for Complete Joy
In this session we will explore the Biblical vision of complete joy and consider how our life together can enhance our experience of joy
when the world’s situation evokes despair and division.
Session 2: Tending our Joy: Living Joyfully in any Circumstance
In session 2, participants will consider the spiritual practices that prepare the soil to produce the fruit of joy in hope for that joy to be made
complete. How do we remain rooted in the joy that is set before us in any and all circumstances?
Session 3: Joyful Witness: Exuding Joy in the Holy Spirit
In the final session, we will explore how joy informs our witness to peace. How is our witness to peace and justice/righteousness more
prophetic, attractive, and transformative when it is rooted in joy?
joy
i choose this moment
cultivating a habit
abundance of joy
i choose this moment
cultivating a habit
abundance of joy