Dear Friends,
Words are truly inadequate to describe the gift of being in community with the shared-focus of spiritual formation. Our NC Academy For Spiritual Formation exists to immerse persons in the life-giving power of Christian community. The late, Dr. Robert Mulholland reminds us why this is important.
My working definition of spiritual formation is fourfold: (1) a process
(2) of being formed (3) in the image of Christ (4) for the sake of others.
In the fall of 2012 I participated in my first Five-Day Academy. I registered for this at the encouragement of a dear friend. Without question I entered a broken person; weary from a heavy load of responsibilities, and wounded by the dissolution of a thirty year marriage.
I was warmly welcomed that first Sunday afternoon, and soon found myself enveloped in the rhythm of worship, learning, reflection, table fellowship and small group sharing. The singing and prayers, spirited teaching and sharing of communion were life-giving and renewing.
I hope you will prayerfully consider participating in this year’s Five Day Academy, scheduled for September 23 – 28 at the Trinity Episcopal Retreat Center. The leadership team and guest faculty are already preparing for you to cone. Join with others as we embrace the rhythm of days which begin and end in worship and prayer, punctuated by extraordinary teaching, focused on the power of story and the gift of sabbath. I look forward to joining you.
In Christ,
Jon E Strother
NC Five Day Academy
Spiritual Director