Attempting to wiggle off the hook of a suffocating legalism, it seems we have become entangled in the net of endless activity.

We are fond of quoting Jesus’ words in Mark 2:27, “The Sabbath was made for man and
not man for the Sabbath.” We remind those who would impose Sabbath restrictions that the Apostle Paul wrote, “let no one act as your judge in regard to … a Sabbath day” (Col. 1:16). Yet, how do we live in the tension of receiving the Sabbath as a gift for us without it becoming a shackle to us? God has provided for us an example of purposeful rest which is not only restorative to both mind and body, but also restores a healthy perspective on work and activity.

What better time and place to sort out these issues together than our annual retreat at Versailles State Park? Registrations will begin in July and will continue until August 26th. More details will be available at the registration table. Our schedule and our food will be compatible with our theme; we will have lots of free time to enjoy the beauty of our setting and the opportunity for relaxing conversation. Our meal planning will be simple to facilitate minimal food preparation and clean-up.

For those interested in doing advance preparation for our discussions, the following list of books and articles will be helpful:

“Sabbath Keeping: Finding Freedom in the Rhythms of Rest”

 by Lynne M. Baab

“Keeping Sabbath”, chapter 6 in Practicing Our Faith

 edited by Dorothy C. Bass

“Sabbath”, from Christian Reflection: A Series in Faith and Ethics, Baylor University