Family Monasticism... a Summer 2011 Invitation
Two years ago, we
explored old and new monasticism while on sabbatical where we traveled
across England, France, and the United States. One day as we made
our way up the Oregon Coast, we stopped at a stunning location and then
3-year-old Hannah exclaimed, "This is amazicle!" (we believe a
combination of "miracle" and "amazing." We twirled in the mist
and ran free, splashing through the waters of the river that met the
ocean bay. Later, in Cannon Beach, Oregon, we met with Pastor
David Robinson who wrote The Family Cloister.
As a pastor, he had sought out a Benedictine monastery for rest and
renewal. But then he started to consider how the rhythms by which
the monks lived could be brought into daily family life. Thus,
this summer of 2011, we are trying what you could call "an experiment
in family monasticism." The central location will be the "home"
and we invite you to come to our home (located in Thousand Oaks, CA)
this summer as together we live and learn and love from one another -
all in the hope and prayer that we can discover the "amazicle" and live
in the unforced rhythms of God's grace. For directions, please
call (805) 300-3456.
Sunday Evening Worship
Songs & Stories Around the Fire
7:00-8:00 PM, followed by roasting marshmallows and making s'mores
Sundays, July 3-August 7
The summer theme of our Sunday Evening Worship is "Spiritual
Disciplines for Simple Living." How might the discipline of
letting go of some of our material "stuff" lead to piles that
aren't so high? How might practicing the discipline of "rest"
help us take some of the "busy" out of our lives? How might the
practice of forgiveness perhaps make life less heavy? Families of
all ages - tots to grandparents - will sing and pray and hear scripture
together and then have a few moments to break off into age level or
family groups for discussion before we close together in prayer.
All are welcome, come whenever you can, no need to sign up in advance.
Tuesdays in the Garden...
... the work of the land, the celebration of the meal, and the study of scripture
On Tuesdays, from July 5-August 2, we invite you to the "backyard
homestead" - or what we call the "WoodKamp Family Farm" as we venture
back to being rooted in those things that nourish - like soil, good
food, and God's Word. You may come to one or both garden
experiences:
Tuesdays, 10:30 AM to 12 noon, "The Art & Spirit of Gardening"
Anna Woodward & Chamie Delkeskamp will be working on the WoodKamp
family farm and you can work and learn beside us... explore planting,
weeding, picking... take clippings to make your own plants... learn how
to dry herbs... learn about canning and preserving... meet the chickens
and learn how to care for the eggs and make the best use of
them... both adults and children are welcome to come learn and
work in the garden.
Tuesdays, 12 noon to 1:15 PM, "Garden Lunch & Bible Study"
You may either pack your own lunch or eat a meal that we make from the
garden which will include choices (depending on what is available for
harvest) such as fresh green salads, tomato-basil soup, carrot-ginger
soup, collard green wraps, roasted vegetables and orzo, vegetable
lasagna, egg salad sandwiches, homemade bread, and Anna knows how to
make homemade mozzarella cheese. As we eat lunch, Pastor Chamie
will lead a Bible study called "Dr. Luke" based on the gospel of Luke
which will also include excerpts from the historical fictional novel
The Beloved & Glorious Physician. We will explore ancient
medicine and healing and the places where we need healing today...
healing that comes from the fresh organic food of the land, from the
loving circle of friendships, from the prayers of the people, from acts
of service to the poor and hurting of the world. As the adults
eat, talk, and study, children will have their own lunch and activity
time led by youth volunteers. Cost for the Bible Study materials
is $10 and there will be a free-will basket for the food that will go
into the "Garden-Farm Fund" so we can continue to plant, grow, and
feed. YOU
MUST SIGN UP IN ADVANCE SO WE CAN BE PROPERLY PREPARED WITH MATERIALS
AND FOOD; sign up by emailing raisingmicah@mac.com. Space is
limited.
Note: Some of our summer lunch produce will come from Join the
Farm, a faith-based organic farm in Oxnard. Through Join the
Farm, you can receive weekly or bi-weekly produce boxes as part of
their CSA - Community Supported Agriculture - program. On
Tuesdays, if you wish to take some fresh produce or eggs from our
"WoodKamp Family Farm" - or from Join the Farm, you can leave a
free-will donation in the jar in the kitchen marked "Garden-Farm Fund."
Thursday Evening Prayer
Women, Wine, & Compline
8:30-9:30 PM, in the candlelit garden
Thursdays, July 7-August 4
There is power when women come together to pray. "Compline" in
the monastic rhythm of prayer is the prayer before bedtime. So we
will come together to talk, to listen, to be honest with each other, to
drink wine (or sparkling cider), to eat chocolate, to say the compline
prayer together... and then if you wish, to pray-walk the garden or to
put prayers in the "wailing wall." All women are invited, friends
welcome, no need to RSVP.
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