When Henri Nouwen stumbled across a poster of Rembrandt’s Return of the Prodigal Son, he began a spiritual journey that would help him understand the biblical parable as well as the story of his own life. Take this opportunity to join Henri as he leads the wayward prodigal and judgmental sibling who reside within each of us towards the open-handed, overwhelming compassion and eternal love of the Father. The Return of the Prodigal Son will transform your reading of the parable and the way you understand your life story.

 

“For most of my life I have struggled to find God, to know God, to love God. I have tried hard to follow the guidelines of the spiritual life—pray always, work for others, read the Scriptures—and to avoid the many temptations to dissipate myself. I have failed many times but always tried again, even when I was close to despair.

 

Now I wonder whether I have sufficiently realized that during all this time God has been trying to find me, to know me, and to love me. The question is not ‘How am I to find God?’ but ‘How am I to let myself be found by him?’ The question is not ‘How am I to know God?’ but ‘How am I to let myself be known by God?’ And, finally, the question is not ‘How am I to love God?’ but ‘How am I to let myself be loved by God?’ God is looking into the distance for me, trying to find me, and longing to bring me home.”

Henri J. M. Nouwen

 

Join a group of friends from a number of churches at Holy Cross Monastery, an Episcopalian Benedictine monastery for time away from the rush and crushing pace of life. This three- night, four day retreat affords the time to step away from the regular demands of our lives and to enjoy a place of rest and welcome. Our retreat begins on Tuesday, March 15 at 5:00 p.m. and concludes on Friday, March 17 following the noon meal.

Pastor Stuart Spencer leads a study of the parable of two lost sons, best known as the parable of the Prodigal Son from Luke 15. Our retreat group meets together for sessions on the mornings and evenings of each day. Within those gatherings we learn, share, and pray together. The days of the Prayer Retreat offer the gift of time for personal prayer, meditation, conversations, reflection, exploring the bookstore, hiking, silence and rest.

Holy Cross Monastery

 

Located about an hour north of New York City and set high on the western bluffs of the Hudson River, Holy Cross Monastery is a Benedictine place of prayer of the Episcopal Church. The monks graciously welcome all who come. The monastery is a lovely setting with comfortable private rooms and simple yet exquisite meals. We join the monks in their five offices of prayer throughout the day. In the evening, starting at 9:00 p.m., we are invited to participate in the Greater Silence, a time for quiet that continues until the Eucharist.

 

For information on the monastery: http://www.holycrossmonastery.com.

 

For specific information about the experience of retreat at the monastery: https://holycrossmonastery.com/guest-house/our-vision/

What to bring? Pack comfortable clothes and shoes, toiletries, a Bible, pens, a journal.

 

Cost: $300 for three nights (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday), study book included.

$285 for those who wish to purchase the book in advance. Registrations fees are not re-fundable unless approved by the Guesthouse.

 

Note: Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the monastery. Rides can be shared.

 

Online registration is now available. 

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Print our brochure, complete the registration form and return to the church office. Checks should be made out to “First Presbyterian Church of Moorestown.” In the memo line write: Holy Cross Prayer Retreat.

You may download our printable brochure here…

 

Registration forms and fees are due to the First Presbyterian Church Office by Sunday, February 13, 2022.

 

First Presbyterian Church of Moorestown
PO Box 868
101 Bridgeboro Road
Moorestown, NJ 08057
Phone: (856) 235 – 1688

Email: sspencer@fpcmoorestown.org