Ministers' Retreat

Wellington Presbytery Minister’s Retreat May 2010

On a wintery, slightly damp day on Wednesday 19^th May around twenty Wellington Presbytery Minister’s and their cooking and support crew of Boyd, Judith and Yvonne ventured over the Rimutaka Hill to ‘Magnificat’ at Cross Creek, just south of Featherston for a two day retreat. We were also joined during the day by Joan Ross from the Wairarapa.

In recognition of the holy ground we were entering (and the possibility of bringing in unwanted dirt and manure from the farm) we took off our shoes, and donned our slippers. Magnificat is a collection of buildings run by a Catholic order, and are set in a serene country environment with beautiful views over green pastures to Lake Wairarapa. It is also close to the Rimutaka Incline track which some took advantage of for a bush walk or run in the rain during free time.

Anne Hadfield facilitated the sessions of the retreat, inviting us to think about creation, re-creation, and restoration using passages from Genesis and Romans 8. We shared, listened, read aloud, marched around, and acted out these Scripture readings. Anne had put a great deal of time and effort into preparation and presentation of the material, and her ‘soul food’ was much appreciated.

We also had wonderful food prepared and served by Judith and Boyd Dunlop, and Yvonne Curtis. The home baking for morning and afternoon tea was delicious, and the luxury of not having to do any dishes or potato peeling was a huge bonus.

Wednesday and Thursday afternoons were free time. Some slept, others painted, ran, walked, prayed, chatted, went out for coffee, read, knitted and just generally chilled out with each other or on their own. It was a good time to get to know new people, and deepen relationships with existing friends and colleagues.

Some comments from retreat attendees were:

“It was excellent to get away from parish life for a time and just spend time in reflection, and for me to reconnect a bit with God and myself. My time away had a calming effect which I could still sense days later, and I was sad to drive away when I did.”

“I liked the venue...very comfortable and welcoming, great food. It was good having the chance to catch up with others in a relaxed 'non meeting' setting being offered some soul food by Anne”

“Lovely place - quiet and peaceful, seemed really a consecrated space. The Moderator and his wife exhibited great care and hospitality. I felt cared for.”

After the positive feedback received, we are planning to offer another retreat next year in May at the same venue.