Ministers' Retreat

Wellington Presbytery Minister’s Retreat May 2011

After a successful retreat in May 2010 we decided to repeat the idea this year. We all loved the venue at Magnificat so much that we returned. 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.

This year we had Graham Millar as our speaker. Graham is a retired minister who led us in a variety of activities in a large group, in small groups and as individuals. We had many positive comments about Graham's facilitation and input. We also invited lay workers employed in ministry positions in churches to join us, and it was great that a youth worker and a children and family worker took up this invite.

We 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 afternoons was free time. Some slept, others , ran, walked, prayed, chatted, went out for coffee, shopped, read, 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.