A Season of Retreat

In his book Openings: A Daybook of Saints, Psalms, and Prayer, Larry James Peacock writes, "You face many demands and feel the conflicting pulls of family, vocation, church, and social responsibilities. Sometimes daily life keeps you too busy to stop and look for movements of the Spirit. Retreats give space to look back and sort out your identity and God’s callings in the midst of life. They allow you to draw a deep breath and remember who and whose you are."

In this season of perceived rest and retreat, I trust you have carved out at least a small amount of time to take in that deep breath of God's spirit. Whether you're in full time ministry or you are a volunteer leader serving one of our churches, one of God's requirements of you is for you to REST. I was reminded on a recent flight that I should "place the oxygen mask on myself, BEFORE assisting others." So many depend on the consistent presence and attention of ministry leaders. So many feel blessed by your hard work and your attention to detail. So many feel encouraged by your inspiring leadership through preaching or teaching or serving. In order for you to be sustained in all of those activities, your body, soul and spirit need rest.

Our prayer for you, the ministry leaders of CBOQ, is that God will grant you deep rest and deep peace over the next several weeks. We will pray for a slowing of your schedule, an unexpected blessing of retreat, and for God to speak clearly to you when quiet is all around. Our prayer is that you will claim Psalm 121 to cover your life and your ministry during this season of rest.

I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD watches over you—the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Blessings to you as you serve,
Tim McCoy
Executive Minister

CBOQ is accepting Grant Applications for 2011

Deadline: September 30

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CBOQ Youth is celebrating all that God accomplished through this year's Blizzard and Avalanche retreats. Over 1600 students and leaders made their way to Muskoka Woods Sports Resort in Rosseau, Ontario to engage in worship, teaching and recreation over the last three weekends. More than 50 students made commitments to Jesus Christ.

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A Season of Retreat