DOV1 Retreat Reflections
I'm not quite sure how to respond to the 'headline'. Perhaps with some further headlines. Anyone who is on this path and following this process, will remember the DOV1 Retreat all their life - they just will. It was that impactful.
So in no particular order, and with no weight applied to any individual statement (except perhaps the last one), here are my captured thoughts as the retreat went on:
The retreat exemplified the rich tapestry of God’s creation. All attendees, meeting together, stitched together like a beautiful tapestry, with our rich stories, and journeys, at the same place, discerning their call from God.
I genuinely felt this next statement; especially following extensive small group work:
When we're stripped bare, leaving baggage behind, allowing God in, only then does the armour of God fit properly.
Otherwise it's like putting a jumper on top of a jumper - it doesn't feel right.
This article was a find following a conversation with one of the authors (and one of the retreat team), this is the most recent of his publications.
Michael J. A. Long
The same author, as President of Conference, delivered his inaugural address on Social Holiness - if that phrase doesn't feature in my next Sermon I'll be astounded.
The theories and concepts capture almost everything the church should be, in 2025.
I expect several will be coming back from DOV1 retreat with this ringing in their ears!
God isn’t elsewhere.
I prayed this, repeatedly, and have continued to do so.
What am I about to take my family through?
This question featured as the main topic of conversation during a 1:1 with a lay member of the retreat team. She is married to a Methodist minister. Our shared reflections and silent, radiating prayers, will be with me forever.
This is Christ's body, broken...for you.
I'd maintained emotional composure throughout the retreat. Hearing so many journeys of faith, witnessing God's call upon so many, and the assurance and affirmation shared amongst so many was moving (of course it was!) but nothing moved me like this moment: It was our final act of worship as a group, I observed others going for Communion, my turn...in that moment when the bread was given to me, the presiding ministers' eyes and mine locked, my upturned palm remained in place as did his hand and the bread for a fraction longer than it needed to. I've used the word tangible before to describe moments of the Holy Spirit at work. This was, without doubt, the most tangible and physically evidenced expression of what that means.
I was able to be me
9 of us were billeted or as it became quickly referred to 'in exile' at the local Premier Inn because the retreat venue didn't have enough rooms for the first night (what a superb problem to have), technical issues meant we weren't able to check-in upon arrival and some gentle organising was needed to ensure we got it resolved - I was able to be me. I engaged with the staff at reception, when I say engaged we laughed and laughed, shared stories and enjoyed each other's company, (Anne needs a medal).
I organised a table in the restaurant for others in exile to relax with some cold water...It was a hot, sticky afternoon and we were all keen to freshen up before heading to the main venue for registration and initial meetings. No one really needed the extra layers, and yet I felt very much at home just making sure folk were ok. I bagged myself a room upgrade 😆. Be kind.
43 people attended the retreat, I have 15 pages of notes. I spoke to all but 4, circling the names of everyone I met and applying an old Housemaster's trick to remember something about them - each one was different and special. We were united in our love for Jesus and our sense of call to serve the Methodist Church. Wow.
People didn't seem nervous but there were some who will have been very - the retreat team's ability to shift from stable, encouraging, affirming, challenging leading of retreat task to supporting some real moments of brokenness was inspirational. It was important that others recognised these moments too, treading gently. Respecting space and reading the room was very important.
I had planned for the drive home (about 5 hours) to be an opportunity to reflect on everything that had gone on. Traffic was light(ish), reflection was hard - there was too much. I had shared how hard I have to work on inner stillness - bombing up the M6 is not conducive to achieving it.
A mile from home I was the car following a head–on collision. Emergency services arranged, people checked, cars made safe...I then sat with a member from our church for an hour as she was cut free. She and her husband were taken to hospital. All will survive.
The retreat was sandwiched between moments of pastoral care; delivered in the most appropriate and people-focussed way that the situation demanded. It is fast becoming an expressible and lived-by cornerstone of my ministry (a rather bold statement). I am reminded of the time a boy was distraught by being unable to find a matching pair of socks. At that time, in that moment, it is all that mattered. (albeit briefly!).
I was able to be me.
