Christ Church Summer of Sabbath - June 2018

Sabbath is that uncluttered time and space in which we can distance ourselves from our own activities enough to see what God is doing. 

~ Eugene Peterson

Week One:  Our 24/7 World

Throughout history, one of the lessons we appear to need to learn over and over again is that we can’t seem to get enough of anything. We live longer than any group of people ever has, and yet we don’t seem to have enough time for family and friends. We stand in line for hours on end to purchase a gadget that mesmerizes us, only to stand in line for a newer model a year later. 

This forces us to ask ourselves, why aren’t we content with what we have? 

The answer to this question is that something is missing from our lives, and what is missing matters. What’s missing is a rhythm that has been established for thousands upon thousands of years. What’s missing is a day of rest, a day when we make time to hear the voice of God. 

If there’s going to be any true hope of regaining a happier, healthier life, we need to remember to rest.

Questions for Reflection:

 How did your family observe Sabbath (likely Sunday) when you were a child? 

Where did you go? 

Who did you see? 

What didn’t you do? 

What was Sabbath like for your own family, and your children? 

What about now; what is it like for you, your children, or your grandchildren?

How does your reflection on question one make you feel? 

Sad?  Curious?  Anxious?  Ambivalent?

What are some the challenges we face when trying to take a day of rest?

To what extent do you agree that the loss of a common day of rest has had an impact on our society? 

And what is that impact, in your opinion?

How do you find time to hear the voice of God speaking in your life? 

Do you have a hard time hearing the voice of God speaking in your life?

O God, in the course of this busy life, give us times of refreshment and peace; and grant that we may so use our leisure to rebuild our bodies and renew our minds, that our spirits may be opened to the goodness of your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.