From Bishop David,

It is Thursday afternoon and I arrived home moments ago from a three day retreat. I wish to offer one commentary and one reflection regarding our retreat. Firstly the commentary, I cannot think of a better time for our clergy to remove themselves from their local context and from the communities for which they have responsibility than during the Season of Advent. As I said to colleagues whilst we enjoyed the lovely surroundings at St. Anthony's Retreat Center, Three Rivers, there are innumerable things we could all be doing in our respective contexts which is all the more reason why a retreat is so absolutely necessary. Moreover, to go on retreat during a Season in the Christian Year when the emphasis is so clearly on "pausing" and endeavoring to find the sacred amid all the noise and business of our lives makes complete sense. In addition, the things we could be doing in our respective context, chances are others could and perhaps should be doing those things anyway. Suffice it to say, the Advent Clergy Retreat at St. Anthony's, Three Rivers provided an opportunity for respite, relaxation, reflection and recreation and that must be a good model for all of us particularly as far too many of us are running around in preparation for Christmas.

Secondly, I wish to offer a brief reflection on the retreat. Canon Kate invited Bob Giannini, former Cathedral and Seminary Dean to guide and facilitate our retreat. In a word, Bob was stunning! His topics for discussion included: God in a New Light, The Church in a New Light and The Self in a New Light. From my perspective, by far-and-away, the most memorable part of these sessions involved the ways in which Bob modeled and encouraged honest and holy conversation and then how he provided the space for us to follow his model.

It was very good stuff indeed and I can honestly say, I/we have been properly "Advented!

Lastly, today we had a Eucharistic Service of Remembrance for our brother, friend and colleague Basil Matthews.

And it was right and good that we did so.

Thanks be to God!

Advent Blessings