• "Why are we talking about reconciliation at this time, and where are we going with it?"
• "Reconciliation begins with developing and deepening relationships."
• "God is seeking reconciliation. We are just agents. Makes me hopeful."
• "It's important to know our limitations. God's love is there."
• "'Ignorant toleration' is disrespectful."
• "Christ gives us the capacity to be authentic and say hard stuff, but still be together."
• "Minnesota nice gets in the way of deep relationships."
• "Be courageous, ask questions, accept one another."
• "You have to be trusting and brave and put yourself out there, even when people disappoint you."
• "It's possible to be reconciled with God even if you can't have reconciliation with another person."
• "You won't be released from another's power over you unless you can forgive. You can't forget slavery, but you must move past it."
• "Reconciliation involves renewing our relationship with God first."
• "Reconciliation is a journey."

By Dave McKenna

This Sunday at the 10:30am service we will have a very special guest: Ann Marie Morgan, an internationally-renowned player of the baroque cello and viola da gamba. Dedicated to education as well as performance, Ann Marie spent 11 years as the instructor for both instruments at the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore, Maryland.  She was also a long-time member of the early music faculty at the Interlochen Arts Camp, and you can hear her on nearly a dozen recordings with her colleagues in the ensemble Apollo's Fire: The Cleveland Baroque Orchestra. Ann Marie is in town to play J.S. Bach's "St. Matthew Passion" this weekend at the University of Minnesota, and we are so pleased that she will be able to join us for worship. Enjoy the rich, reflective "singing" of Ann Marie's viola da gamba, "Zöe," during the Eucharist and the choir's anthem.

• This appears to be another early spring - the outdoor grounds at the retreat center are beautiful. Do you notice how green it is in this picture??
• There is time and space for walking and meditating. For those who are feeling more adventurous, enjoy a hike along the Mississippi River trail system. 
• The conference staff prepares all the meals for you...and they are delicious.
• This year we will be learning about the Enneagram - a very helpful guide to knowing, understanding (and loving) yourself and others.
• There is a balance of structured and non-structured time.
• How about a pool party on Friday night? Or just a chance to relax in the hot tub?
• You know those women you say hi to every Sunday? Well, you can actually get to know them a bit more!
• However, if you just want to get away and spend time alone, no one will judge you.
• Carpooling makes it easy to get there, and have some great conversations on the way.
• For 24 hours, you can leave all your home and work responsibilities behind....

The retreat will be held April 29-30 at Riverwood Conference Center in Otsego, MN. Sign up forms are available in the office. Contact Laura Bathke or Sue Ladehoff for more information. 

• St. Matthew's parishioner Joan Hershbell recommends several online faith formation resources: "I listen to Pray as You Go which has some very good and spiritual music, and readings from scripture with a brief commentary. I also read Richard Rohr's Meditation online. And being able to hear the sermons (on the website) from St. Matthew's keeps me connected with all of you!"
• A Boundless Compassion Retreat with Joyce Rupp takes place June 19-23 at the Wisdom Ways Center for Spirituality.
• J.S. Bach's St. Matthew's Passion will be performed (with musician Ann Marie Morgan) at the University of Minnesota's Ted Mann Theater on Friday, March 4 at 7:30pm. Tickets are available here.

 

 

In the stillness of the quiet

If we listen,

We can hear the whispers of the heart,

Giving strength to weakness,

Courage to fear,

Hope to despair.

 

--  Howard Thurman