November 28-30, 2014

Villa Madonna Retreat House Rothesay, NB

Awaken to life with Jesus Do you ever feel like you are sleep walking during the day? Do you live unconsciously, a vic m of the business and hurry in your life? Than you are invited to come away with us on November 28th to 30th and experience rest. Awaken to life with Jesus… “Are you Ɵred? Worn out? … Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fiƫng on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” MaƩhew 11:28-30 This weekend you will be encouraged to live and experience theology through living a “with God” life. The Kingdom of God is only experienced and lived in the present moment. Learning to live fully awake in each moment of your life is learning to become an appren ce of Jesus, who simply lived to do the will of Him who sent him. Together we will learn and experience spiritual prac ces designed to awaken us to experience of a life to the full, a life lived in submission to the reign of God in which we simply par cipate and respond to whatever and whoever is in front of us at the present moment. This is the “with God” life. This is who and what you were created for; a life lived in union with Him. Some spiritual prac ces we will a empt together: Silence Solitude Scripture Medita on Worship Listening Centering Prayer Breath Prayer

Retreat Facilitator-Tyler Johnston

Retreat Venue Villa Madonna Retreat House

My name is Tyler Johnston. I’m a husband, a dad, and an islander… homegrown on Prince Edward Island, on the east coast of Canada, although I’m not presently residing there. I’m a former Bap st turned “almost” Anabap st. Believe the Gospel is much bigger than the salva on of the individual soul. Believe in HIS kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. The purpose of this life is become fully alive, fully awake and fully human as we progressively enter into union with God. Prefer to be a restora ve agent on this planet rather than an escapist. Re red from pastoral ministry to work in the one place I’ve found God throughout my life… in the dirt. I’m freelancing as an estate caretaker in the summer and teaching spiritual forma on as an adjunct professor at Kingswood University. S ll a emp ng to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. I’m not a great Chris an because I’ve chosen to follow Jesus. Believe RISK is inherent in true love. I love thinking about the future, faith, and the meaning of life. My objec ve for living is simple these days: a empt to live one more moment today fully awake and fully aware that God is with me. Pursue educa on as a means of pursuing truth. I just graduated from a two year forma on intensive at the Renovare Ins tute, an experien al learning community focused on becoming an appren ce of Jesus.

** For couples in double rooms, the full accomoda ons and meals as above - $262

Recommended Reading

For those wishing to stay off-site, all meals and snack as above - $75

Please read Brennan Manning’s Abba’s Child as the “required” reading for prepara on for our retreat. I believe soaking in the themes from this book and seeing ourselves in light of these themes will be a great prepara on for the upcoming retreat.

** Please note: Most rooms are single rooms with shared washrooms down the hall [residence style]. There are limited double rooms for couples, a few with ensuite washroom. These will be assigned on a first-registered basis.

Another complementary book is The Great Dance by C. Baxter Kruger.

Since 1931, over half a million people have discovered our oasis just 10 minutes east of the Saint John, New Brunswick airport. They have come to the Villa alone or in groups to be nourished and renewed in body, mind, and spirit. Secluded from the world that goes on outside its gates, our grounds have a meless beauty and provide a serene se ng that people return to again and again. The Villa Madonna Retreat House is nestled in 102 acres of rus c woodland on the shores of the beau ful Kennebecasis River. We are open year-round with every season offering its’ own natural beauty. Visitors enjoy the peace and quiet that surrounds them on the paths through the woodlands and along the river any me of year. Inside the building, visitors find casual, comfortable facili es that provide a relaxing environment in which to rest, reflect, and be renewed. To learn more visit h p://www.villamadonna.ca/index.html

Retreat Costs Conference RegistraƟon: $25 per person Full accommodaƟons and meals [Friday and Saturday nights; all snacks, Saturday bkfst, lunch, supper; Sunday bkfst, lunch] $176 per person

There are a couple of accessible rooms that will be assigned on a need bases.

Registration is limited, so register early! Registra on form and $75 deposit due by September 15 Full payment due by November 1