To quote the Revd Marie Smith, the leader for the Lenten Quiet Day in Cow Head on March 21st, “We are happy to have you join us today in this peaceful, beautiful space to relax, pray, share and take time for yourself away from the noises of the world around us and our busy lives.”
Step by step: that is what those attending achieved.
We enjoyed quiet contemplation periods over the afternoon: times of silence, of prayer, of meditation and relaxation, and choosing our own quietly-done options, like just sitting, doing some artwork (materials were provided), writing in a journal, reading, or praying.
Musical interludes brought us back to “togetherness” as we sang, “This Is The Day,” we “Counted Our Blessings,” and we “Journeyed With A Saviour.” We were very contented to “Be Still and Know That I am God.”
There was time for shared conversations, through back-and-forth questions and comments from the women in our semi-circle sitting arrangement and Rev’d Smith. An appetizing lunch of soup, sandwiches, dessert, coffee, and tea also gave us relaxing time for conversation and laughter.
The afternoon began with further time to just relax and take the day as it evolved. This was followed by a “Lecto Divina,” meaning a Bible discussion. Next, we took part in the Holy Eucharist, in which each person in our half-circle fed each other the bread and wine from the cup. Sharing like this, I thought, is what people everywhere should do for and with each other.
I shall quote from the end of the Communion service:
“Go now, and go in Christ’s own peace and in your going do not cease to love yourself – you are God’s treasure, and love the world – it is God’d pleasure, and love the Lord in greatest measure.
Amen.
Surely, this was a day of reflection and peace for every person at St. Mary’s, a time to be remembered. The take-away: relax, pray, and share. (Every day would be great, wouldn’t it?)
