The Holy Risk of Empty Space:

Navigating the space between…

We may sometimes find ourselves in uncomfortable places in our lives that feel challenging to navigate. Complicating all this is an increasingly disorienting world.

At times it may seem like we are staring into a void – feeling lost or stuck or isolated, perhaps in between two worlds. Others may seem distant, unable to understand; and finding hope and a way through appears unmanageable.

We are not alone… God is there

Some have described such a ‘place’ as ‘godforsaken’, but one thing we can know, and count on, is we are not alone, no matter how isolated or abandoned we may feel. God knows such places and does not abandon us. Holy Saturday (after the crucifixion when Jesus descended to the dead) shows us that no matter how disoriented or alone we feel, God knows and accompanies us there, even when no one else seems able. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we see the tomb become a kind of womb for the (and our) New Creation.

In this 3-day retreat, we will explore:

·  ‘Holy Saturday’ type of experiences and other encounters of void-like empty space.

·  How we can express ourselves when we encounter it, especially through the arts.

·  How we might encounter God there.

In our time together, we’ll consider how scripture and the arts can accompany us. Collectively and individually, we will be able to explore various art forms, poetry, prayer, storytelling and silence to help us give voice to the inexpressible and navigate the disorienting terrain of the unknown.

Ultimately, we may find that we can take heart and be open to take the holy risk of engage the void and encounter God ‘there’.