Sharing Philosophy

An Opportunity to Love One Another

We are called to be a loving, interdependent people and to live into the greatest commandment, Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind and your neighbor as yourself (Mt 22:37-39). Sacred sharing can help you live into the beauty of this invitation as you receive support and encouragement to take care of your heart, soul, mind, and body and receive opportunities to reach out to others.

An Invitation to Deep Listening

How often have you been in a conversation in which you and the other person were simply talking at each other? Here at Retreat, Reflect, Renew, we believe respectful, Christ-centered sharing starts with listening.

When we say “listening,” we are referring to the process of opening your heart without judgement, clearing your mind of any fix it solutions, and opening your soul to see the God-given dignity of the other person.

An Experience of Living Scripture

Scripture reveals the importance of experiencing God with others and sharing in a loving way.

• For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them (Mt 18:20 [NRSV]).

• Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgment you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get (Mt 7:1-2).

• But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law (Gal 5:22-23).

• Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares (Heb 13:2).

• That is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine (Rom 1:12).

A Gentle Nudge to Trust God

A safe sharing place helps in the journey toward trusting God. Faith-sharing can be an invitation to take off your mask and let down your guard. You can ask questions, talk through issues weighing heavy on your heart, and experience God’s grace through the people around you.

Listening to another person’s experience of God while caring for a sick loved one can inspire you to draw on God’s strength. Hearing how someone experiences God while on a nature walk can expand your idea of prayer. Learning about another’s life transition can help you feel God’s love and support along your own journey.

An Invitation to Sacred Space

Retreat, Reflect, Renew is committed to providing a sacred space for you to reflect and share. There are intentional ways in which we strive to ensure a welcoming and safe environment that opens up space for the Christ in me to share with the Christ in you.

• A sharing agreement: We ask participants to abide by a set of agreements reminding them to share in a way that honors each person’s time and sacred story. Here is the one we use for our Sacred Circles.

• A structured process: In Sacred Circle, facilitators guide the process, allowing for silence between each share. In Zoom and six-week online retreats, there are a variety of structured ways to help give each person the opportunity to share without allowing one person to dominate a conversation.

• The option to pass: In every offering, we make it clear that participants are welcome to pass. There are times when all you can or want to do is listen and this is completely respected.