Consider a Retreat? — August 2026
What Does Retreat Mean?
The word ‘retreat’ has many meanings: military withdrawal, religious or spiritual downtime, refuge, retirement, seclusion, a quiet place in nature, or respite from illness through care. It evokes a time and place where we can pause, reflect, consider our place before God, and put the things of this world in perspective.
In quiet with God, we can see fresh light in His light (Psalm 36 v 5-10), and find a place to“rest in the Lord” and not fret (Psalm 37 v 1-10).
My Experience of Retreats
I’ve been on 3 retreats in different places. They’re not all alike, and not every location or approach appeals to everyone. At first, I didn’t know what to expect, and I wasn’t keen to attend; it just didn’t seem my scene at all. Yet they were times to be quiet, calm oneself and be at peace. One learns to think deeply, and perhaps find greater acceptance in situations with which one is grappling. Worry is a huge problem in life, but it’s often futile. In the light of time away, all-consuming problems can come to seem quite different, given the time and patience to deal with them.
Not all modern retreats are Christian, or even religious. Many people attend them to recover from illness, stress, trauma or grief, or simply to find calm in the face of life’s challenges. I found the first two retreats quite unsettling and not well related to the issues of my hectic life. I seemed a million miles off, and I did not easily adapt to the quiet calm of the given instruction.
The 3rd was very different. I had a real sense of connection and calmness. Being older, I probably had fewer surrounding issues of life, of work and less general busyness. It was a time to “smell the roses”, to “seek first God’s Kingdom”, and to stop worrying about the many issues of life (Matt 6 v 31-34). It was a time of finding new patience, waiting quietly, connecting with God freshly and a time to think deeply on Him.
Finding Fresh Peace with God
Do we make time to “take it to the Lord in prayer”? In quiet before God, do we find that “a problem shared is a problem halved”? In recent days, being ill and isolated for more than 70 days, I have learnt to go slower and not fret about my limitations. It is good sometimes to delegate when we cannot attend to things ourselves. And I have found many blessings that come from God each day.
Maybe more of us might consider a “retreat”, where we offload a few of our “comings and goings”, learning to be more God-connected and calm in Him. It is a precious talent to find fresh peace with God, and carry that into our occupied lives!
Contributed by Kaylene Taylor
“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him”
— Psalm 37:7
PB Combined Christian Churches
The Port Broughton Combined Christian Churches are meeting this Tuesday, 4th August, at 11:00 am in the hall. All welcome.
Prayers for the Sick and Other Needs
Please remember in your prayers all those who are sick at the moment, especially those in Barunga Village who may not have many visitors. You are the God who sees me even in my sickness.
Shoe Box Project
Packing of shoeboxes is underway and will continue until the end of September. Thank you to everyone who has already supported this ministry through donations and gifts. It is not too late to contribute. Donations of money are welcome, or if you prefer to shop, small soft toys, hair accessories, and jewellery for girls are still needed. Please pray for Operation Christmas Child, its volunteers, and those who will hear of God’s love through these gifts.
Church Computer
We are looking for people who would be willing to learn how to put a service on the Church computer, either regularly or in an emergency. You may not want to put a whole service on the computer, but you may be willing to “press the buttons for a service”. It is easy to do, so please contact Sandra Ireland if you are willing to learn. Thank you. We have purchased a new computer, so come along and have a go.
Knit and Natter
Our next knit and natter will be held on Wednesday, 5th August, in the Hall, from 2 pm. Please remember to bring your finished items for Dulcie. Tea, coffee and cake provided, so come along for a fun afternoon of knitting/crocheting and chatting.
All welcome.
Home Group &
Alpha Course Training
Home Group will include Alpha Course preparation and team building. All welcome. Meetings at 3 pm, on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, at Ray and Sylvia Skinner’s place.
CAFÉ – open 2–4 pm every Friday
Following your visit to the Op. Shop, why not call next door to the P.B. Memorial Hall for a refreshing FREE cup of tea or coffee and a slice of cake. All are welcome.
(If you feel like helping by baking a homemade cake or helping serve, let Michele or Sue know. Thank you).
Uniting Country
Food Bank
Please keep the contributions of dry goods & tinned food coming!
Sally Stamps
Please continue to save your stamps for ‘Sally Stamp’. You can bring them to the Church and place them in the box in the Church foyer. Thank you.
Blanket Appeal
Donations of clean blankets and quilts are needed for people doing it tough. Please give them to Dulcie Chapman or leave them at the Op Shop marked for her, to be passed on to those in need.
