By Laura Ristau, ELPC member
I love Advent—the chance to step out of the hustle and bustle and have more of a bird’s-eye view of the days and thoughts leading up to Christmas.
I especially like the hymns that speak of waiting and pondering and wondering—places I enjoy going, but find hard to reach in my busy life. Usually, I get caught up in deadlines, the social pressures, extra events, extra eating, extra, extra, extra…and sadly, my favorite season of Advent takes a back seat.
When the opportunity arose to take time away with like-minded folks from ELPC to focus on spirituality and the meaning of Advent, I was hooked!
The virtual retreat didn’t disappoint. I hid my phone, focused on the content, found an unused corner of my house and retreated there to enjoy all my Advent favorites plus more activities provided for me—like movement, art projects, and creating a home altar.
I am relatively new to spiritual life activities, and each time I participate in one, I wonder why it took me so long to join in. I am filled with wonder and awe each time.
The ELPC Spiritual Life Committee hosted a Virtual Advent Retreat, November 20–22, 2020. To learn more about our Spiritual Life offerings, contact the Rev. BJ Woodworth at BJW@coh.net or 412.441.3800 x141.