Connecting to God and one another at the Parish Retreat

Natalie Reed

Almost a year later and I still remember details about my first Parish Retreat that I attended in the fall of 2025. Many points of connection come back to my thoughts.

Each person was prayerfully placed into small groups to reflect on the content of the day, on the Scripture, and to share our stories, more precisely: to touch each other’s lives. After some time all together in worship and listening to the Word, I was able to listen and process alone with God in the sunshine at the park. We had a couple sessions of small groups where we were able to listen deeply to each other, reflect back to each other, ask questions, and hold each other’s stories for a few minutes. I find that the more time you spend with someone (slowing down and hearing stories), the more you appreciate and care for the person. 

Another point of connection was around food. I enjoy round tables - the ones that gather a handful of people comfortably but can always squish in more people. Those are the ones that when you squish in, you feel wanted and loved. We squished in and heard more parts of different people’s stories at lunch. 

Hearing from a panel of congregational members was a highlight. I really appreciated the vulnerability of someone speaking of the recognition of the sin of pride in their life. (Oh God, help me to see it in myself!) God has used that word and called it out in me this year. I’m thankful for people being real with each other so that we can see that we are not alone. We all struggle. Shining a light on our sin makes the enemy run and brings God’s people together in prayer and support.

What a time of connection to the Lord and to each other. It was an opportunity that, as I reflect, energizes me to go back again. God speaks when we listen. Lord, let me always be listening for you.

Natalie Reed, wife to Joe, mother to Ezra (20), Keziah (18), and Malachi (16) recently finished her homeschooling career and is currently pouring into those that she sees need it the most including people experiencing incarceration and homelessness.