Programme
The focus of this Gathering will be to explore Healing and Hospitality.
The Gospel of Mark records that Jesus sent the disciples to the villages. Take nothing. Share what you have. Rely on the hospitality offered. If none is offered, move on, don’t take even the dust of that place with you. To those offering hospitality, share the good news, free people from mental illness, anoint the sick and heal them.
There is a close connection between healing and hospitality. No hospitality—no healing. Hospitality is a personal response to our need to connect with other people. No connection—no healing. Healing happens when it is welcomed.
Hospitality goes both ways. The disciples and their hosts brought gifts and new life to each other. When the disciples came as guests, the kingdom of God came to villagers as a gift. (Mark 6:1-13)
THURSDAY 1 AUGUST
1.30 pm Arrival and Register
2.45 pm Afternoon Tea.
3.15 pm Orientation
4.30 pm Free Time
6.00 pm Evening meal
7.00 pm Plenary Session
8.15 pm Evening Prayers
FRIDAY 2 AUGUST
7.30 am Morning prayers
8.00 am Breakfast
9.00 am - 12 noon
Guest presentations
Nora Amath
Brooke Prentis
Joint dialogue and Q&A
12.30 pm Lunch
1.30 pm - 4.00 pm
Creative time relating to theme
4.00 pm Free time
6.00 pm Evening meal
Following grace, this meal will model monastic practice:
a silent meal with spiritual reading.
7.00 pm Theological reflection on the day
8.15 pm Evening Prayers
SATURDAY 3 AUGUST
7.30 am Morning prayer
8.00 am Breakfast
9.30 am Big Day Out
This part of the program involves visits by bus to three locations that centre on Muslim, Aboriginal, and Creation themes. At each location the hosts will provide an experience expressing in some way an aspect of healing and hospitality. Participants to choose one morning and one afternoon activity.
2.30 pm Afternoon Tea
4.00 pm Reflection on the day
“Show and/or tell” from Friday creative time or from Big Day Out -- poetry, art, words etc to share
6.00 pm Evening meal
7.00 pm Welcome and recognition of new members and leadership
8.15 pm Evening Prayers and Supper
SUNDAY 4 AUGUST
7.30 am Morning prayers
8.00 am Breakfast
9.00 am Worship - in house
12.30 pm Lunch
1.30 pm Close of Gathering
It will be possible to organise stay-overs at the Mercy Centre on Sunday night at an additional cost. However there are no meals provided. There are shops, takeaways and restaurants in easy walking distance. To assist planning, please indicate on the registration form if you wish to do this.
