Last weekend Space For God went for their inaugural retreat at Yaraandoo in Fiddletown. If you don't know where Fiddletown is, then you're in good company because neither did we. Basically, it's at the other end of the earth, beyond Galston and as such, beyond any sense of civilisation. Of course, if one wants to get there, it's particularly helpful to have an accurate map. We didn't, but miraculously found our way there regardless.
There was no real agenda for weekend except for the intention of basking in the warmth of each other's company. We found this to be a fairly time consuming task - when you only see one another once a week there is a lot of catching up to do. It's also helpful to see each other outside of the context of church to get to see a completely different side of their personality. I'd like to think that I was able to learn something about each person that I wouldn't have unless I took the opportunity to attend the retreat:
Paul is a pretty handy cook and not too bad with a sword either.
Julie is particularly fond of Elmo and has pyjamas to prove it.
Luke is not adverse to a bit of collusion to improve his chances of winning a board game.
Clare has a real problem with guys who feel the need to show off in their car.
Bek is quite disdainful of academic language despite the fact that she is currently completing her PhD.
Katishe is the best person to ask if you have a headache and want something strong to take away the pain.
Steph regards herself as an evangelical.
Tim eats a lot, but is discrete enough to avoid being detected.
Ahh, good times.
As much as we tried, it was impossible to go through the entire weekend without reflecting upon our shared identity as people of faith. Though the way each of our faiths manifest themselves differ somewhat, it is clear that we seek to be disciples and that our discipleship is what spurs us on towards love and good deeds. We are not merely, as I have heard it alleged, a glorified "good works club". Though good works and social justice is a central part of our platform, we only partake in these activities because we believe that we called to do so by a God who affirms the intrinsic dignity and worth of humans and indeed, of all life.
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