...let it alone for one more year until I dig around it and put manure on it, Luke 13:8-9

The reception of Divine grace, the chance to turn our lives again toward the face of God, it all starts with root renewal. New Church Development has meant 11 years on developing beautiful trunks and branches: a growing community, a new building. Demanding busyness hardens one's receptivity to the refreshing rains of Divine grace.

The parable suggests a two-fold action of root renewal. First the farmer loosens the soil, breaking up hard surfaces. Loosening through prayer, laughter and play will come from an eight-day Silent Directed Retreat at Bethany Convent, Antigonish, N.S., and a seven-day cottage retreat for our family. I will also give five days to allow Joyce, my wife (3/5s time RN) a solitary retreat at Terrance Bay Retreat Centre.

Second, the farmer nourishes the soil. Nourishment in Reformed Theology will come from a two week course with Dr. Lyle Bierma at Calvin Seminary, Grand Rapids with a two week reading component at Acadia University Library under the supervision of Dr. Bierma (punctuated daily chapel and evenings at home), and an integration and vocational renewal week under the direction of the Rev. Dr. Barry Morrison, Pastor/Professor of Worship/Preaching.