Those prayers were answered, and then some! There were opportunities for extended conversation, inquiring questions and responses, and those moments where God stepped in and I profoundly felt the presence of the Spirit at work as we shared life together.

Yet early one morning, a couple of days after we left Limón, God convicted me with another thought - Why aren't I praying for a daily deepening in my relationships back home? Why is that kind of speaking into other people's lives not on my daily agenda?

Ministry sometimes gets in the way of ministry.

We can be so busy providing care at Sunday "rest stops" that we forget we are travelers on the daily journey just like everyone else. While on the road of learning how to follow Jesus, our primary call is to let God's love flow through us so that we can't help but spill out into the lives of people on the street.

God is taking me back to the basics, and that's ok. We all need a refresher course now and then to remember that what is required of us is to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly along the journey with God.

None of it would be possible if it were not for friends and partners like you! Special gifts from individuals and churches allow Redwood Glen to offer affordable events and quality services for pastors and ministry leaders.

Would you consider including Metamorphosis in your church's mission giving in 2008? Your financial gifts provide scholarships and discounts for our Pastor's Conference, personal and Renewal Retreats, Pastor's Sabbath weeks, as well as coaching for pastors who cannot afford it.

If you'd like more information about giving a gift, please e-mail meta@redwoodglen.com or call the Redwood Glen office at (650) 879-0320.

That kind of deal may be hard to find, but take advantage of our early discounts for our November Renewal Retreats and for $75 you will receive:

• A single room in our hotel-style Conference Center
• Breakfast AND Lunch
• A day of spiritual guidance and rest
• Sharing with ministry colleagues

Two specialized retreats are planned to address the different needs that men and women who are called to ministry face.

• Tuesday, November 6th for Clergy Men featuring Russ Ikeda of Emmaus Ministries
• Thursday, November 15th for Clergy Women featuring Patti Pierce of the Well

Registration costs and discounts for early-bird and first-time Meta registrations (and inviters) are available on our downloadable brochure.

ALSO COMING IN 2008...
Our second annual Pastors' Conference - February 25-27, featuring Chris Gambill, Senior Consultant for the Center for Congregational Health.

I picked up a copy of the book with the intention of doing a quick read through, then passing it on to others in my church. That didn't happen! Once I started reading, I realized this is a book to be lived, not simply read.

Each chapter is short (less than 10 pages) and is followed by questions and challenges of how to apply the reading into daily life. Every five chapters are grouped into a theme with additional assignments. Not only is the book set up as a journal with responses to write and challenges to practice, weekly small group questions and resources are available to create a church-wide emphasis.

"Outflow" is co-written by Steve Sjogren, founder of Vineyard Church in Cincinnati and leader in the servant evangelism movement, and Dave Ping, author and church trainer. They teach that believers need to express their faith in natural and appropriate ways that take the fear out of the "I should evangelize" thinking.

Redwood Glen is located in the Santa Cruz mountains just 10 miles from the Pacific Ocean. We are an hour drive from the San Francisco and San Jose airports. For more information on our programs and facilities, check out our website at www.redwoodglen.com.

If you are interested in having someone from Redwood Glen or Metamorphosis staff provide pulpit supply, please email us at meta@redwoodglen.com.
Available dates for Joan Friesen this fall: September 16, 23, October 14, and 21.

Previous editions of our Metamorphosis e-newsletters may be found on the Redwood Glen and Metamorphosis websites.