Although we spend Easter talking about resurrection and new life, the whole season tends to leave us spent. How do you find new life for yourself? It's not too late to experience resurrection day. Consider these options:

Take some time off. Your congregation does understand the time pressures, especially of holy week, and will not begrudge your comp time. Go away if you can.

Be quiet. Unplug for a day or two. Work from home, a coffee shop, or your car if you have to. Get away from e-mail, the phone, and unnecessary conversations. Read, sleep, pray.

Have fun. Take your spouse and/or family to a movie, on a picnic, or to a favorite activity together.

Feed your soul. When, where, or what brings you most closely into the presence of God? Schedule time, go there, do it.

Throughout the year, Redwood Glen makes available rooms in our conference center for personal Pastor Retreats . For only $25 a stay, clergy and their spouses can get away mid-week for a time of quiet and renewal. Coaching and direction in "eco-spirituality" are also available.

During the summer, rooms in our conference center are reserved for clergy and their families. More information on our Pastor Sabbath weeks can be found in the article below. At $50 for the week plus a love gift for food, this is a wonderful opportunity for an extended break to experience the renewal of God in the beauty of Redwood Glen.

We all need a resurrection. God knows it's okay to take care of yourself.

Before the event, each participant took a comprehensive EQ assessment (MSCEIT). Results were explained and application for more effective ministry were shared. Many participants received additional insight through one-on-one meetings with Chris.

Worship sessions which focused on the refreshment of water and the Spirit were led by Metamorphosis staff, Larry Jay and Joan Friesen. Bruce Stryd and Pat Ciupek assisted with music.

Here are some comments from participants:

"Very helpful rhythm of teaching, discussion, worship, rest."

"It sounds odd, but I feel it (the MSCEIT) gave unbiased 'medication' for my weak and strong points. Chris' one-one-one further clarified everything! I found it extremely interesting how the MSCEIT correlated with Myers-Briggs and LIFO tests."

"The emotional charades were really fun and enlightening."

"Chris' demeanor created an element of trust and safety in approaching this topic. The EQ results and consultation with Chris helped apply all the concepts discussed personally."

"The schedule was superb! Good quality meeting time. Enjoyed the time made available to pick Chris' brain. Time to spend in God's beautiful creation. Relaxing time for getting together with God."

Our Pastor's Sabbath Weeks (June 15-20 or June 29-July 3) provide the time and space you need to get away for extend time with God and family to experience rest and renewal among the redwoods.

In celebration of our 50th anniversary this summer, you and your family are invited to stay at Siden Conference Center for up to one week for the price of $50 (per room). It's not $50 per night, but $50 per room for your entire stay, with a 3 night minimum.

Take a walk in the woods. Sit by the pool. Visit the beach. Spend the day in Santa Cruz or Half Moon Bay. Read. Relax. Do what you need to do, to be the person God created you to be, and allow God to restore your spirit as you re-discover who you are in Christ.

Meals will be served at Smith Dining Hall. We ask that you make a love gift donation based on the meals which you request and enjoy. A limited number of rooms are still available.

If you can't wait until the summer, and need a break now, email us about a a mid-week personal Pastor's Retreat.

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 Rev. Joan Friesen, Redwood Glen's Director of Church Relations and Metamorphosis, visit your church or provide pulpit supply, please email us at meta@redwoodglen.com.

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