John Leland Center Retreat

Friends:

I had the privilege of attending the retreat of the John Leland Center this past weekend at a retreat center near Middleburg. The retreat included the orientation of new students.

The Center did not have a retreat for the past year or two. Getting together for time away helps faculty and students to build a sense of community.

The singing was dynamic and contemporary--the preaching by Stephen Welch got right to the heart of life and the call to ministry [and our resistance too]. The time was well organized--but not so tight as to preclude the occasional conversation to get to know someone.

I returned to Washington with a sense that I understand the Leland Center and its Baptist community much better than I did. I am grateful to President Mark Olson and Director of Student Services Tom Lynch for the invitation to share their community life.

Peace,
John