Margaret Silf, author and presenter, leads a weekend workshop retreat

God’s Unfinished Story

4-6 February 2011

Based on the book ‘Roots and Wings – The human journey from a speck of stardust to a spark of God’

at Whirlow Grange Christian Spirituality Centre

Whirlow Grange Drive, off Ecclesall Road South, Sheffield S11 9PZ. 0114 236 3173 (bookings)

God’s Unfinished Story

We are part of a vast cosmic story, and our personal story is a unique strand of this great tapestry. How might this amazing story emerging in our times through scientific exploration relate to the ancient scriptural stories we find in Genesis? And what could the events of 2000 years ago mean in the context of a universe story that is perhaps almost 15 billion years old?

During this retreat weekend we will reflect on (what I believe to be) the pivotal nature of the Incarnation in our cosmic story, looking at how we became homo sapiens, where we might be going, and how our own choices and decisions can powerfully affect that unfolding story.

This weekend assumes that participants are comfortable with an evolutionary understanding of life, and are willing to come with open hearts and minds, to explore some of its implications.

For full weekend participants: arrivals on Friday 4 Feb as from 4pm. Supper 6pm. Evening session 7.30pm. Weekend concludes Sunday afternoon 3.30pm.
For Friday evening only bookings: evening presentation 7.30 – 9.30pm (joining with the weekend participants). ‘From a speck of stardust to a spark of God’

From a speck of stardust to a spark of God

Friday evening (also open to those not on full weekend)

‘A wind from God swept over the face of the waters’ (Gen. 1:1), and a universe flared forth, bringing into being the miracle of life. Today, human beings, gifted with reflective self-awareness, are able to ponder the mystery of our source and our destiny. This evening we reflect on our beginnings and on the deep and sacred wisdom that directs the human journey ‘from a speck of stardust to a spark of God.’

God’s Unfinished Story

Friday, Saturday and Sunday (residential retreat workshop)

‘And their eyes were opened.’ (Gen. 3:7).
During this weekend we will reflect on the advent of human life on planet earth, and the dawn of consciousness. How can we, the inheritors of ‘the knowledge of good and evil’, learn to choose between the two? What is the place of the Incarnation in this ancient evolutionary story? And what does it mean to follow the One who reveals all that we are called to become?

Margaret Silf is a prolific, well travelled author and spiritual teacher. Her many books and articles include Inner Compass, Landmarks, Companions of Christ and Roots and Wings.