In the Gospel of Matthew, learning is an important mark of faithful discipleship. By learning from their teacher, Jesus, the disciples come to know “the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven” (13:10-11) and become like him: “every scribe discipled for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who takes out of his treasure chest what is new and what is old” (13:52).
In today’s world, learning is still a mark of faithful discipleship. We too are called to learn “the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven” as we encounter them in our modern cultural contexts. And like those early scribes discipled for the kingdom of heaven, we learn how to take “what is new and what is old”out of our treasure chests and share it with others.
This weekend at Laity Lodge we will examine the contours of faithful discipleship in Matthew’s gospel and challenge participants to imagine ways to appropriate and embody these patterns in our modern world.
Speaker
Dr. John Lewis
John is Co-Director of The Work+Shop, a ministry in partnership with St. Mark’s Episcopal Church of San Antonio and a community of ecumenical supporters. The Work+Shop’s mission is to strengthen Christian communities by equipping them over time to practice discernment and discipleship in all areas of daily life through a variety of classes, weekly reflection groups, and retreats. John also serves as a part-time Assisting Clergy at St. Mark’s, participating in the liturgical life of the congregation, teaching adult formation classes, working with various congregational committees, providing pastoral care to parishioners, and focusing regularly on leadership development. John teaches New Testament classes as a part-time faculty member at Virginia Theological Seminary, the Seminary of the Southwest, Trinity University of San Antonio, and the Iona School for Ministry, Diocese of Texas. Educated in Oxford, John is a natural teacher who leads classes to deep, meaningful, and often surprising insights about their own spirituality. Click here for more information.
Musician
Faith Debow
A singer-songwriter, playing the organ as well as the harpsichord, Faith has taught classical piano and accompanying at Texas State University since 2001. She enjoys a vibrant and eclectic career as a collaborative and solo pianist throughout the Central Texas area. She plays for the Grammy-nominated, Austin-based professional choir Conspirare and is an instrumental staff accompanist at Trinity University in San Antonio. In addition, she works with the boy choir program at the PreK-8th grade San Antonio Academy.Click here for more information.
Registration Fees
Lodge: $230
Black Bluff: $280
To register, locate your specific retreat on our Schedule, click “Sign Up Now,” and follow the instructions. Please note that all rates listed are per person.
Plan to arrive at Laity Lodge anytime after 3:00 p.m. on Friday, January 13. The retreat will conclude Sunday, January 15, at 11:00 a.m., followed by brunch. Click here for directions and more info on how to prepare for your visit.
