The Community of Jesus

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Most of us have heard these famous opening words from A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens’ historical novel set in the turbulent years of the French Revolution. But look at how he writes further to describe the contradictory character of those times: “It was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.” Do these words ring in our ears with a certain familiar sound? If we didn’t know they were written for a time almost 200 years ago, could we be faulted with thinking that they may have been written just yesterday, for our own times?

How do we find our footing when the ground is shaking beneath our feet? How do we stay upright when so much seems to be tipping over around us, or even within us? During these retreats, we will look at those immovable, Biblical landmarks that help us not only keep our balance, but actually take our steps with confidence, as we walk with God in these times.

June 7-9

Joy in times of Disillusion

The joy of the Lord is your strength. – Nehemiah 8:10

July 5–7

Light in times of Shadow

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness does not overtake it. – John 1:5

July 19–21

Truth in times of Confusion

Stand, therefore, and belt your waist with truth. – Ephesians 6:14

August 16–18

Peace in times of Anxiety

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. – John 14:27

September 13–15

Beauty in times of Ashes

One thing I have desired . . . to behold the beauty of the Lord. – Psalm 27:4

September 27–29

Hope in times of Pessimism

And hope does not disappoint us. – Romans 5:5

• Teaching and discussion sessions as we explore these rich and promising themes
• Lovely meals and accommodations on the shores of Cape Cod Bay
• Morning and afternoon breaks with refreshments
• Liturgies in the Church of the Transfiguration, including Sunday Eucharist and the ​​​Divine Offices sung in Gregorian Chant
• Personal time for prayer and meditation in the church and in the beauty of these ​​​​surroundings

• Registration begins at 4pm (If you arriver earlier, we can meet you.)
• Vespers at 5:30 (optional)
• Retreat begins with dinner (following Vespers)

• The cost of the retreat is $350 which covers lodging and meals beginning with dinner on Friday and ending after lunch on Sunday.
• $100 deposit is due 30 days prior to the retreat; the remainder is payable upon registration day of the retreat.

*Checks can be made out to “The Community of Jesus” and mailed to PO Box 1094, Orleans, MA 02653. If you would prefer to pay by credit card, please call 508-255-1094 x3501.

Retreat Leaders

Mary French is known as a strong and well-studied Scripture teacher and advocate for learning to live in the power of the Holy Spirit. Over more than six decades her love of the Bible, and her ability to convey that love to others, has taken her to countless churches, women’s groups and conferences in the U.S., Canada, and abroad. She has been hostess to a network television talk show in Canada (Let’s Face It), and a Christian program in the U.S. (What Makes You Tick?). Among her various ministries at the Community of Jesus, Mary serves as the Ecumenical Visitor, which has led her to build new relationships throughout the wider church, a task for which her energy and natural curiosity make her well suited.