| OPENING THE BOOK OF NATURE Program Brochure Discovering Spiritual Lessons in Wilderness 409 Mendocino Avenue, Suite A, Santa Rosa, CA 95401 ------------------------------ Introduction "Since the creation of the world, God's invisible qualities, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that all people are without excuse" (Romans 1:20) The Scriptures, early Christians, the saints and the reformers are unanimous about the ability of creation to provide deep and potent spiritual instruction. In large part, this legacy has been left in the past. Through historical study and through experience over thirty different events a program to explore creation's potential to impart spiritual lessons has been put together. This legacy is a rich field for learning that has neither been well taught nor preserved b most churches. Program and Method When Jesus began His ministry, He did not spend forty days in the temple. Instead He went off to the wilderness. Likewise, Christians in every century have found spiritual lessons in the wilderness, and you can too. The Opening the Book of Nature (OBN) program helps you connect to the Christian tradition of learning spiritual lessons from nature. OBN weekend "explorations" use periods of private prayer and reflection alternating with group process to produce a blend of low key instruction, personal experience, group discussion and sharing. A unique learning method emerges which helps each person to share in the personal discoveries made by others, to learn from one another's insights and experiences, and to go on into a more effective ability to discern lessons in creation. As we progress through the weekend, the centrality of Jesus Christ and the importance of the Scriptures becomes more obvious. This method works regardless of a person's background, educational level, denomination or assumptions about religion. Historical Commentary Early Christians, the Saints of every century, and the Great Reformers were eloquent about the ability of creation to provide deep spiritual instruction. St. Augustine (354 - 430) There is a great book: the very appearance of created things. God never wrote that book with ink. Instead He set before your eyes the things that He had made. St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090 - 1153) Believe one who knows: You will find something greater in woods than in books. Trees and stones will teach you that which you can never learn from masters. Meister Eckhart (1260 - 1327) Every creature is full of God and is a book... Martin Luther (1483 - 1546) God writes the Gospel, not in the Bible alone, but also on trees, and in the flowers and clouds and stars. John Calvin (1509 - 1564) God has ordained the world to be like a theater upon which to behold his goodness. ------------------------------ REGISTRATION You are invited to participate. Attendance at any event is limited to twenty (20) people. The registration fee for one day programs is a sliding scale of between $9 and $99. For weekend programs the fee is $45 to $245. Select the fee level which fits your income level. After we receive your registration, a packet of preparatory materials will be mailed to you. A few scholarships are always available. Please inquire. If you are unable to attend, please post this announcement in your church -- or consider a donation to the work of promoting Christian caring for creation. Name ______________________________________ Address ___________________________________ City, State, Zip___________________________ Telephone _________________________________ Event location _________________ Event date: ____________________ Amount enclosed: $ _____________ Please make checks payable to: "Opening the Book of Nature," or OBN. Mail this registration form with your check to: Opening the Book of Nature 409 Mendocino Avenue Suite A Santa Rosa, CA 05401 "Helping Christians experience Spiritual Lessons of Creation" |
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