We frequently make use of the word “Sabbath” here at Montreat. But what do we mean when we talk about Sabbath? You might be familiar with the traditional use of the word, which refers to the seventh day of the week and is typically observed as a day of rest and worship for Jews and Christians. However, Sabbath can also refer to any period of intentional rest, originating from the Hebrew word shabbāth which literally means “rest.” At Montreat, we typically refer to Sabbath using this second definition, as we specifically encourage individuals to invest in their physical and emotional wellbeing by engaging in periods of rest focused on study, prayer, and reflection.
Now, taking time for rest is certainly nice, but what makes the practice of Sabbath so important? Throughout scripture, Sabbath is mentioned time and time again — not just in reference to weekly worship, but also when referring to intentional, mandated periods of rest meant to sustain communities and healthy ways of living. Today, we recognize Sabbath as being important for renewal and reflection. Sabbath is a time when we can listen intently for God’s voice, something that can be hard to do when you are tired and weary. By focusing on our spiritual and physical health, we can emerge renewed, ready to take on new challenges.
Montreat Conference Center has always considered Sabbath to be an important aspect of its ministry. From the very start, Montreat’s founders envisioned that it would be a place where people could come for physical and spiritual renewal. We recently reaffirmed this value through our new mission statement: We gather in sacred spaces to explore, renew, and connect with our faith, our communities and ourselves. We want to do everything we can to help those seeking renewal find a place where they can do so, supported by a loving community.
Montreat specifically encourages individuals to observe Sabbath during many of its programs hosted throughout the year. As an example, Discovering Renewal, our retreat which combats burnout, promotes Sabbath through simple spiritual practices and participation in recreational activities. Our Women’s Connection conference similarly provides a time of respite for women who, due to family life, careers, or other factors, often lack the time and space for renewal at home. Montreat also encourages rest and reflection during seasonal personal Sabbath periods where you can spend time in prayer or contemplation without the pressure of attending a larger event. Whether Sabbath is the central focus of the event or a simply a component, Montreat actively invites its guests to set aside time for rest and renewal every time they visit.
We hope that you now have a better understanding of the importance of Sabbath, particularly as it pertains to Montreat! Not only does taking time for Sabbath as a time of rest offer physical benefits, it also renews our spirit by encouraging us to spend time reflecting on our faith and listening to how the spirit might be moving. We encourage you to start exploring ways you can incorporate Sabbath into your own life, either at Montreat or on your own. Check out our various Sabbath accommodations using the link below.
This article was originally published in the September edition of Montreat Conference Center’s email newsletter Cultivating Curiosity which highlights opportunities for spiritual growth at Montreat. Sign up to receive Cultivating Curiosity directly in your inbox by clicking here.