Finding Peace amid our differences

Program Details

How do we find common ground and peace amid differences?

During WWI, battling enemies ceased fire on Christmas and crossed trenches to come together in recognition of their common humanity. Fictionally portrayed in the movie, Joyeux Noël, the cease-fire along the Western Front around Christmas 1914 saw French, German, and Scottish soldiers ventured into "no man's land" on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to exchange seasonal greetings, mingle, and even play football!

As our nation faces deep divisions, what Christmas lessons can we learn for this historical event so to celebrate our own "Joyeux Noël"?

Join us for an inspiring Advent ONLINE day retreat as we remember how faith, hope, love, and peace can reign even amid deep hostilities. Allow this inspiring movie and historical event to encourage your heart this Christmas.

There is No Charge for this program, but a year-end donation to support Rolling Ridge would be a Christmas blessing as our 2020 finances have been hit hard because of the pandemic.

Schedule for Wednesday, December 2nd:
9:30 am ONLINE welcome & movie watch of Joyeux Noël
12:00 noon LUNCH break
1:00 pm ONLINE sharing and conversation
2:30 pm Closing

If you've already seen the movie, you are free to join us from 1-2:30 only for the conversation.

About the Leaders

Lawrence Jay

As Executive Director, Rev. Dr. Lawrence Jay guides the vision and direction of Rolling Ridge. As well as working with our staff to ensure the best possible guest experience, he partners with retreat leaders to provide excellent programming at the Ridge. A trained spiritual director and ordained American Baptist pastor, Larry (as he is known by friends) is a graduate of UCLA, Golden Gate Seminary, Franciscan School of Theology, American Baptist Seminary of the West, and the Gateways to God Missional Spiritual Direction Program. He is also Adjunct Faculty at Merrimack College in the Masters of Spirituality and Spiritual Direction programs. Eco-spirituality is his passion (and was the subject of his doctoral dissertation), encouraging everyone to live into the fullness of our connection with nature, God, and all people.