Pray and Paddle with the wisdom of Pelagius

Program Details

Join us in our fifth season for our Pray and Paddle with the wisdom of Pelagius on Saturday, August 1st from 9 am to 12 noon.

On Lake Cochichewick, we will share in Lectio Divina, an ancient practice of listening to a piece of sacred wisdom three times. Each reading includes a question to ponder, followed by an extended time of paddling in silence.

On this paddle we are accompanied by the wisdom of Pelagius 354- 418 CE a Christian monk from Wales who believed in Original Blessing, that all are created in the image of God with inherent beauty and worth. He butted heads with Saint Augustine who believed in Original Sin, that all are created sinful and flawed. Unfortunately Augustine ruled the day and Pelagius was branded a heretic. On this paddle we will celebrate the life affirming wisdom of this Welsh monk! Pelagius said: “When God pronounced that his creation was good, it was not only that his hand had fashioned every creature; it was that his breath had brought every creature to life”.

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All levels of kayaking and canoeing experience are welcome.

Cost: $33-$48 pending on kayak rental (select options upon registering)

About the Leaders

Kent Harrop

Kent Harrop is an avid outdoorsman and an ordained American Baptist minister. He was introduced to contemplative paddling on a Zen meditation kayak trip to the Tongass Wilderness in Alaska in 2002. Since then, Kent has enjoyed guiding both novice and experienced kayakers and canoeists in the practice of "listening on the water."

A favorite verse of his is:

"Listen, and your soul will live." — Isaiah 55:3

Kent is a graduate of Andover Newton Theological School, the Shalem Institute for Contemplative Leadership, and the Franciscan Spiritual Direction Program. For 40 years, he pastored congregations. Currently, he leads Pray and Paddle events for Rolling Ridge, coordinates North Shore: SING (Spirituality in Nature Group), and serves as a Spiritual Director.

Kent can be reached at kentdharrop@gmail.com