January 2026

Sudden storms were a frequent occurrence on the Sea of Galilee. When one such powerful storm hit the boat that Jesus and his disciples were on, “There was someone who was not disturbed by the disturbance. That someone was Jesus. Jesus was in the storm, but the storm wasn’t in Jesus.”[1]

With everything that is going on in our world, sometimes it is okay that we feel disturbed. To be disturbed shows that our heart is still beating; that we still have a conscience. To be disturbed is to pay attention to where there is injustice, so that we might live as Jesus invites us, as peacemakers:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5: 9-10)

Jesus lived an active life, standing up for the poor, the marginalized, the sick, and those who were otherwise looked down upon or considered a stranger. Jesus’ famous passage from Matthew 25 affirms: whenever we serve another in need, we serve him.

What allowed Jesus to shine his light so bright in a world full of violence and shadow? To quote from my seminary professor Rev. Dr. Kirk Jones:

“Jesus, the mighty engager, was also a master of retreat… Jesus made a habit of retreating… Indeed, his retreat habit may have afforded him energy in reserve to be utilized in those times when the needs were sudden and weighty, and when the demands of the day had been especially draining. This was the case on the stressful day leading into the stormy night.”[2]

Here are a couple instances recorded in the gospels:

“Jesus went out of the house and sat by the sea…” (Matthew 13:1)

“Rising up early in the morning, he went out to a solitary place…” (Mark 1: 35)

“He went up into a desert place…” (Luke 4: 42)

“Jesus, being wearied, sat on a well…” (John 4: 6)

Bethany House of Prayer was named after one of the places where Jesus went for respite. Yes, Jesus. Jesus wasn’t a superman who never got tired, or didn’t experience the weight of the world on his shoulders. Jesus got weary. He wept. Even Jesus needed time to get away, given the personal, social, and political storms were all consuming 2000 years ago. Us spiritually minded folks tend to give unreservedly to others, while forgetting to give to ourselves, even when storms threaten to overwhelm us. Kirk reminds us: “You just can’t keep giving water to everyone else without taking time to fill your own well.”[3]

In that spirit, we invite you to come to Bethany House for retreat, rest, and the chance to fill your own well amid times that seem to grow more turbulent by the day. Bethany is a place to pause, breathe, and reconnect with what sustains you.

As part of that ongoing invitation, we’re offering opportunities this season to support your spiritual grounding and renewal. First, our six‑part Engaging Christian Contemplative Practices series begins soon. You’re welcome to register for the full series or simply choose the branches of the Tree of Contemplative Practices that feel most resonant for your personal or professional life right now.

We are also delighted to welcome singer‑songwriter Carrie Newcomer for a soul‑nourishing workshop. In The Beautiful Not Yet: Sustainable Hope, Carrie guides participants through reflective writing, deep listening, and meaningful conversation—an experience designed to help us explore the questions that arise in seasons of change and possibility. This gathering is also a fundraiser in support of Bethany House’s mission, and early‑bird tickets are available through the end of the month. 

Like Jesus, we take time to fill our spiritual well with others, knowing that we do not walk the spiritual journey alone. We are grateful that you journey with us as we enter this new year. 

In peace and gratitude,

Rev. Matt Carriker and LaToya Staine Carriker