Sabbath Society

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

Matthew 11:28-30, MSG

History of The Sabbath Society

Founded in 2013, the Sabbath Society began as a personal pursuit with an invitation to blog readers. Because accountability and community make a new discipline a rich experience, yes?! Expecting a handful of sojourners, I was quickly sobered by numbers of kindreds who expressed the desire to explore Sabbath with me. A weekly email ensued. Over time, that small group blossomed into a thriving, global community.

Confession: I initiated the Sabbath Society because I was tired but not in the way you might assume. I was tired of being lonely and isolated; exasperated by cycles of inner unrest. On a simple prayer walk in my neighborhood, pleading with God, I expressed something to Him like this: I believe you want us to experience a sense of love and belonging in the same we find it on a summer holiday or at Christmas. A sense of ease and togetherness, when time isn’t a thought and being fully yourself is accepted.

Sabbath was His one-word answer back to me. I knew it had to be His voice because nothing was on my radar concerning Sabbath rest.

 

What is the Sabbath Society?

The Sabbath Society represents a community of people living in places around the globe. Formed to help you persevere on the path of finding rhythms of rest because life is full of interruptions and roadblocks. Every Friday morning at 6am EST a personal letter will slip quietly into your inbox highlighting a Sabbath scripture verse and application through storytelling and practical support.  A few mainstays in each letter:

  • Empathy, compassion, and encouragement
  • Coaching questions that take you deeper
  • Reflections on Sabbath scriptures
  • Resources from around the web
  • Responses from the community
  • Prayer support
  • Giveaways
  • Book recommendations
  • Poetry
  • Breath Prayers

The goal for the Sabbath Society is not sainthood or perfecting rules but creating a unique rhythm of rest that helps you flourish.

 

Books as a Result of the Sabbath Society

My first published book, Rhythms of Rest: Finding the Spirit of Sabbath in a Busy World, released with Bethany House in 2016 as an outcome of correspondence between myself and members of the Sabbath Society. Sabbath Roots is written for use in small groups and personal reflection, inspired by a series of letters written based on the Old Testament Sabbath scriptures and responses from members of the community.

Need help in making rest realistic and not only miraculous? Shelly is your weekly Rest Mentor. 

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