The monthly newsletter written for and by individuals who
have attended a Rachel's Vineyard retreat. The newsletter is to
provide support, affirmation and encouragement for those who
have labored in Rachel's Vineyard. It is also a wonderful
resource for ongoing emotional and spiritual healing.
To sign up, or to invite your retreat groups to sign up,
submit your e-mail address to
Oaktrees.
Oaktrees is a completely volunteer project of others who have
also gone through the weekend. And it is a work-in-progress. We
welcome and encourage your contributions.
Send your written contribution to
Oaktrees with any thoughts,
questions or reflections you'd like to share.
Our privacy policy is that only one member of our Oaktrees
team has your e-mail address. She will never share your e-mail
address with anyone, for any reason.
Where does the name Oaktrees come from?
Before and during your retreat, people from around the
country pray for you. There is a regular Friday morning prayer
for all Rachel's Vineyard retreats. One of these prayers
recently quoted the following passage from Isaiah 61. This is
where the name Oaktrees comes from:
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
Because the Lord has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
To proclaim freedom for the captives,
And release from darkness for the prisoners,
To proclaim the year of the Lord's favor
And the day of vengeance of our God,
To comfort all who mourn,
And provide for those who grieve in Zion
To bestow on them a rown of beauty instead of ashes,
The oil of gladness instead of mourning,
And a garment of praise instead of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
A planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
--Isaiah 61
