Join the #BeChillChallenge

Welcome family!

If you’re here it’s likely because you signed up for the #BeChillChallenge. (If you have NO IDEA what I’m talking about, keep reading to find out!)

We are THRILLED that you’ve decided to trust God with a weekly practice of rest, a special gift from God, Sabbath. We first learn about Sabbath as we notice God creates the entire world in 6 days and famously takes PTO on the 7th day to rest from all the work. We are so blessed because God has given this special gift to us practice as well. And it promises to restore, renew, and rejuvenate us for focused, fruitful, purpose-driven living.

Translation: Get some rest and reclaim your peace, clarity, hope, creativity, energy, and passion! Does that sound good to you? Does to me!

I have listed several resources below in case you want to dig a little deeper and learn more about Sabbath and practicing it. Using these resources during our #BeChillChallenge is not mandatory. I’ve listed them here for those who may be interested. (I’ll keep adding stuff to this page as I come across more resources.)

#BeChillChallenge Rules (Nov 1-Dec 31)

1. PREPARE. Remember, you’re going to pick 1 day each week to get a full day of rest! Try take make it the same day each week, but taking a day is more important than which one you take.
2. REST. On your Sabbath day, GET YO REST! This means, chill out! Sleep, laugh, engage in hobbies, and most importantly certainly spend some time with God. Make the day about being rather than doing. Read a devotional book/Scripture, pray, or worship (Engage with God in some way.). Spend time with family. Chill out. (I’d stay away from social media and engaging in capitalism/shopping. It’s super draining to your spirit.). Just chill.
3. PRACTICE. Keep doing this once a week through the end of the year.
4. REFLECT. Journal about it if you like. If you post online, please use our hashtag: #BeChillChallenge
5. SHARE. We’ll check back in in January to see how it went for you.

Sign up here for the #BeChillChallenge https://bit.ly/bechillsignup

Complete the Quick Questionnaire here. (This will help us communicate with you best during the challenge:)

SABBATH RESOURCES

Quick Reads

For quick but inspiring reading about Sabbath, please check out this blog post from famed Christian writer, Ruth Haley Barton. She is a powerful voice on spiritual disciplines in contemporary Christian practice: The Bondage of Busyness. Be sure to read parts 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5 (Also linked at the bottom of each part/page).

Books On Sabbath, Rest, and Spiritual Disciplines

An Unhurried Life: Following Jesus’ Rhythms of Work and Rest by Alan Fadling (2020)

Embracing Rhythms of Rhythms of Work and Rest: From Sabbath To Sabbatical and Back Again by Ruth Haley Barton (October 2022)

Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto by Tricia Hersey (October 2022)

Sabbath As Resistance by Walter Brueggemann (2014) (my personal favorite!)

Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal, and Delight in Our Busy Lives by Wayne Mueller (1999)

The Rest of God by Mark Buchanan (2000)

Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives For Spiritual Transformation (March 2022)

Sermons

Check out this sermon series by Rev. Dr. Howard John Wesley rest and Sabbath called, “Selah.” Rev. Dr. Wesley courageously decided to take a 3 month Sabbatical from his church, Alfred Street Baptist Church. For over a year he worked with his church board and deacons and planned for his Sabbatical. Powerful message on the importance of Sabbath and Sabbaticals.

Longer More In-Depth Study

For a deeper biblical study on Sabbath, check out these videos from Dr. Walter Brueggeman, world-renowned Biblical Scholar (ThD, Union Theological Seminary/PhD. Saint Louis University). Here, Dr. Brueggaman gives an in depth presentation on Sabbath for the Lenten Series at The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Cincinnati. February 27, 2013. It. Is. EXCELLENT.

RECAP RESOURCES

Be Chill And Know Workshop

SLIDE PRESENTATION from our Sunday Morning Workshop: Be Chill And Know: Reclaiming Sabbath

Chill And Know! -Shared Version by Arionne Yvette Williams

Rev. Dr. Janet Johnson’s Full Testimonial on her Sunday Night Ritual/Sabbath Practice

A Message from Dr. Jennifer McChristian of, The Crest Counseling, Coaching, & Consulting