Solitude (Sermon)

This past Sunday, Rev. Jake Medcalf taught on “Solitude” in the Lent series “Lent: The Rhythm of Eremos,” inviting listeners into the biblical “Eremos” (wilderness/lonely or solitary place) as a regular practice where God’s transforming presence could be experienced. He explained that Jesus often withdrew to the Eremos (Luke 5) and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness (Luke 4), showing solitude as essential for hearing God, being fueled for ministry and daily life, and becoming more loving, honest, and grace-filled. Using Ruth Haley Barton’s “Invitation to Solitude and Silence” and the metaphor of river water settling in a jar, he described how solitude and silence exposed inner busyness and brought clarity, spiritual battle, and freedom. He emphasized that solitude was not escapism but running to God and returning to love and serve, calling the congregation to schedule small, practical times of solitude and consider resources like a Friday growth group, the SCC Institute practicum class, and a spiritual retreat during Lent.