Clergy Conference
September 25 - September 27
Building Trust – Navigating Conflict
The clergy of EDSD will once again join together at the beautiful Vina de Lestonnac retreat center in Temecula in September. Please note that this year’s retreat will be held Wednesday, September 25 to Friday, September 27.
During our time together, we’ll be working on building trust and navigating conflict on three levels: personal, group/team, and system-wide. How can we function in such a way that promotes the deep development of trust in us as leaders and in the congregation itself? How can we learn to deal appropriately with all levels of conflict, to develop skills for managing conflict at its earliest stages, and gain a better understanding of broad cultural differences around communication, especially in times of conflict?
The Reverend Canon Ivar Hillesland (he/him) oversees congregational development, including The College for Congregational Development, leadership formation, and the coordination and deployment of consultants in the Diocese of Olympia. Ivar also works as an intercultural development consultant with individuals and congregations. He has recently concluded his 12-year call as pastor of Church of The Apostles, in Seattle, WA, a joint Episcopal/Lutheran worshiping community and innovative leader from the emerging church movement. He is supported by his spouse, three children and an adorable dog. Ivar is also an avid musician who loves to lead and write music for the church (thereverbcollective.com).
The Reverend Canon Christopher Craun (she/her) joined the Episcopal Church of Western Oregon’s staff in December of 2021 as the Canon to the Ordinary. This was after being the Rector of a bilingual/multicultural congregation in Portland, Oregon for twelve years. In her current role she consults with congregations in transition, assists in launching Diocesan wide programs, accompanies vestries seeking to create change in their churches, co-facilitates Thriving Leaders, and is launching a new vision for youth and campus ministry. She has been a graduate and trainer of the College for Congregational Development since 2017 and has assisted in launching the College in multiple dioceses. She is also a Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory. She has a love of team sports and is often heard saying, “Team work makes the dream work.” Christopher loves dance parties and karaoke with friends and values nothing more than time with her family.
