Formation Leadership Retreat Camp Stevens

Formation leaders are invited to a weekend retreat at Camp Stevens. The opportunity to rest and play with colleagues from across the diocese can be helpful to both longstanding and emerging ministries. Areas of focus for this year’s retreat are below.

MINISTRY FOCUS

Gather-Transform-Send

The unique purpose and work of a congregation is to gather those called by God into Christ’s body, the Church – a community of transformation of mind, heart, and action – and to send these same people into the world both to be and to act as God’s loving and transforming presence.

Together we will analize our unique congregations and ministries to think about how people are gathered, what are the places of transformation, and how we can grow those, and how we send people back into their lives – work, school, family, community, and beyond.

SPIRITUAL RETREAT

Living Compass

The “Compass” for Living Compass points us toward the four dimensions of our being: Soul, Heart, Strength, and Mind. These dimensions are interconnected—each one affects the other. We are not compartmentalized people. The different parts of our lives are intricately woven together. Whatever impacts one dimension of our lives (positively or negatively) has an impact upon the other dimensions—the waves of change in one area of our lives invariably washes upon the shores of the other areas.

This session will include the opportunity to look with care at eight areas of our lives: Spirituality, Rest & Play, Emotions, Relationships, Care for the Body, Stress Resilience, Vocation, and Organization. We will look at these areas not with judgment but as we look at a garden – which areas are we watering and caring for right now, and which would we like to spend more time caring for.

MINISTRY WORK

Policies and Forms
A full session devoted to a deep dive into the practical structures that allow ministries to thrive.

• review model policies
• create needed forms and guidelines in community
• revive best practices

Small Group Work & Planning Time

• Review We Believe, the diocesan wide confirmation program and plan for the coming year
• Adult Formation that works – Bring a program from your congregation that has been successful for you
• Bring a Godly Play story to practice with other practitioners. If you are Godly Play curious, this is a great group to join too!

SABBATH EXPLORATION

No visit to Camp Stevens would be complete without the opportunity to enjoy our diocesan camp. This sacred place is sure to restore your soul with joy and peace!

• Hike to Upper Meadow
• laugh with friends and colleagues
• sing around the fire
• pray in the Camp Stevens chapel
• walk the labyrinth
• Pet a goat or a pig
• breathe deeply
• Rest and restore

Arrival:  3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Thursday, October 24
Departure: 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 26th
Accommodations: Bergstrom Lodge

Retreat Cost: $225

Registration Includes your accommodations, 5 incredible Camp Stevens meals, and a few special surprises. We have a total of 18 spaces available this year. Please register quickly to ensure your spot!

Register Here

Any questions regarding this program should be directed to Charlette Preslar: cpreslar@edsd.org.