Clergy retreat September 28-30
In this exhortation from Mark, Jesus bids his disciples to
break loose from the demands on their physical time and energies in
order to go to a place to rejuvenate and recreate. Bishop Susan would
like to invite all clergy to such a time. As the pandemic lingers
longer than anyone would have anticipated, many clergy are finding
themselves close to a point of burnout. The learning curve experienced
from moving from in-person worship to virtual worship and then a to
hybrid worship including both kinds of worship, has exacted a toll on
our time and energies. A bit of rest is necessary.
On Monday through Wednesday, September 28-30, the Diocese is
offering a clergy retreat for a time of rest and reflection. The retreat
may be experienced in person at Chanco on the James for those who feel
ready to venture out to that sort of gathering (Rooming options will be
limited to single occupancy except for clergy couples or others who
currently quarantine together). It will also offer a virtual option for
those who wish to experience retreat in their homes. The goal of this
retreat is to rest. Bishop Haynes will offer times of meditation and
times of prayer and silence. Outside experts on church programming,
worship and evangelism will be saved for another gathering. The focus,
once again, is rest. We will also offer opportunities for waterfront
activities including swimming, paddle-boarding and kayaking. Compline
will be conducted each night around the campfire.
More information will be forthcoming in the next weeks,
including cost and how to register. For now, please hold the dates on
your calendar: September 28-30.
