Hi, all!
I'm spending this week at an Episcopal conference center near Jackson, Mississippi. It's located in rural Mississippi surrounded by oak and pine forests and lush meadows. And yes, it's hot and muggy in the daytime -- although I have to admit the evenings have been quite pleasant.
The cooks at the conference center have served up some real southern cookin'. We've had grits, red beans and rice, turnip greens, gumbo, and fried catfish. Delicious, every bit.
The conference has focused on clergy well-being and renewal. The staff is a team of clergy and lay professionals including a financial planner, a spiritual director, a psychologist, and a career planner. The twenty five clergy attending the conference are from all over the country and all kinds of parishes. It's a pleasure to be with them.
We've had presentations on subjects like relationships, discernment, visioning, forgiveness, clergy identity and vocation. It's a little like going back to seminary for a week, but more practical. We've met in small groups where we've been able to share more personally, and we've been able to meet one on one with the staff members for consultations.
We've gathered daily for worship that has included morning prayer, Eucharist and a healing service. I was somewhat surprised to find that about half the participants gather before breakfast for a half hour of centering prayer and silence. Contemplative spirituality is now practiced by clergy throughout the church.
Best of all for me have been casual conversations and small group sessions where we've shared our experience as people of faith with a common calling. I've found these clergy to be healthy and lively people with wonderful gifts for ministry. It's a privilege to be here.
We've done a lot of personal reflection, and we're encouraged to make a CREDO plan that sets forth our plans for our personal and professional growth. I think I'll be a better priest for this experience, and I'm grateful for this time for reflection.
I'm looking forward to coming back and being with you in our life together, a life I love and value deeply.
Bill
No comments:
Post a Comment