Jesus took time away for prayer and silence before proclaiming to the crowds. You are invited to take time apart in a retreat setting with other colleagues and create long-range plans for worship and preaching.
Each week pastors face the humbling and awesome task of preparing a sermon and worship that touches the lives of worshippers in our congregations. Our perplexing and difficult times call for authentic worship and preaching where people can encounter Christ. Yet, the daily demands of ministry often keep us from having as much time as we would like for sermon and worship preparation, and especially for long range sermon and worship planning. Taking time apart, like Jesus, gives us the opportunity to root our planning in prayer and to open ourselves to the directions of the Spirit.
The retreat will offer:
The basic schedule will be:
Who is it For?
It is recommended that participants have either completed seminary or one-third of their course of study, and have two or more years of pastoral experience.
Retreat Details
Sunday, July 30 (5 p.m.) – Thursday, August 3 (3 p.m.) at Saint Benedict Center, Schuyler, NE.
The cost is $150 (includes lodging and meals) if registered by April 1. Cost is $200 after April 1. Space is limited, so register early! If registration is full, you may be put on a waiting list.
Participants may arrive early or stay for a longer time by making arrangements directly with the retreat center.
“The topic discussions were very fruitful and informative. Brainstorming truly engaged us and brought incredible resources for the group. I felt that the morning engaged me and powered me for a full afternoon of productivity.”
“I really appreciated the rhythm I was able to set for myself of prayer, planning and self-care. I want to figure out how to take this rhythm with me.”
“I loved it from Sunday eve all the way through.”
“I loved the flexibility offered even within a structure framework. I felt free to participate and take advantage of sessions and prayer while knowing if I needed time to plan or walk the pond that was OK too.”
“The preaching and feedback were great, but also the morning discussion and afternoon blocks of time alone were great.”
“I can allow myself to have my own style. It doesn’t have to fit something prescribed by others.”
“Thank you so much! I plan to come again!”
The leader for A Time Apart is Rev. Dr. Theresa Mason. She has a M.Div. and D.Min. from Claremont School of Theology, and a Ph.D. in theatre arts from University of Oregon. Rev. Mason is a retired Great Plains Elder who served as a pastor of churches in Nebraska and California; as chaplain and associate professor of religion at Hamline University in St. Paul, MN; as a visiting instructor at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities; and as director of Earthen Pot Ministries, offering workshops, retreats, writing, and consultation in preaching, worship, and the arts.
Resources