2024 Annual Retreat

TITLE: ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN? Preaching the Gospel in Polarized Times
We pray, “Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven,” every Sunday just before the bread of heaven is broken and shared. But among those who are praying, how many have a clear sense of what the reign of God actually looks like, or how to align their daily lives very practically with God’s values? This retreat offering will engage specific readings from Lectionary Year B to help preachers guide their congregations in discerning how to live with integrity as faithful followers of Jesus and as citizens amid a noisy and contentious U.S. election year. The emphasis will be on the formational power of sermons over a season of preaching, and participants can expect to leave with a plan for preaching key texts in the months leading up to the November election.

Leaders: Rev. Dr. Jane Patterson and Rev. Dr. John Lewis
Who Should Register: Anyone (lay or ordained) who preaches regularly.

TITLE: DEFUSING POLARIZED DISCOURSE
In this season of aggressive rhetoric and heated arguments, what’s the alternative to rancor, reaction, and rehearsing the same old scripts? In this workshop with Steven Tomlinson, you’ll explore skills, strategies, and dispositions for moving past the surface of inflammatory exchanges to the opportunities for connection and healing. In role-play with your favorite scenarios, you’ll get practice building trust, holding boundaries, and advocating values in ways that make these conversations particularly promising opportunities for Christian witness and pastoral care. You’ll also learn how to frame disagreements in the congregation in ways that promote respect and patience.

Leader: Dr. Steven Tomlinson
Who Should Register: Anyone (lay or ordained)