Registration for the Aug. 19-21 retreat opens June 12
by Holly Baker, Board of Pensions | Special to Presbyterian News Service
PHILADELPHIA — Each summer, the Board of Pensions and the Presbyterian Foundation sponsor Well-Being Retreat for active and retired members of the Benefits Plan of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). It offers ministers and other church workers, as well as spouses and surviving spouses, time away from routines to think, breathe, and renew.
The annual gathering is scheduled Aug. 19-21 in Western North Carolina. Amid the beauty of Montreat Conference Center, participants will explore the spiritual, health, financial, and vocational dimensions of wholeness as they engage in fellowship, worship, learning, and reflection. Well-Being Retreat can help alumni of Presbyterian CREDO recall and renew their vows and learnings.
The setting for the Aug. 19-21 Well-Being Retreat is the Montreat Conference Center in North Carolina. (Contributed image)
This year’s theme, “Life Is More,” draws from Luke 12 to remind us that it is primarily spiritual, not material, pursuits that fulfill us. Jesus teaches us to trust in God’s provision for us.
But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you — you of little faith! And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. … Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
— Luke 12:28-31
A series of workshops are featured over the three-day event. This year’s topics and speakers include the following:
- Storytelling and proclamation: David Norse and R. Eric Thomas
- Caregiving and grief: Beth Scibienski, author of Who Is God When We Hurt?
- Life transitions/Leaving well: Rev. Lori Neff LaRue, Director, Wholeness Education, Board of Pensions
- Budgeting and debt management: Jacqueline Boersema, Director, Financial Education, Board of Pensions
- The pastor as CEO: Kevin Garvey, Senior Vice President, Development, Presbyterian Foundation
Holly Baker is agency writer at the Board of Pensions, which supports wholeness in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) community and care for Benefits Plan members. For information, contact info@pensions.org.
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