Registration is Open for the Annual Clergy Retreat in Woodstock
All clergy of the Diocese of Chicago are invited to register for the annual clergy gathering at Loyola University Retreat and Ecology Campus in Woodstock October 25-27.
This year’s conference will be led by the Rev. Dr. Ebony Only, Director for Community Engagement and Community Chaplain at Bishop Anderson House in Chicago. She is a board-certified chaplain with a D.Min. from Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology and currently in training as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with specialization in trauma-informed systemic therapy. Her conference workshop is entitled “Protecting the Shepherd: Sustaining Your Strength for the Assignment.”
“Clergy who care for others often neglect the care of themselves, and after several years of compounding loss, transition and uncertainty, that pattern runs especially deep. The workshop moves beyond self-care as a buzzword and invite participants into a theological and practical framework for integrated, sustainable ministry. It is designed to meet participants where they actually are.”
In addition to time with Dr. Only, the retreat is designed to allow for rest and restoration while connecting with clergy colleagues. Monday afternoon will allow several hours to “choose your own adventure” (options include yoga, spiritual practices, board games, and hiking, to name a few) or simply have time to rest. Additionally, Bishop Clark and members of her staff will be available to meet individually with people after lunch on Monday. Sign-up sheets will be available on-site Sunday evening. We will also have supplies to make clergy IDs for those who need them.
The Rev. Colin Collette, Associate Rector at All Saints, Chicago, will be leading worship for the retreat, and he welcomes your participation! Please email Colin if you want to lead a worship service, serve as reader or chalice bearer, sing or play a musical instrument, or be part of the set-up or clean-up crew.
All clergy are expected to attend clergy retreat. For those unable to attend, please email Bishop Clark directly, and please consider attending Sunday evening for the reception and clergy appreciation dinner, beginning at 5 pm. Questions about registration may be directed to Karin Gutierrez, Executive Assistant to the bishop.