An Annual Gathering for Pastors, Spouses, Friends Serving Abroad, Seminary

Students, and Ministry Leaders in NWYM of Friends Church

 

March 7 – 10, 2011

Twin Rocks Friends Camp

“Self-care is never a selfish act—it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer others.” (Parker Palmer, Let Your Life Speak) As the demands in our ministry increase, our energy and attention for self-care are neglected. How often have we run ourselves ragged “for God” and “for the people” only to find ourselves bitter and crispy? Without the vitality and renewing power of God, our leadership may lack depth and direction – opening the door to avoidable problems. How do I love God with my heart, mind, soul and body in this season of life? What am I feeding my heart, mind, soul and body? To echo the words of Paul, “Here’s what I want you to do. God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life–your sleeping, eating, going–to work, and walking-around life–and place it before God as an offering…” Romans 12:1-2 (The Message)

We invite you to a time of rest, renewal and play. Enjoy the company of other sisters and brothers who serve and struggle to honor Jesus and his people. This is a time to renew the joy of seeking and following Christ, to reconnect and make new friends, and to walk the beach and enjoy God’s creation. The food is pretty wonderful as well!

About Miriam…

A native New Yorker and Puerto Rican, Miriam Mendez has served in pastoral ministry for over 12 years in both English and Spanish speaking congregations including a multi-denominational church plant in southwest Portland. She is a gifted spiritual director and the Pastor of Esperanza Church a new mission church with the American Baptist Churches of Oregon. Miriam is the mother of two young adults. She enjoys spending time with good friends and family, reading, walking, running, playing scrabble and a great cup of coffee!

A note from the Pastors Conference Planning Committee …

Friends,

We hope this note finds you engaging your life with Christ and the calling He is giving you with discernment and courage.  Please take a few minutes right now to register for our upcoming Pastors Conference at Twin Rocks Friends Camp (7-10 March 2011).  We’re going to have a great time together … worshiping, exploring, questioning, encouraging, discussing, eating, playing, praying, and being equipped by God to live out the Good News of Jesus Christ in our particular callings and locations.

Miriam is excited to share with us at our conference, and her excitement comes from her passion for Jesus Christ, the Christian life, and what God is doing in the church.

Like we did last year, we are also strongly encouraging Friends Serving Abroad, missionaries, youth pastors, GFES students, and other staff ministers to attend.  Having a good smattering of these folks at last year’s conference continued opening the doors to new conversations and new ministry connections.  All of you in these ministry categories have been encouraged by Colin, Gar, Rachelle, Angel, and Shawn to be in attendance.  But there’s nothing like encouraging each other to attend. So please do everything you can to help these folk who minister alongside you be able to attend.

This week is designed to be an opportunity to rest and recharge. We always appreciate the opportunity to worship together and fellowship around the table in addition to our worship and teaching.

Finally, please take a moment and check in with your clerk of elders and/or finance manager to make sure that they’ve paid your church’s pre-registration invoice. This will really help streamline the registration process all around. What a great time we’re going to have together. Thanks for your willingness to be a part of what God has in store for us. Come praying and expecting!

Heather Tricola, Brad Tricola, Hernan Diaz, Mark Kelly, Leslie Hodgdon Murray, Jason Minnix
2010 NWYM Pastors Conference planning committee

Interest Groups on Tues & Wed, 1 – 2 p.m.

Tuesday…

• Topic One: Global Issues in Our Local Meeting, led by Shawn McConaughey, Associate Superintendent for Global Outreach & Pastoral Care.

Wednesday…

• Topic Two: Incorporating the Contributions of Young Adults into Church Leadership, facilitated by Gregg Lamm, 2nd Street Community; and Rachelle Staley, Associate Superintendent of Youth and Young Adults.
• Topic Three:

Price and Details

Please bring your own bedding and towels, unless you register for the Pacific Woods Lodge

Pets: Pets are not allowed on the grounds of Twin Rocks Friends Camp. Please make other arrangements for the care of your furry friends that week.

Parents: Childcare will be provided (up through kindergarten-age) during the meeting times. Please note on the registration form if you will be bringing children.  It’s especially critical that this information is received ahead of time. Children under 3 are free. Those who are 3-8 years old will be $67. Over 8 is full price (as below).

Price:

Please make checks payable to NWYM Pastors Assoc.
Base registration fee for everyone: $50 individual or $65 couple

• for Active Pastors and Youth Pastors, your church subsidizes the rest of your fee
• for Retired Ministers and spouses, an additional $50 per person is required.
  
• for Recorded ministers (and spouses) currently not pastoring,  an additional $136 per person is required.
• for GFES seminary students, an additional $25 per person or $50 per couple is required.

• for everyone, the Pacific Woods Lodge requires an additional $40 per person and must be paid ahead of time to reserve your spot. (These will be available on a “first-check-received, first-served basis.” There is a limited number!)

Finding Twin Rocks Friends Camp

2011 Schedule