Pastors Conference
An Annual Gathering for Pastors, Spouses, Friends Serving Abroad, Seminary
Students, and Ministry Leaders in NWYM of Friends Church
April 19-22, 2010
Twin Rocks Friends Camp
Soaring In The Spirit:
Rediscovering Mystery In The Christian Life
Following in the rhythm of the upbeat content and spiritual honesty of last year’s conference, this year’s gathering promises to be an exciting gathering of encouragement, equipping, and exhortation.
George Fox Evangelical Seminary VP and dean, Chuck Conniry will share with us from his book “Soaring In The Spirit: Rediscovering Mystery In The Christian Life” in the following three ways …
- As a prophet … helping us remember the “why and how” parts of the ministries we’ve been called to and entrusted with, and inviting us to live into God’s vision.
- As a pastor … to know us, hear us, and shepherd us … speaking with purpose and compassion into our hearts and minds.
- And as a teacher … to ground us and guard us with God’s Word without being a “lecturing professor;” calling us back to lives rooted in Jesus Christ and His character.
You can read more about Chuck’s faith, heart, passion, writing, and vibe by visiting the following links …
- Read Chuck’s Life And Calling: Bio from a GFU press release
- Hear Chuck’s Heart And Mind: mp3 audio file – PASTOR TO PASTOR
- Download a chapter of Chuck’s book: Soaring in the Spirit, chapter 3
What Brennan Manning writes in his Introduction of Chuck’s book …
“Conniry’s book is a tour de force. It not only blessed me but drew me to pray. It can be read with profit…by anyone who longs to soar in the spirit.”
Brennan Manning, author of The Ragamuffin Gospel and many other books.
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 (19-22 April 2010). 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.
Chuck is excited to share with us at our conference, and his excitement comes from his passion for Jesus Christ, the Christian life, and what God is doing in the church. We’ll have copies of Chuck’s book at Pastors Conference.
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 opened 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.
You should have received the book “unChristian: What A New Generation Really Thinks About Christianity And Why It Matters” by David Kinnaman from the NWYM subcommittee of Pastoral Care. Several weeks before Pastors Conference you’ll be hearing more about this book from Tim Wenzig and Paul Meier, and letting you know more specifics about the discussion we’ll have around it. One copy of the book has been sent out to each church.
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. Here’s a near-final schedule of our time together. Only small changes will be made–changes that won’t effect beginning and ending times.
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!
Gregg Lamm, Carole Spencer, Jason Minnix, and Mark Kelley
2010 NWYM Pastors Conference planning committee
Interest Groups will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon, 1:00 – 2:00.
Tuesday…
- Topic One: Ways of Openness ~ How can we foster “openness to God” in our faith communities? Our conversation will include how Parker Palmer develops this idea, as well as the ways that you have experienced “openness to God,” individually and in community. Led by Darla Samuelson, RiversWay Community, a ministry of Friends in Portland.
Wednesday…
- Topic Two: Developing A Drama Ministry In The Local Church ~ Drama : an exciting, emotional, or unexpected series of events or set of circumstances. Why should we use drama in ministry? Because we are dramatic creatures and we communicate to one another through drama. We experience life and learn through the dramatic events in our lives. The Bible is full of drama and the act of performing brings meaning to the written words. God speaks powerfully through drama. Led by Cathy Crawford, GFES student, Vancouver First Friends.
- Topic Three: NWYM, GFU, and GFES: A Conversation About Relationship ~ Led by Fred Gregory (Special Assistant to the President), Jamie Johnson (Director, Friends Leadership Program Director), and Chuck Conniry (GFES Dean)
Price and Details
Please bring your own bedding and towels, unless you register for the Pacific Woods Lodge
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:
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
Form for special housing or dietary needs at the conference. (MUST be filled out before arrival).
