Rural Clergy Renewal Retreat to be held Sept. 12-14, 2022 at Hinton Center

Hinton Center, an agency of the Southeastern Jurisdiction located in Western North Carolina, is hosting a Rural Clergy Renewal Retreat on Sept. 12-14, 2022.

This renewal retreat for United Methodist clergy serving rural appointments offers opportunities to breathe deep, exhale, commune with nature, rest, and take in scenic views that will restore your soul. Options for this lightly scheduled retreat include times for morning and evening devotions, conversations with seasoned pros on rural ministry topics (for those who want some content!), delicious meals with your rural ministry colleagues, campus amenities and area activities.

The cost of the retreat is $300 and Includes lodging, 5 meals, resource leaders, and Hinton amenities. The retreat will feature  the following resource persons:

• Rev. Telley Gadson-Hartsville (South Carolina) District Superintendent, Chief Missional Strategist;
• Dr. Jonathan LeMaster-Smith- Scholar/Teacher of Rural Ministry & Methodist Studies, Newton, North Carolina
• Tom Conlon- Guitarist/Singer/Songwriter, Worship Leader, Charlottesville, Virginia

Conference Ministry Health Coordinator Rev. Sheri Ferguson encourages North Alabama Conference clergy serving in rural settings to consider this clergy care opportunity.

I want to make our rural clergy aware of an opportunity for a renewal retreat at the Hinton Center in the Appalachian Mountains of Western North Carolina. The Hinton Center is an agency of the Southeastern Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church, and they serve no only their local community but welcome all to their beautiful campus - regardless of faith tradition - seeking to meet, retreat and serve in a spirit of acceptance and mutual respect.

I made a visit to the retreat center two weeks ago to see it for myself and to meet the staff there. I was most impressed with the facility, the scenic beauty of the place, and the friendly and helpful staff I met. I asked how they define “rural” and got an answer that it’s usually a small town with limited resources and a low population density. But, it did seem that if you think you are a pastor in a rural area. . .  you probably are!

Check out the retreat information below and please let me know if you have any questions. I hope you can consider this time away!"

Rev. Sheri Ferguson
Ministry Health Coordinator
Board of Ordained Ministry
sheri.ferguson@umcna.org

The Registration deadline is September 1. Contact your district and/or the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry Office to explore the availability of clergy renewal funds.