Fellow colleagues:
I feel that the 5th Annual Sermon Seminar Contemplative Retreat was a blessing indeed. As you know, I publicly announced that this would be mylast one connected with the Rochester College Sermon Seminar. I am working with Dr. David Fleer on a project that may continue this contemplative retreat for ministers, but this time instead of being in Michigan we will have it in the Smokies. I am thinking about re-naming it "Manna on the Mountain" and we can continue next year in Tennessee.
"Contours and Context for Hearing Jesus"--this past retreat focused on the Gospel of John and learning about friends. This word "friend" carries with it 3 significant connations associated with the concept: loyalty, frankness, commonality. This was especially rich in providing new ways of thinking about God, Christ and the Holy Spirit's friendship with each other, with me, and vice-a-versa. I pray that the retreat helped you to become a friend to yourself once again by the renewing presence of God.
Let me propose this question: "What do you think your greatest need is as a minister, and what focus on next year's contemplative retreat will help you to address it the best?"
Your friend in Jesus, Curtis
