Feeling the love in San Francisco
A recap of the 2016 Clergy Retreat.
An effort to foster face-to-face connections in our geographically diverse diocese paid off last weekend as more than 100 clergy from six C4SO deaneries gathered at Mercy Center in San Francisco, Calif. The 2016 Clergy Retreat gave our clergy an opportunity to share meals, form connections and learn from speaker James K.A. Smith, as well as Bishop Todd Hunter and other C4SO leadership. For a weekend, the miles disappeared and we did life together as friends.
“It was really just the opportunity to be with my fellow brothers and sisters that I valued the most,” one attendee reported.
The retreat center and convent, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, is located on a 40-acre site just outside San Francisco. With its labyrinth, quiet rooms and beautiful gardens, it was a welcome diversion from the normal conference vibe. Those who stayed onsite slept in single rooms for a monastic style getaway; other attendees stayed offsite at a boutique hotel.
“I liked having it at a Christian retreat center where the spiritual atmosphere was really clear,” an attendee said.
Some clergy arrived early to explore the city and participate in pre-retreat activities on Tuesday and Wednesday—including a clergy diving trip coordinated by the Rev. Ed McNeill of St. James Anglican. Because of their close proximity, St. James and staff helped host the retreat—a hearty thanks for all your hard work!
On Wednesday night in Mercy Center’s beautiful chapel, Bishop Todd ordained five postulants to the diaconate: Ryan Boettcher, Michael Lindstedt, Benjamin Sternke, Matthew Tebbe and Erik Willits. The soaring space, special music written by the Rev. Rob Patterson and the ability to share the moment with friends from around the country made it an unforgettable experience.
Thursday morning and afternoon, attendees could choose from workshops such as Liturgy as Ministry and the Catechumerate. as well as Q&A time with Bishop Todd. People continued to trickle in, and after dinner, the retreat officially kicked off with worship led by the Rev. Rob Patterson, C4SO’s Chief Administrator Chris Sieggen and the Rev. Eddie Kirkland, and an opening session from Bishop Todd. The Bishop gave a compelling sermon about practicing Sabbath as an approach to ministry, or the notion of working from an essential rest. He then announced C4SO’s new Strategic Plan: Plant 100 churches in 10 years and recruit, train and develop 200 future leaders and church planters (stay tuned for an upcoming video about the Strategic Plan!). The evening concluded with Compline, in which everyone formed a circle and stood shoulder to shoulder in a powerful expression of unity.
On Friday, the much-anticipated Dr. James K.A. Smith spoke in the morning, afternoon and evening on desire, love, and using worship and liturgy to form new habits. He received a warm welcome from the attendees, and each of the three sessions was followed by a rousing Q&A. Attendees also did Morning Prayer, Noonday Prayer and Compline together, each led by a different member of C4SO’s clergy. Between sessions, people mingled, rested, walked the retreat grounds or met with the Rev. Canon Dr. Tony Baron for pastoral care.
Click here to listen to Dr. James K.A. Smith’s sessions.
After the last session that evening, in a service in the chapel, Bishop Todd installed the Rev. Kimberley Talbot Pfeiler as Canon to the Ordinary, the Rev. Canon David Roseberry as Dean of the Diocese and the Very Rev. Kris McDaniel as Dean of the Southeast. Congratulations to you all!
On Saturday morning, a Eucharist service, worship, homily by the Rev. Canon Dr. Tony Baron and healing prayer wrapped up our event. Many found the chance to pray for one another to be the highlight of the retreat.
A tangible energy and passion filled our weekend, with everyone excited to be together and committed afresh to C4SO’s vision and values, as well as a clear and specific plan for the next decade. The retreat was an awesome opportunity for people from all over the country to get to know one another, grow closer and unite around a single purpose: planting churches for the sake of others.
Did you attend the retreat? Share your thoughts.
Listen to all of the homilies and lectures below.