Spirit Song United Methodist Church

That's what they call our yearly get-together of the pastors in our Annual Conference (all of Arizona plus the lower third of Nevada). This year we're out in Gold Canyon -- a relatively new upscale community 50 miles east of Phoenix, with the Superstition Mountains providing a breathtakingly beautiful backdrop. It's billed as a spiritual retreat but I think the real appeal is the opportunity for us pastors to re-connect with clergy friends and colleagues that we don't often see. Everyone's laid back, dressed down (even the Bishop) and eager to catch up with what everyone's been doing since last February.

Although the common greeting is "how is it going," and "how's the church doing?" the spiritual aspect of our retreat asks the question, "how is it with your soul?" So we've been engaged in some self examination, prayer, worship and some excellent lectures by guest Rev. Trevor Hudson, a Methodist minister from South Africa who has charmed us with his British wit and accent, and with some very insightful interpretations of scripture (as well as seeds for good future sermons.)

We've been blessed with beautiful sunny Arizona spring weather (low 80's) and some wonderful fellowship with colleagues in ministry who have reminded me that our calling as pastors is a privilege and a responsibility that we must take seriously (but still allow for fun!)

Blessings,

Steve

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 05:10 PM and is filed under General. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.