Center for Ministry Pastoral Excellence Project Update
The Shepherd's Sabbath is a two year program of prayer practices, self-care, and peer learning designed for renewal of spirit and mind, body and relationships. In five retreats and an overseas pilgrimage "Shepherds" engage in rest and worship interwoven with spiritual guidance from noted scholar/practitioners, massage, spiritual direction, and connection with colleagues across racial and denominational lines. Shepherd's Sabbath begins again in November 2010.
Spiritual Direction for Clergy on the Gulf Coast offers respite for those from the hurricane-recovery zone. In monthly conversations with trained and certified spiritual directors extending over one year, ministers can find a safe and confidential haven to voice their thanksgivings and laments, discern their callings, and learn faith-sustaining spiritual practices. The next round of Spiritual Direction for Clergy on the Gulf Coast begins in early 2010.
Journey Partners Scholarships make it possible for lay or clergy leaders serving communities of color, economically marginalized communities, or the Mississippi Gulf Coast, to receive training in spiritual direction. In this two-year program, the Rev. Wendy Miller of Eastern Mennonite Seminary teaches listening, spiritual practices, retreat leadership, congregational spirituality and other means of serving as companions on the Christian journey. These half-tuition scholarships are available for the upcoming session of Journey Partners which begins in March 2010. Please contact Jane Watts at jane@centerforministry.com before October 1, 2009 if you are interested in a Journey Partners Scholarship.
New Wineskins Grants are available to clergy peer groups who seek to expand their visions of God, life, and ministry in fresh ways. This one-time award ranges from $500 to $5,000 and may be used to support sacred travel, retreats, conference registration, learning materials, consultant's fees or other projects designed to extend learning and enhance group life. The Center for Ministry is currently accepting proposals for New Wineskins Grants.
For details about the programs of the Pastoral Excellence Project, please contact
Sherry Johnson, Associate Director of the Center for Ministry at
(601) 974-1436 or sherry@centerforministry.com.
1701 North State Street, P. O. Box 150041, Jackson, MS 39210. (601) 974-1488,
email: PEP@centerforministry.com
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