2020 Pastoral Leaders Retreat

On Monday, September 14, 2020, authorized ministers and members in discernment from UCC churches across the islands gathered for the Hawai'i Conference Pastoral Leaders Retreat, "Come to the Living Waters."

This hybrid event, with online workshops and worship with preaching by Rev. John Dorhauer, and in-person gatherings (following safety protocols) on each island, encouraged all pastoral leaders to set aside the day to relax, as well as be renewed and encouraged in their ministry.

Find resources from the retreat below!

Pastoral leaders gather on Zoom for retreat.

East Hawai‘i clergy at the volcano for their in-person gathering.

Walking the labyrinth in prayer at Waineke Lodge on Kaua‘i.

Phyllis Meighen, John Carr, and Glenn Frazier on the new Psalm 23 Path at Waineke Lodge in Koke‘e on Kaua‘i.

RETREAT RESOURCES

Suggestions for Individual Retreat Experiences Especially for those pastors and leaders who were unable to gather in person with their colleagues but are still in need of time to reflect and be renewed. Here are some possible exercises to put you in a posture to receive living water from Jesus.

Lectio Divina is one of the great treasures of the Christian tradition of prayer. It means Divine Reading, which is reading the book we believe to be divinely inspired. This tradition of prayer flows out of a Hebrew method of studying the Scriptures which was an interactive interpretation of the Scriptures by means of the free use of the text to explore its inner meaning. It was part of the devotional practice of the Jews in the days of Jesus.

The Method of Centering Prayer - The Prayer of Consent

Centering Prayer is a method designed to facilitate the development of contemplative prayer by preparing our faculties to receive this gift. It presents ancient Christian wisdom teachings in an updated form. Centering Prayer is not meant to replace other kinds of prayer; rather it casts a new light and depth of meaning on them. It is at the same time a relationship with God and a discipline to foster that relationship. This method of prayer is a movement beyond conversation with Christ to communion with him.