Clergy Reflect on the Recent Clergy Retreat
Our diocesan clergy met November 6-8, 2023 at the Bonclarken Conference Center in Flat Rock, NC, for their annual retreat, with Bishop Chip Edgar as the speaker.
“This was one of the better retreats we’ve had,” said the Rev. David Dubay. “The teaching was valuable and practical, and we got a deeper insight into the direction we’re going as a diocese, both in clarity of vision and theology.”
“Bishop Edgar spoke about the effect encountering the Risen Lord had on Paul’s entire being and life,” said Deacon Joyce Harder. “Paul had mastered the Jewish way of life as well as the Torah. He had all the facts, but meeting the Lord caused Paul to view those same facts from a wholly new perspective. Completely humbled, Paul experienced and taught the church that in our weakness is God’s strength made perfect. We can become better pastors of people in our care operating out of gentle, compassionate weakness that reflects Christ’s heart of love for us in His sacrifice.”
“I didn’t realize how much I needed this clergy retreat,” said the Rev. Tripp Jeffords. “Refreshment in the mountains couldn’t have come at a better time for me! I was throughly impressed by the beauty of the Bonclarken retreat center and their fine staff. It was a great blessing to reconnect with friends and share in much needed fellowship with other clergy. Bishop Edgar’s talks on the life and ministry of St. Paul were much needed reminders of what healthy ministry looks like, lived under the power of the cross and Christ’s resurrection glory. It was an added blessing to hear Bishop Edgar share several examples of his own personal successes and failures in his many years of ordained ministry. Wonderful few days!”
Praying Together #ADOSC #ACNA pic.twitter.com/YABsXn9dCw
— Anglican Diocese of SC (@anglican_sc) July 16, 2023