When is it? May 13-15, 2019 (see full schedule)
Where is it? Rockfish Retreat Center near Fayetteville, NC
Who is invited? Anyone who proclaims from the pulpit and is interested in a time apart to drink from a spiritual well, retreat with colleagues, and plan sermons and series based on the liturgical calendar.
What to expect? The retreat is intended to provide a transformational time away with worship, quiet time, and collaborative sessions for planning sermons and sermon series. These sessions will include time to read and reflect on lectionary scriptures, generate ideas in small groups, and report back on the best ideas generated during collaborative planning. The goal is to leave with outlines for three seasons / series:
- All Saint’s to Christ the King (Nov 3 – 24, 2019; 4 Sundays)
- Advent (Dec 1 – 22, 2019; 4 Sundays)
- Lent (Mar 1 – 29, 2020; 5 Sundays)
Is there a Keynote Preacher? Yes! Jerusha Neal will join us to offer her gifts with storytelling. She will lead a workshop on the practice of storytelling, offer up the closing sermon, and share a dramatic monologue from her book, Blessed: Monologues for Mary, around the fire to go with the s’mores.
Jerusha Neal is Assistant Professor of Homiletics at Duke Divinity School and is an American Baptist ordained minister who has spent her ministry preaching in cross-cultural spaces and bridging denominational communities, including her recent work as a Global Ministries missionary to the Fiji Islands through the United Methodist Church. As a former actress and playwright and current preacher and teacher, Jerusha Neal has much to offer and we look forward to having her share her gifts with us through sermon, storytelling, and a workshop.
In addition, Bishop Hope Morgan Ward will join us for part of the retreat and will offer the sending forth.
What does it cost*? Registration is $95 and covers full participation in the event, plus lunch and dinner on Monday and Tuesday. Registrants have the option of adding lunch on Wednesday for an additional $5. All included meals are in the dining hall at Rockfish Camp and Retreat Center.
*Note: NC Conference Clergy may request continuing education funding for this retreat.
What about lodging? Camp Rockfish offers a limited number of hotel-style rooms (each with one double and one single bed) at the Bergland Conference Center. These rooms are available on a first come, first served basis and include a hot breakfast buffet in the dining hall on Tuesday and Wednesday. We recommend registering early if you would like a room at Camp Rockfish!
As a second option, we have also reserved a block of rooms at The Holiday Inn Express in Hope Mills, which is about 12 minutes (7 miles) away from Camp Rockfish. Those who choose to stay at the hotel should reserve their room no later than April 13, 2019 to receive our discounted rate. Call 910-429-9990 and ask for the Preaching WELL block.
Camp Rockfish Bergland Conference Center:
* Price includes both nights of lodging plus a hot buffet breakfast each morning in the dining hall.
- Single room for 2 nights = $260
- Shared room for 2 nights = $140 (per person)
Preaching WELL Block at Holiday Inn Express in Hope Mills:
* Price includes both nights of lodging plus a continental breakfast each morning at the hotel.
- Room with King Bed for 2 nights = $208, plus tax
- Room with Two Double Beds for 2 nights = $220, plus tax (per room)
Note that these rates are available only for those who call the hotel (910-429-9990) and ask for the Preaching WELL block on or before April 13, 2019. After that, the regular rates apply.