Clergy Health and Wellness

January 05 2022

To say that the last few years have been complicated, difficult and draining is an understatement.  As clergy during this season of pandemic, we have been asked to enter into worlds and responsibilities that most of us were never prepared to journey. And the reality is it was not a detour, but our new way of living in faithfulness.  You have been amazing, but at what cost?  Clergy are notoriously bad at self-care.  We give of ourselves to the point of depletion.  We are never “off the clock.”  We focus on the million needs of others, often at the price of our own rest and health.  Although we cannot predict what complications or celebrations the New Year will hold; we know, without a doubt, that self-care must become our priority if we are to lead as Christ has called.

To help us in this work of healing and wholeness, the Office of Spiritual Leadership and the Annual Conference are creating several opportunities for clergy to step out of the busyness and focus on sabbath and wellness.   You have already experienced our ZOOM Wellness Webinar Series, “Do You Want to Be Made Whole?”  These bi-monthly webinars will continue to be offered throughout 2022 as opportunities to learn and reflection on self-care.  

The second of these opportunities is our “Sabbath Day Away” events.   Utilizing the amazing resources of our camps, we have created three opportunities for us to gather, share and rest.  There will be no heavy lifting or learning.  Just an opportunity to step away and feed our bodies and spirits on the beauty of creation and the support of our connection.  Below you will find our tentative agenda and the registration links.  The cost is $20 and includes lunch.  There will be opportunities for reflection and sharing in small groups if you desire.  CEUs are available and you are  encouraged to use your Continuing Education funds.  
We encourage you to shape this time for your rest and renewal.  Coordinate with clergy friends so you can spend time together   If you would like to make this an overnight time, contact the camps directly about the possibility of staying before or after the events.  Shape this for your maximum benefit.  
Come away with your brothers and sisters and find rest.  We need it. 
 

For more information or questions, contact me at tharper@mississippi-umc.org
 

TENTATIVE AGENDA (same at all events)

9AM – Registration and Gathering
10AM – Voluntary Small Group Reflection Time
NOON – Lunch
2PM – Voluntary Small Group Reflection Time
4PM – Check-in and Leave-taking

.2 CEUs are awarded for participation in the small group opportunities

Below are the links for the Sabbath Day Away registration.  
 

• Sabbath Day Away @ Camp Wesley Pines – January 28, 2022 — https://mississippi-reg.brtapp.com/SabbathdayawaySabbath
• Sabbath Day Away @ Camp Lake Stephens – November 11, 2022 — https://mississippi-reg.brtapp.com/sabbathdayawaynovember22
• Sabbath Day Away @ Seashore Assembly – June 17, 2022 — https://mississippi-reg.brtapp.com/sabbathdayawayjune22

Rev. Trey Harper
Director of Spiritual Leadership
Conference Secretary
Mississippi Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
769.243.7030