No Longer Strangers
A retreat for all pastors in Miami Presbytery
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
9:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.
Bergamo Conference Center
Dayton, Ohio

This is a day to come together in the peaceful setting of Bergamo Conference Center to worship, reflect on some passages of Scripture and to have conversations with one another, in the hopes of becoming friends. 

In an effort to take a ‘next step’ following the Brown-Bag Conversations last October, the Coordinating Council appointed a team to explore the possibilities.  The team included  Interim EP Judy Kolwitz, Presbytery Moderator Jeanne McIver, Council members Carol Hess and Nancy Peterson, and  Pastors Peter Larson and Patrick Warren. Out of their meetings, a plan was made to hold a retreat for all pastors in the presbytery that would afford an opportunity for them to get to know one another in an atmosphere conducive to worship, study and conversation.  

The theme brings into focus the desires of this team  to plan a day conducive to forging new friendships among the clergy of the presbytery. Most of the day will be spent in small group conversations.  In keeping with the new design of the presbytery that was adopted at the March 11, 2007 meeting, the afternoon session of the retreat will find attendees forming groups with others within their ‘new’ neighborhoods.    

Think of how we greet a new neighbor in our community – we extend greetings, take a plate of cookies to them, invite them to dinner, offer to help them unpack and introduce them to the rest of the neighborhood. This retreat will provide  a first step in ‘living into’ the new design and  meeting our neighbors. 

The Scriptures chosen for reflection include John 15:12 – 17 and Ephesians 2:11-22.   

►Reservations are a must. The cost is $10, and you can call the  presbytery office at  937-258-8118 to reserve your spot.