Discernment Retreat

Discernment of a calling from God has long been central to our Christian faith.  The Bible is full of people that God called for specific ministries at particular times, and so many people throughout the history, including today, received and lived or are living into calls from God to serve in many different ways.  In particular, the Church, and our two Conferences, seek people who are called by God to serve our congregations as pastors and our communities as bridge builders.

     But how do you know whether or where or how God is calling you?  What are some of the defining characteristics of call?  How can we better hear God in our own lives?  Our Discernment retreat will seek to help each participant to better answer those questions as we gather together from 5 PM on Friday, April 24^th-Saturday, April 25^th.  This retreat will be led by Discernment Partners who know the art of asking clarifying questions. All participants will have a chance to hear from each Partner as to their perspective on the nature of call during our time together. Each participant will spend time one on one with one of these Discernment Partners to talk through their own sense of calling.  Built into this time will be opportunities for silence, reflection, and fireside conversation; walking the beautiful grounds of the Camp and its lake; as well as journaling and art projects.

     This retreat is being subsidized by the Vermont and New Hampshire Conferences, and so the cost per participant will be $150 (may be reduced).  Your local church or Association may be able to help those for whom that is a burden.  Every person will receive a single accommodation, unless you want to room with someone else.   Dinner Friday night and breakfast and lunch on Saturday are all included in the cost.

     If you are someone who is feeling a nudge towards authorized ministry; a Ministry21 student or MID who is discerning what God is calling you to, or a Christian who is seeking wisdom about what God is up to in your life, please join us!  There is only space for 9 participants from each Conference, so it is important that you register as soon as you can.  Please be in touch with Rev. Paul Sangree, Associate Conference Minister of the Vermont Conference, at psangree@vermontucc.org with any questions.

Bunk Houses—single occupancy