Registration is OPEN, go here to register:
https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07e5f7pkqna38d117b&oseq=
Please note those that registered after early registration has closed: You are responsible for booking your own transportation to Stony Point. Please refer to their website for transportation options.
For more programming details click below
Speaker & Workshop leaders at the retreat
In the spring of 2012, ELM will host another gathering of publicly identified LGBTQ rostered leaders and seminarians for a time of renewal, community building, and professional development. The retreat will be held at Stony Point Center, New York, April 18-21. Our keynote speaker is Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson, who will join us for most of the retreat.
This year’s theme is ¡Vamos Tod@s! (We are all going!/We are on the move!). The theme is tied to the hymn, “Let Us Go Now to the Banquet.” (ELW 523).
(The use of the “@” is a way that some people seek gender-neutrality in Spanish.)
This retreat is open to members of Proclaim, significant others, and children 3 and under. For information on joining Proclaim go here.
More about the Event:
This retreat will be the second gathering of Proclaim. We will gather together and embrace what it means to be publicly identified leaders as we care for ourselves, as we live in and amongst our communities, and as we serve as public witness to the Gospel.
The keynote speaker this year is Bishop Gene Robinson, the current bishop of the New England diocese of the Episcopalian church. Bp. Robinson is the first publicly identified gay person to be elected bishop in a major Christian denomination. His story is featured in the 2007 feature-length documentary, “For the Bible Tells Me So,” and his book In the Eye of the Storm: Swept to the Center by God (Seabury Books, New York) was released in 2008.
Program:
In addition to our sessions with Bp. Robinson, we’ll welcome a growing list of presenters, such as the Rev. Heidi Neumark and the Rev. Dr. Guy Erwin. Here is a sample of sessions and discussion items:
- What is the banquet that we are invited to? What motivates/propels us forward? What feeds our souls?
- Discuss how LGBTQ leaders can shape and reshape church and community in the present and into the future.
- Examine how LGBTQ leaders are a gift to the church.
- Offer opportunities for LGBTQ leaders to hone and sharpen skills for ministry.
- Create a vision of what this community and church might look like in 10 years–when we are all moving/going together.
Lodging:
We will be staying at the Stony Point Conference Center in New York. Stony Point is just over an hour outside of New York City. Situated in the beautiful and historic Lower Hudson River Valley. Stony Point Conference Center offers delicious & locally sourced food, comfortable accommodations and stunning outdoor space.
Rooms will be shared with one other attendee. Please mark your roommate preference on your registration form. If no preference is indicated, we will assign you a roommate. If sharing a room presents an accessibility challenge for you, please contact operations@elm.org.
Each spacious room offers two single beds, two desks and a sink. Single-person bathrooms are located in the hallways. Each lodge offers a shared lounge and kitchenette with a microwave, sink and small refrigerator, as well as hot water for coffee and tea. Wireless internet access is available in most of the lounges, and in the main administrative building and dining hall. Dress for the retreat is casual.
Food
Meals will be nutritious and tasty. ELM seeks to extend a spirit of hospitality in all things, including food. Please note dietary restrictions on your registration form, so that we may meet your needs. The retreat begins with dinner Wednesday night, three meals a day Thursday and Friday, and breakfast & lunch on Saturday. Snacks will be provided throughout.
Costs:
Includes: Double-occupancy room, meals, snacks, programming, and your 2012 membership fee for Proclaim.
Regular: $425. Does not include shuttle, which is $50/each way. Please note, all registration closes on March 16.
Single rooms are available on a limited basis. Registration for single occupancy will be $495.
Partners/Spouses
Partners and spouses are invited and encouraged to attend this retreat. The retreat is designed to address the reality of living as publicly identified LGBTQ leaders. Partners and spouses are an integral part of this lived reality, experiencing the joys and challenges of this important ministry from their own unique perspectives. We want this perspective to be represented, and we want to support the vital and unique ministry of these partners/spouses. There may be moments where the conversation drifts into theology and church politics, likely reminiscent of those awkward gatherings in seminary. Be assured, there will be plenty of spouses/partners present to create a space for those who are not engaged by these kinds of conversations. Significant others will pay the full retreat cost of $375 for early-registration and $425 for regular registration.
Childcare:
Children 3 and under are welcome to attend at no charge. Please note there will not be childcare programming provided.
Travel:
All travel will be paid by attendees. There will be no travel equalization this year. The recommended airport is Newark. Please plan your travel arrangements so you arrive to the center by Wednesday evening before dinner at 6pm and leave Saturday after 1pm. Take advantage of a free shuttle to the retreat center by registering early! A shuttle for regular registration to the center is $50 each way.
Important Dates!
Registration is OPEN. Go here to register.
Scholarship applicants: Once you’ve received approval for a scholarship, you are registered. Rachael Johnson will follow up with you about accommodation details.
Registration Deadline is March 16, 2012.
If you have questions, please contact Rachael Johnson, operations@elm.org
I will be very interested in more information about this retreat, as well as scholarship opportunities to help defray the cost. I am a seminarian at Lutheran Theological Seminary @ Philadelphia.