Conference News & Views

Greetings!! For several months, a group of people have gathered on the third Monday at lunch to discern the need for a networking group of persons in traditional and non-traditional spiritual formation ministries. Through simple networking with no advertisements we have 130 people on our elist. We are just beginning to get to know each other and if you are interested in this area of ministry, you are invited to join us for our September meeting.

Our time together involves networking around our meal together and short programs from persons in the group sharing about their ministry/life work. Our September program will be provided by Faith Mayton on Healing Oils of the Bible. (See notes below for further details.)

The diversity of persons involved in spiritual formation ministries in both traditional and nontraditional settings who have attended include: persons involved in spiritual direction, dream work, rosen work, reconciliation ministries, energy work with a scriptural basis, reiki, massage, clinical social work, pastoral counseling, nursing, hospice, yoga, music, centering prayer, Upper Room prayer ministries and networking, as well as persons in the midst of change seeking God's call in their life in a new ministry/occupation/life work. We didn't get them all down, but hopefully this gives you a sense of those God brought together. Eight denominations have also been represented so far.

We affirmed that this group would be one for Christians, lay and clergy, involved in Spiritual Formation ministries/life work in religious and secular settings to come together. This is not intended to be exclusive; however, we are discovering and rediscovering new ways to share and experience God's Spirit through Christ moving among and through us. There are a number of interfaith groups but all agreed a place was needed for this conversation.

Our next meeting will be on September 17 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Glendale United Methodist Church. Box lunches are $6. Contact Jo Reece (615-367-3586) or e-mail at ministermama@juno.com if you know ahead of time that you plan to attend. Box lunch orders need to be in by 8 a.m. the morning of the meeting. We will have coffee, bottled water, etc. available for those who want to bring their lunch. Of course, if you find you can come at the last minute, please join us!!

We pray God's grace and peace to each of you in your life and ministry and look forward to breaking bread and conversation together.

Blessings,

Reverend Jo Reece, Personal Guided Spiritual Retreat MinistryThe Quiet Center, a part of Glendale UMC's hospitality and retreatministry 615-367-3586 or ministermama@juno.com

Reverend Sandra Griggs, Pastor of Glendale United Methodist Church sandragriggs@comcast.net 297-6233 (Glendale UMC) or 545-8060 (Cell)


Directions: 900 Glendale Lane. Take I-65 South, exit Harding Place West, you will almost immediately cross Franklin Road (Harding Place becomes Battery Lane here) Keep going on Battery Lane approximately 1 mile. You will see a sign for Glendale UMC on your right. Turn right on Soper and it dead ends into the church parking lot.

Ruth R. Williams has written: "Joy is within each one of us, within our deepest, most authentic Self. If we listen, it calls to us. The JOY Rx is the prescription needed to open hearts and minds to this call, allowing us to begin our journey of rediscovering joy."

Ruth R. Williams, LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), is leading a workshop on Saturday, September 29 from 9 a.m. -3 p.m. at Glendale United Methodist, 900 Glendale Lane in Nashville, on the "The Joy Prescription." Williams, an experienced psychotherapist, brings to the community her alternative prescription at a time when medicinal prescriptions are at an all-time high, with antidepressants heading the list.

Williams, self-described as a "natural" joy-maker and joy-keeper, started "soaking up the good stuff" at a very early age. She believes this has been the secret to her ability to keep smiling in spite of life's challenges. She takes her own complex but amusing life history, extensive professional experience, and intriguing spiritual journey and weaves them all into a very delightful, joy-filled day of exploration. Participants will learn how to increase their JQ (joy quotient), which Williams affirms will help strengthen their resilience in dealing with the overwhelming stress that inevitably shows up on a daily basis.

Williams (a Scarritt-trained United Methodist) says, "We all have the capacity within us to experience joy on a daily basis. Sometimes we forget we have the tools or haven't used them in a while. Treat yourself to a day apart from the stress, open to the possibility that life really can be more joy-filled!"

Williams, also a singer/songwriter, offers a bonus of both her CD's included in the price of the all-day workshop. "New People for a New World" is filled with original music plus an inspirational story. "Meditation of Joy" is a guided relaxation and meditation CD, a true gift to stressed-out folks!

Prior workshop participants have said, “Better than every stress workshop I’ve been to over the years;” “Refreshing for the mind and soul;” “Thought-provoking and timely.”

Call 615-332-2991 to make a phone reservation for the workshop. The $55 fee (which includes lunch and the two CD's) can also be sent to: Ruth R. Williams, LCSW, P.O. Box 2723, Hendersonville, TN 37077-2723.

You can reach Williams for scheduling other workshops or sermons-in-song at the above address and phone number or through her website, http://www.ruthwilliams.com/ or http://www.thejoyrx.com/. Email her at ruth@ruthwilliams.com.

Epworth by the Sea, the Methodist Conference Center for the South Georgia Conference, is offering unique Elderhostel programs during March that would be of interest to United Methodists. Registration with Elderhostel, Inc. has begun.

March 9-14, 2008 – Program # 7598
Tuition: $493/Dbl.; $558/Sgl. Epworth Elderhostel Singers: A Choral Music Workshop. Join singers from across the nation in an exciting choral clinic at historic St. Simons Island, GA. Learn choral techniques and concepts while exploring secular and sacred works. The group will sing an end of the week performance. The director offers enthusiastic instruction and music scores are provided. An area field trip and evening entertainment are included in the program.
*March 9-14, 2008 – Program #10484
Tuition: $490/Dbl; $555/Sgl) Lighthouses, History & Ecology of three Georgia Barrier Islands A field trip around St. Simons Island and to the Lighthouse, a ferry boat ride to Sapelo Island to see the Sapelo Light and the Hog Hammock community of Gullah slave descendants, and a day trip to Tybee Island and Savannah gives a unique overview of Georgia’s barrier islands and remaining lighthouses.
*This is an alternate program for companions who do not sing.

March 16-21, 2008 – Program # 8165
Tuition: $485/Dbl. $550./Sgl. John Wesley in Colonial Georgia: St.Simons Island and Savannah. John Wesley came from England to the colony of Georgia in 1736 as an Anglican minister to the colonists. He found his ministry thwarted by many residents, especially the women. Discover where he lived and ministered on St. Simons, and spend a day in Savannah to see where he landed and served the new colony. Enjoy a historic district tour and a southern lunch. Rev. Dave Hanson of St. Simons Island will lead the study. A second course will explore great hymns of the faith including many written by Charles Wesley, as participants examine hymn texts and join in group singing. Rev. Ken Fansler and pianist Mary Lu Norris of South Carolina lead this experience.

To register call: 877-426-8056 (toll free). Give the Program # and date.
Questions? Or for complete program listing: Contact Cindy at Epworth.
Phone: 912-638-8688 or Email: cdoehring@epworthbythesea.org
Epworth Website: www.epworthbythesea.org