Many church leaders are concerned about reconciliation, whether they are experiencing conflict within their parish, or in the greater community. Many who are attempting to facilitate reconciliation may be tired, discouraged, or feeling isolated. To provide support for these leaders, No Ordinary Time and the Episcopal Divinity School are cosponsoring "Doing the Work of Reconciliation: A Retreat for Clergy and Laity," May 6 and 7, 2004. This retreat is designed to provide participants with the opportunity to reflect on their engagement with reconciliation and interact with others for renewal, to exchange resources, and to deepen their leadership. The retreat will be held at the Episcopal Divinity School campus, 99 Brattle Street, in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
"This desire to bring healing and wholeness back to relationships is about more than resolving conflicts," explains Judith Oleson, director of No Ordinary Time. "Reconciliation involves spiritual qualities of deep listening, open-heartedness, justice, and forgiveness. This retreat is an opportunity to cultivate inner peace and presence while undertaking courageous actions toward reconciliation, be they beginning or continuing. Participants will examine the levels of reconciliation and the interrelationships between them: reconciliation within ourselves, with others, and within our communities. There will be time to reflect and pray, worship, and celebrate. It will be springtime in Cambridge, and the EDS campus will provide a beautiful setting for both inner and outer work. We hope several persons from a parish will attend; both clergy and laity."
Retreat facilitators are Bishop Steven Charleston, president and dean of Episcopal Divinity School, and the Rev. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas, associate priest at All Saints Parish, Brookline. Bishop Charleston's study guide, "Good News: A Congregational Resource for Reconciliation" is being utilized in parishes throughout the world who are struggling with internal differences. He has been a facilitator of reconciliation for numerous groups and organizations including the Anglican Church and First Nations in Canada. Rev. Bullitt- Jonas is an author of Holy Hunger and Christ's Passions, Our Passions, both of which address the theme of reconciliation. She teaches the Life of Prayer at EDS, and is a sought-after retreat leader.
The retreat begins Thursday evening, May 6th and will continue through the evening of May 7th. Registration is $65.00 for the first participant from a parish, $55.00 for the second, and $45.00 for the third. Meals are provided. For detailed program information, registration, or housing options, please contact Stefanie at No Ordinary Time via email: stefanie@noordinarytime.org. Funding for this retreat has been provided by Trinity Grants Program of Trinity Church, Wall Street.
Episcopal Divinity School is a respected center of study and spiritual formation for lay and ordained leaders with a strong commitment to justice, compassion, and reconciliation. Formed in 1974 with the merger of Philadelphia Divinity School and the Episcopal Theological School, EDS offers doctor of ministry and master's degrees, as well as certificates in theological studies. Located on an eight-acre campus just a few blocks from Harvard Yard, EDS is a member of the Boston Theological Institute, a consortium of nine eminent theological schools, seminaries, and departments of religion.
No Ordinary Time is a Boston-area organization committed to deepening the capacity of people and institutions to shape a more peaceful and just world. Since their founding in 2001, No Ordinary Time has provided tools, practices, and networks for cultivating courageous leadership for change. Their offices are located on the campus of the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
