Barbara Cawthorne Crafton to lead final retreat of Finger Lakes Conference

The retreat will mark the end of the Finger Lakes Conference, a 70-year-old ministry in the Episcopal Church.

"We know that you will join us in grieving over the loss of this outstanding opportunity for fellowship and Christian education which has sustained many a conferee through good times and bad," wrote the Finger Lakes Conference board of governors in a message to past conference attendees. "Many are indebted for learnings and friendships, of immeasurable value, that have grown and endured through the years."

The theme of leave-taking will mark the final Finger Lakes conference, according to Crafton. "When we are young, life stretches before us, a road so long we convince ourselves early on that it has no ending," she writes in describing the event. "This retreat is a call to be of good cheer about the ending of things: a job, a marriage, a life. The Finger Lakes Conference -- the Finger Lakes themselves. Our nation will not go on forever.  Nothing will. But all endings plant beginnings. What seed will each of our endings sow? And what will bloom?"

Crafton was rector of St. Clement's Church in Manhattan's Theatre district. She was also a chaplain on the waterfront of New York, and served at Trinity Church, Wall Street, and St. John's Church in Greenwich Village. She was a chaplain at Ground Zero during the recovery effort after the WTC bombing.

An actress, director and producer, she has worked for many years in combining the lively arts and the life of faith. Her books, articles, and radio scripts have won many awards, including numerous Polly Bond Awards from Episcopal Communicators and the Gabriel Award for religious broadcasting. She is seen frequently on television both as a preacher and as a commentator on Hallmark's "New Morning" and "America at Worship," and has been profiled extensively in electronic and print media throughout the world. She is founder of The Geranium Farm, a web-based ministry of meditation and spiritual musings.

Conference attendees may also choose from several courses: 

"A New Testament Toolbox, presented by the Rev. Heather Benson, will offer a review and introduction to some of the basic tools and approaches of Biblical scholarship.

In "The Mysteries of the Book of Revelation Clarified!", the Rev. Dr. Richard A. Henshaw will explore the symbolism and story of Revelation, its relevance in the present day, and its influence on the liturgy of the Church.

Partings in history and literature, in writings ranging from Scripture to Shakespeare, from Lincoln to Yeats to Eisenhower, will be the topic of "Good ‘Byes'":  Some Favorite Fare-Thee-Wells, presented by Richard Quaintance

In "Everyday Spirituality," Dr. Anne Winchell Silver will explore a variety of spiritual practices involving prayer, scripture, silence, movement, gratitude, discernment, literature and art, journaling, and social action. Recommended reading: Margaret Guenther's At Home in the World: A Rule of Life for the Rest of Us.

Recycling Paper and Stuff -- A Hands-On Crafting Workshop" will be led by Pat Welti, who will teach attendees to use paper and used household times to construct baskets, note cards, decorations, and other useful items.

For further information about the retreat, or to register, e-mail to Susan Chadwick, Registrar, at susiechad1@aol.com or visit the conference website here.