Second annual pastors’ Respite Retreat

ST. ALBERT, Alta. – The second Respite Retreat for pastors was held from January 31 to February 2, 2023, at the Star of the North Retreat Centre in St. Albert. There were 19 attendees this year, mostly from Alberta, although there was one attendee from Vancouver Island. 

Refreshment came in the form of daily worship, ample free time to rest, and sessions designed to address the challenges of ministry in the world today. Attendees were treated to sessions like: “The Long Game: Gifts and Trials in Caring for Souls in a Long-Term Pastorate” by Revs. Jan Pastucha and Scott Lyons; “When Social Justice is Not Just: Ministering in the Context of a Social Justice Society” by Rev. Dr. John Hellwege; and “Surge Protection” by Lise Haberstock. Rev. Dr. Alex Vieira led a study on Sunday lectionary texts and West Regional Pastor Robert Mohns held a session reporting on the recent work of the Synod. 

The Respite Retreat was organized by a committee of the Edmonton Circuit and was subsidized by a generous grant from the West RMMC so that cost would not be a barrier to those who wanted to attend. 

Rev. Jonathan Kraemer

———————

Print this article