“My beloved speaks and says to me: ‘Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away…’.” Song of Solomon
“We’re all a little weird. And life is a little weird. And when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall into mutually satisfying weirdness – and call it love – true love.” ~ Robert Fulghum
Partners in love, in life and in ministry face challenges both unique and universal. Vows of love and commitment can be tested by over-full work schedules, the continuous out-pouring of energy and compassion for the sake of those we serve. Too often we neglect the relationship nearest and dearest to us, the loved one we depend upon the most – our beloved Valentine.
Come away from the never-ending work of ministry for a few precious hours with your Valentine. We will laugh, talk, pray, sing and eat with others who share common experiences, challenges and values. Our time together will include: a balance of private time & sharing time; facilitated conversation on practical issues; a candlelit dinner & lots of chocolate; instruction in couples’ massage offered by a licensed Massage Therapist.
Come away and enjoy time for rest, reflection and reconnection. Come away to a safe, welcoming space that nurtures the spiritual practice of self-care and couple-care.
This event is offered to all clergy/ministry couples in which both partners are involved in identifiable ministries (ie. pastoral ministers, outreach workers, administrators, chaplains, counselors, music ministers, educators, etc.) from every denomination of the church. This event welcomes those couples who are currently in service as well as retired, supply & student ministers.
Facilitators:
Robyn Brown-Hewitt (ordained, UCC, Faith & Spirituality Program Coordinator at Tatamagouche) & David Hewitt (diaconal, UCC, Executive Secretary of Maritime Conference) have been married for 27 years. Enough said.
Kelly Burke & Jane Johnson are both in UCC pastoral ministry in New Brunswick, and for the first time in 18 years, have no kids in school!!!”
Amanda Longmoore is an ACC priest in a newly-hatched ACC/UCC shared ministry in and around Plaster Rock, NB. Steve Longmoore is an ordained UCC minister serving in and around Perth-Andover NB. They are both owned by their cat, Trouble.
Jeanne Manning Stright is an ordained minister (UCC) serving St. Paul’s United, Halifax. Kenn Stright is an ordained minister serving the Presbyterian Church of St. David, Halifax.
Program Cost PER COUPLE: $360 ($170 tuition+$190 meals/acommodations)
Please register at least 2 weeks in advance to secure your place in this program