Fellowship of Associate Members & Local Pastors Retreat

There are several categories of clergy in The United Methodist Church. One is a licensed pastor.

A person called to ministry becomes a licensed local pastor by attending a five-year Course of Study School. The school is operated by the “national church ministry office” and generally taught on a United Methodist seminary campus.

Those who graduate are licensed local pastors. With additional coursework, some become associate members of an annual conference.

Like United Methodist Elders, these pastors, frequently bi-vocational, need time away to reflect and recharge their spiritual batteries. Lakeside Chautauqua provides that experience by hosting a Fellowship of Associate Members & Local Pastors Retreat.

This year’s retreat will be held from Sunday, Aug. 21-Wednesday, Aug. 24. The theme is “Holy Moments in Ministry.”

The seminars will be led by the Rev. Don Lefelar, an East Ohio Conference United Methodist pastor who specializes in churches in conflict and spiritual formation. Rev. Lefelar will lead three sessions based on the book, Diary of a Pastor’s Soul, by the Rev. Dr. Craig Barnes.

This week’s Faith for Living Hour will be led by the Rev. Janet Forbes, a pastor from the Mountain Sky United Methodist Conference and former Senior Ministry at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Highlands Ranch, Colorado.

Registration fee includes a 3-day Chautauqua Pass and one Auto Pass per registration, plus participation in all events scheduled during the retreat. Registration fee is required for those accompanying. Participants are encouraged to attend one or all three days. Please contact the Lakeside Administration Office, 419-798-4461, ext. 342 for further information and a registration form.

Hotel reservations are not included with registration. Individuals should contact the Hotel Lakeside or the Fountain Inn to make reservations by calling (419) 798-4461, ext. 230. Use promo code: RETREAT22.