$10,000 Sponsorship Brings 'Seeing Anew' to Local Clergy and Laity

A $10,000 donation provided an affordable registration for 17 clergy and laity from Louisiana to attend The Academy for Spiritual Formation’s 5-Day Academy at The Wesley Center this spring.

The retreat’s theme, “Seeing Anew, Living Forward,” focused on combating burnout and emphasizing holistic spirituality — nurturing body, mind and spirit.

On May 1-6, 54 attendees from Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas participated in a time of discerning and sharing their spiritual journey with others while learning new ways to deepen their relationship with God. The retreat followed a rhythm of study, prayer, rest, and community and was intended for clergy and laypersons who hunger for rich spiritual experiences.

The retreat featured two presenters: Dr. Amy Oden, a Professor of Early Church History and Spirituality at St. Paul School of Theology, and Jerry Webber, a teacher, spiritual guide, writer, and retreat leader.

The Foundation donated $10,000 for the sponsorship, and a gift from James Evans funded a portion of that.

“I speak for the team, expressing our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the Foundation for their financial support. Keeping the registration fee more affordable enabled more participants to attend. The Spirit worked in powerful ways nourishing, affirming, and inspiring their lives so that they could return to their communities restored and energized to do the work God has called them to do,” said Catherine Long, the Louisiana coordinator for the event.

Group picture: 54 participants from 8 different states, mostly Methodists but including 4 other denominations.

Louisiana attendees
Front Row: Rev Mimi McDowell, Lorrie Rogerson, Rev Pattye Hewitt, Rev Nancy Wolford, Laura Vaughan, Rev Joy Comeaux; Second Row: Catherine Long, Margaret Johnson, Rev Shannon Sandifer; Third Row: Rev Kathy Fitzhugh, Paul Fontenot, David Burroughs, Rev Craig Davis, Neil Crick, Rev Steve Porter

Team, spiritual directors, and presenters: Rev Susan Meadors (MS-team), Rev Mimi McDowell (LA -SD), Michelle Stockett (MS-team), Laura Vaughan (LA-SD), Jerry Webber (presenter), Elise Eslinger (TN - team, worship leader, editor of Upper Room Worship Book), Amy Oden (presenter), Catherine Long (LA-team), Rev Craig Davis (LA-team)