Retreat Season

By Chaz Ruark

Late Summer, along with the month of January is a very typical time for groups to do retreats. Whether it be a Session, a staff, a judicatory, or even an individual, getting away from the usual surroundings and the everyday activity of offices is an important part of renewing and focusing for a new season. Your Presbytery Council just returned from a retreat at Clearwater Forest Presbyterian Camp. It was beautiful there the second weekend of August. The Council spent some time doing necessary routine business, but they also spent time doing some training on just what is the role and function of Council, (especially important for new members elected at the May meeting of Presbytery) The Council even managed to get some time around a camp fire, and do some fun group building exercises. The largest block of time was spent interacting with the visioning group discussing a strategic plan for Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area.

          As I am writing this article the Council is still in the process of fine tuning       the work done so far in order to make a presentation at the September meeting of Presbytery. (September 14^th at Plymouth Presbyterian Church) What I can report at this point concerns the process that has been followed. The Visioning group and the Council listed strengths and weaknesses of the Presbytery, discussed lessons learned from our failures and talked about the values we share. This led to the establishment of a major focus and some general goals for 1 to 3 years. The objectives and plans for meeting those goals is an ongoing process that (if passed by Presbytery) will occupy Council and Presbytery for the months ahead. One sentiment that has emerged in this process is the desire to enhance our relationships and trust level in order to work together better fulfilling our mission in the world.  

          The work of the Visioning group was well received by the Council and feelings of optimism, excitement, and hope prevailed throughout our time together. It was an excellent retreat as we stepped back from the routine to look ahead to the future. Your Council is working hard and will present a good plan to you in September. Please watch for the details that will be posted soon and let us all seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we prepare to move into a changing world.

Category: Chaz Ruark's Blog, Executive Presbyter