In It Together: Navigating Ministry Amid Trauma

Whether due to gun violence, natural disasters, traumatic loss, or the impact of public health crises, trauma impacts almost every community in the United States. Though language often fails us in the midst of trauma, preachers and religious leaders are nevertheless called upon to “offer a Word” and quickly respond to a hurting community filled with (often unanswerable) questions. Ministerial leaders are now being called upon to serve in the midst of change, uncertainty, and trauma, even as they contend with their own trauma and the everyday challenges of ministry. In our time together, we will explore the nature of trauma and how it impacts individuals and communities, particularly thinking about its impact on faith communities and ministerial leaders. Then, we will turn to think about how we might engage in trauma-responsive and trauma-aware ministries that faithfully respond to the present reality. Finally, we will look to biblical guides and faith resources to help us navigate the winding journey of trauma response and recovery as we think about cultivating resiliency for ourselves and with our communities.

Clergy from across Colorado are invited to participate in this year’s Clergy Gathering, May 1-3 at the Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa in Avon, Colorado.

For your safety and the safety of your colleagues and others, we are proceeding with the following precautions and safety measures:

  • We ask that you be fully vaccinated and boosted at least two weeks before our gathering.
  • When desirable, gatherings and conversations can be held outdoors.
  • Masks are welcome but not required. N95 masks are available for you if you prefer to wear one.
  • If you feel unwell or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please stay home.
  • We will continue to follow the guidance that was outlined in the November 8, 2022 Updated COVID-19 Guidelines.


Here are some tips to help you have a relaxing and fulfilling Clergy Gathering:

  • Plan for Monday, May 1 to be a Sabbath Day.
  • Spiritual Direction offers a graced opportunity to reflect on your life, your ministry, and your vocation in the presence of a compassionate companion.  Jesse Brown, the Rev. Christy Shain-Hendricks, the Rev. Bonnie Spencer and Laurie McLean will offer individual, confidential half-hour spiritual direction sessions at no cost. Consider making an appointment with a spiritual director as a part of your gathering experience. Click the link below to learn more about this year’s spiritual directors and the times they still have available.  To schedule a session, please email the name of the spiritual director and the time you would like to Tracy Methe at tracy@episcopalcolorado.org.

Spiritual Directors Bios

Schedule>

Schedule for Clergy Gathering

Monday Evening, May 1

Arrival & Room Check-in at Hotel Check-in Desk

Check-in for Gathering and Pickup Welcome Bags in the Library (across from Hotel Check-in Desk)

 

Evening Social Hour with cash bar (Riverside Terrace and Foyer)

 

Dinner, Welcome and Announcements (Restaurant)

 

B

In It Together Session #1 – Where We Are: Locating Ourselves Amid Collective Trauma and Faith Communities

In our time together, we will explore the nature of trauma and how it impacts individuals and communities, particularly thinking about its impact on faith communities and ministerial leaders

Our Speakers For This Gathering

The Reverend Dr. Kimberly Wagner

The Rev. Dr. Kimberly Wagner serves as the Assistant Professor of Preaching at Princeton Theological Seminary. She received a B.S. in Secondary Life Science Education from Miami University (OH), a M.Div. from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University, and her Ph.D. from the Graduate Division of Religion at Emory University. Though she has served among the Lutherans and was educated among United Methodists, Dr. Wagner is ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Previous experience on the pastoral staff of a PCUSA congregation in Virginia helps fuel and inform her present scholarship and teaching. She is passionate about supporting students’ formation and helping clergy and communities navigate the realities of an ever-changing world and church. Her current writing and work focus on preaching and ministry in the midst and wake of trauma, particularly thinking about collective trauma, the role of the preacher, and the resources of our Scriptures and faith to respond to these moments. Dr. Wagner’s book, Fractured Ground: Preaching in the Wake of Mass Trauma (Westminster John Knox Press, 2023), offers guidance for preaching in the aftermath of communal trauma, including mass violence, natural disasters, and public health crises. When not teaching or writing, she enjoys baking, Broadway musicals, biking, and long walks with her dog, Toby.

 

Bishop Kym Lucas

Our own Bishop Kym Lucas was ordained and consecrated as the eleventh bishop of the Episcopal Church in Colorado on May 18, 2019 at Saint John’s Cathedral in Denver. Lucas became the first woman bishop as well as the first African American bishop in the diocese’s 132-year history. Prior to her election as bishop, she served as Rector of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Washington, DC from January 2012 to 2019. Previously, she was the Rector of St. Ambrose Episcopal Church in Raleigh, NC, from 2005 to 2011.
Bishop Kym grew up in Spring Lake, North Carolina and received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Wake Forest University. She received her Master of Divinity, New Testament, at Union Theological Seminary in New York. Bishop Lucas and her husband, Mark Retherford, have four children.

Tuesday Morning, May 2

Morning Meditation and Movement (Athletic Club Studio)

You are invited to take a half hour for a morning stretch and meditation to start your day.

Hosted by Leah Nicole.

Insert biography here

Morning Prayer (Salon II, III, IV)

Morning Prayer Digital Bulletin

In It Together Session #2 – Navigating the Storm:  Ministry Among and Responding to Trauma (Salon II, III, IV)

We will think about how we might engage in trauma-responsive and trauma-aware ministries that faithfully respond to the present reality.

In It Together Session #3 – Wisdom for the Journey: Biblical Guides and Cultivating Resiliency (Salon II, III, IV)

We will look to biblical guides and faith resources to help us navigate the winding journey of trauma response and recovery as we think about cultivating resiliency for ourselves and with our communities

Spiritual Direction

Spiritual Direction offers a graced opportunity to reflect on your life, your ministry, and your vocation in the presence of a compassionate companion. Jesse Brown, The Rev. Christy Shain Hendricks, The Rev. Bonnie Spencer and Laurie McClean will offer individual, confidential half-hour spiritual direction sessions at no cost. Click the link to learn more about this year’s spiritual directors and the times they still have available.  Appointments will be for Tuesday, May 2.  To schedule a session, please email the name of the spiritual director and the time you would like to Tracy Methe, Missioner for Baptismal Living at tracy@episcopalcolorado.org.

Tuesday Afternoon, May 2

Lunch (Restaurant)

Free Time Activities

Spiritual Direction

Spiritual Direction offers a graced opportunity to reflect on your life, your ministry, and your vocation in the presence of a compassionate companion. Jesse Brown, The Rev. Christy Shain Hendricks, The Rev. Bonnie Spencer and Laudie McLean will offer individual, confidential half-hour spiritual direction sessions at no cost. Click the link to learn more about this year’s spiritual directors and the times they still have available.  Appointments will be for Tuesday, May 2.  To schedule a session, please email the name of the spiritual director and the time you would like to Tracy Methe, Missioner for Baptismal Living at tracy@episcopalcolorado.org.

Wellness Experiences

Discover your best self within the expansive 27,000-square-foot Athletic Club and Spa Anjali. Stay in peak form or learn new techniques in our state-of-the-art fitness club. The Athletic Club is located on the lower level, overlooking the 25-yard outdoor saltwater lap pool, three infinity hot tubs and the Eagle River. With a top-notch staff of talented certified personal trainers and nutritionists ready to challenge even the most seasoned athlete, discover new ways to find inspiration and be your best. https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/whrbw-the-westin-riverfront-resort-and-spa-avon-vail-valley/experiences/

On-Site Outlets

Inspired by the healing powers of Mother Nature, Spa Anjali has been recognized as one of the “Top 25 Spas in the World” by Conde Nast Traveler. Offering massage, facials, body treatments & our unique Chakra Blessings, along with full-service salon.  Call +1 970-790-3020 

Off-Site Options

Golf

As a guest of The Westin Riverfront enjoy the stunning mountain backdrops of three world-class championship golf courses including both the Greg Norman and Tom Fazio courses at Red Sky Ranch, as well as the Robert Trent Jones, Jr. course at The Beaver Creek Golf Club. Please ask one of our Reservationists or Concierges for package pricing and tee time availability.

Tennis

Located in the Beaver Creek Village and just 2 miles from the resort. The Beaver Creek Tennis Center welcomes players of all levels. The Tennis Center has five clay and two hard courts and boasts a complete pro shop with men’s and women’s apparel, racquets, and accessories.

Fly Fishing

The on-site Gore Creek Fly Fisherman shop sells fly fishing products, offers equipment rentals, and excursions including half day wade trips and full-day float trips, as well as offers complimentary daily casting clinics just outside our door.

Zip Adventures of Vail

Zipline tours are enjoyed by families and friends on vacation, and locals looking for a different way to enjoy our beautiful Vail Valley.  https://zipadventures.com

Mountain & Road Biking

Stop by our on-site Beaver Creek Sports to rent mountain bikes, road bikes, cruisers and Burley trailers for kids and adults or to reserve our Vail Pass Tour!

Group Conversations with Bishop Kym (Salon II and III)

3:30 – 4:15, Clergy ordained 10 years or less (between 2012 -2022)

4:30 – 5:15, Clergy ordained 11 – 20 years (2011 and earlier)

Session #3 – Climb On!:  Joining Our Voices to Offer Prophetic Witness (Salon II, III, IV)

How can we join our voices to offer prophetic witness in the most important moments in the life of our communities?

Dinner (Restaurant)

Tuesday Evening, May 2

Conversation with Bishop Lucas

Compline (Salon II, III, IV)

Compline Digital Bulletin

Photo provided by Shania Pinnata on Unsplash

Dessert Reception (Riverside Terrace or Foyer)

Wednesday Morning, May 3

Morning Meditation and Movement

You are invited to take a half hour for a morning stretch and meditation as you start your day.

Hosted by Leah Nicole.

Eucharist

Bishop Jim Gonia, Celebrant, Bishop Karen Oliveto, preaching

Conclusion

  • Box lunches available to eat at hotel or grab‘n go (Riverside Foyer)
  • Hotel checkout and departures

Clergy Celebrating Ministry Milestone – 20-years and longer

We celebrate and acknowledge clergy who have reached 20 years and longer in ordained ministry this year:

60-69 Years

The Rev. Tom Neyland
The Rev. Bill Crews
The Rev. Richard Palme
The Rev. Edward Rouffy
The Rev. James Johnson
The Rev. Paul Brisbane

50-59 Years

The Rt. Rev. Jerry Winterrowd
The Rev. Ed Hook
The Rev. Jim Ragsdale
The Rev. Alex Lukens
The Rev. Stewart Jones
The Rev. Charles Eddy
The Rev. Ed Nettleton
The Rev. Will Reller
The Rev. James Miner
The Rev. Nicholas Mayer
The Rev. Reginald Rodman
The Rev. William Hoelzel
The Rev. Bill Miles
The Rev. Bob Buck
The Rev. Alex Howard
The Rev. Stephen Weston
The Rev. Ted Boswell
The Rev. Bob Hector
The Rev. Bob Hart
The Rev. Bruce McNab
The Rev. Charles Piper
The Rev. Paul Lautenschlager

40-49 Years

The Rev. Wayland Thomas
The Rev. Denis Ford
The Rev. Donald Warner
The Rev. William Waltz
The Rev.Charles Whitmore
The Rev. George Berlin
The Rev. Jerre Feagin
The Rev. Tom Long
The Rev. Rod Moore
The Rev. Harold Warren
The Rev. Tom Miles
The Rev. Robert Schelling
The Rev. Bob Pope
The Rev. Carl Andrews
The Rev. Dayle Casey
The Rev. Al Halverstadt
The Rev. Jim Short
The Rev. John Wengrovius
The Rev. Mike Houlik
The Rev. Stephen Zimmerman
The Rev. Jack Stapleton
The Rev. Sandra Boyd
The Rev. Steve Wengrovius
The Rev. Todd Sorensen
The Rev. Rick Meyers
The Rev. Mark Meyer
The Rev. Stan Wright
The Rev. Deacon Marc Lee
The Rev. Barbara Crafton
The Rev. Ann-Lining Smith
The Rev. Scott Turner
The Rev. Charles Chan
The Rev. Craig MacColl
The Rev. Donald Hassemer
The Rev. David Horning
The Rev. Steven Hagerman

30-39 Years

The Rev. Connie Delzell
The Rev. Ed Morgan
The Rev. Douglas Neel
The Rev. Don Seils
The Rev. Doug Dunn
The Rev. Laren Winter
The Rev. Albert Daviou
The Rev. Max Bailey
The Rev. David Thompson
The Rev. Tina Anderson
The Rev. Andrew Cooley
The Rev. Al Hall
The Rev. Dan Hopkins
The Rev. Sandy Grundy
The Rev. Deacon Susan Brady
The Rev. Myrna Bevens
The Rev. Deacon Jim Visger
The Rev. Deacon Sandy Bearg
The Rev. John Andrews
The Rev. Bruce Laird
The Rev. Deacon Robert Franken
The Rev. Cope Mitchell
The Rev. Jeffrey Nelson
The Rev. Kristy Smith
The Rev. Victoria Kempf
The Rev. Charles Brumbaugh
The Rev. John Andrews
The Rev. Bob McLeod
The Rev. Barbara Dumke
The Rev. Deacon Cynthia Irvin
The Rev. Cynthia Gill
The Rev. Lanny Geib
The Rev. Seth Richmond
The Rev. Annette Brownlee
The Rev. Sarah Berlin
The Rev. Mary-Margaret Saxon
The Rev. Paul Garrett
The Rev. Quirino (QC) Cornejo
The Rev. Judy Ziemann
The Rev. Tom Troeger
The Rev. Lou Blanchard
The Rev. Don Henderson
The Rev. Peter Munson
The Rev. Deacon Joan McNab
The Rev. Susan Merrin
The Rev. JoAnn Ford
The Rev. Linda Seracuse
The Rev. Eve Grimes
The Rev. Mary Hardy
The Rev. Rebecca Brown
The Rev. Kelsey Hogue
The Rev. Terry McGugan
The Rev. Trent Fraser
The Rev. Brooks Keith

20-29 Years

The Rev. Mary Delaney
The Rev. Lupton Abshire
The Rev. Stephanie Kopsch
The Rev. Emil Belsky
The Rev. Merrie Need
The Rev. Sarah Berlin
The Rev. Debra Shew
The Rev. Elizabeth Randall
The Rev. Marilyn Schneider
The Rev. William Laucher
The Rev. Margaret Austin
The Rev. Catherine Tran
The Rev. Geof Morin
The Rev. Todd Sermon
The Rev. Stephen Wilson
The Rev. Hentzi Elek
The Rev.Sarah Freeman
The Rev. Deacon Edwina Burdekin
The Rev. Diana Peters
The Rev. Hollis Wright
The Rev. Nina Churchman
The Rt. Rev. Kimberly Lucas
The Rev. Nicholas Vesey
The Rev. Garry Horle
The Rev. Mary Kate Rejouis
The Rev. Scott Campbell
The Rev. David Koskela
The Rev. Michael Richardson
The Rev. John Hill
The Rev. Nina Stasser
The Rev. Deb Angell
The Rev. Michele Quinn
The Rev. Cal Gray
The Rev. Robert De Wetter
The Rev. Christy Shain-Hendricks
The Rev. Bonnie Spencer
The Rev. Mike Fay
The Rev. Lorraine Slaymaker
The Rev. Chris Ditzenberger
The Rev. Max Myers
The Rev. Bob Engels
The Rev. Rex Chambers
The Rev. Joanne Sanders
The Rev. Stace Tafoya
The Rev. Nancy Malloy
The Rev. Allan Cole
The Rev. Vanessa Stickler Glass
The Rev. Larry Bradford
The Rev. Cathy Hitch
The Rev. Tom Danitschek
The Rev. Emilie Bush
The Rev. Cynthia Espeseth
The Rev. Kathryn White
The Rev. Tim Phenna
The Rev. Stephen Hood
The Rev. Catie Greene
The Rev. Deacon Charlotte Shepic
The Rev. Deacon Rhoads Hollowell
The Rev. Diane Bielski
The Rev. Deacon Jan Dewlen
The Rev. Joseph Forinash
The Rev. Deacon Melanie Christopher
The Rev. Deacon Abby Marsh
The Rev. Deacon Maria Denton
The Rev. Deacon Karen Henwood
The Rev. Deacon Janice Windsor
The Rev. Deacon Silas Weir
The Rev. Deacon Teri Shecter
The Rev. Sally Munroe
The Rev. Thomas Fiske
The Rev. Sally Bowersox
The Rev. Felicia Smith Graybeal
The Rev. Brian Winter
The Rev. David Tweedale
The Rev. Michelle Danson

Clergy Accepting New Calls and Clergy New to Colorado

We celebrate these clergy who have accepted new calls and welcome clergy who are new to the Episcopal Church in Colorado this year.  We invite you to pray for them all as they continue their ministry with us:

The Rev. Sasha Bilow, Curate, St. Mary Magdalene, Boulder (begins July 1, 2022)

The Rev. Tim Backus, Vicar, St. Brigit, Frederick

The Rev. Wren Blessing, Rector, St.Patrick’s, Pagosa Springs

The Rev. Doug Bleyle, Rector, St. Barnabas, Cortez

The Rev. Dr. Gary Brower, Rector, Good Shepherd, Centennial

The Rev. Julia Domenick, Associate Rector, St. John’s Boulder (begins June 2022)

The Rev. Deborah Hill, Vicar, St. Elizabeth, Brighton

The Rev. Stephen Hood, Rector – St. Matthew’s, Grand Junction

The Rev. Angela Lerena, Associate Rector, St. Michael’s, Colorado Springs

The Rev. Amy Newell-Large, Curate for Parish Life, St. John’s, Cathedral (begins July 1, 2022)

The Rev. Bill Lupfer, Priest-in-Charge, Christ Church, Aspen

The Rev. Amy Lythgoe, Interim Rector, St. Joseph’s, Lakewood

The Rev. Nancy Malloy, Interim Vicar, Intercession, Thornton

The Rev. Jan Oller, Interim Rector, St. Luke’s, Denver

The Rev. Laura Osborne, Partnership Vicar, All Saints in the Mountains, Crested Butte and Good Samaritan, Gunnison

The Rev. Shelley Ryan, Priest-in-Charge, St. Laurence, Conifer

The Rev. Kim Seidman, Rector,  St. Timothy’s, Centennial (begins May 2022)

The Rev. Karen LaJoy Smith, Interim Rector, St. Matthew’s, Parker

The Rev. Felicia SmithGraybeal, Rector, St. Paul’s, Fort Collins

The Rev. Bill Stanton, Rector, St. Alban’s, Windsor

In Memoriam

We remember with prayers of thanksgiving the clergy who have died this year. We invite you to watch the video of It Is Well, found at the bottom of this page, as you reflect on their lives and offer your prayers.

The Rev. Ken Burton, Priest

The Rev. Spencer Carr, Priest

The Rev. Jean-Jacques D’Aoust, Priest

The Rev. Michael Darrow, Priest

The Rev. Alan Douglas, Priest

The Rev. Ray Grieb, Priest

The Rev. Marion Hammond, Priest

The Rev. Janet Rawlins, Priest

The Rev. Bob Thompson, Priest

The Rev. Deacon Sally Ziegler

May their souls, and the souls of all departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Clergy Who Have Retired

We pray for these clergy who have faithfully served the Episcopal Church in Colorado and have retired during the past year:

The Rev. Lyn Burns, Priest

The Rev. Lili Bush, Priest

The Rev. Janet Dewlen, Deacon

The Rev. Mike Fay, Priest

The Rev. Steven Hagerman, Priest

The Rev. Michael McManus, Priest

The Rev. Cope Mitchell, Priest

The Rev. Michele Quinn, Priest

The Rev. Michael Richardson, Priest

The Rev. Tim Thadden, Priest

The Rev. Catherine Tran, Priest

The Rev. Twyla Zittle, Priest