The Thrill of Hope: A Day of Nourishment in a Weary World (Digital Advent Quiet Day for Lay Women in Ministry)
The Thrill of Hope: A Day of Nourishment in a Weary World (Digital Advent Quiet Day for Lay Women in Ministry)
Join Jerusalem Greer and Callie Swanlund on Friday, December 11, for a day of hope in what feels like an overwhelming and never-ending time. In a season typically associated with joy and expectation, we know that lay leaders are working tirelessly and may not set aside time to experience those things for themselves. This year has felt weary in so many ways, so let’s draw on God’s promise of love incarnate, and the strength of women like Mary and Lucia. During this Advent Quiet Day, we will pray and worship together, hear good news in community, and make space for the joys and sorrows of the past year while letting our hearts be nourished for the year ahead.
What You’ll Come Away With
Though we are gathering digitally, this day is much more than online worship or a webinar. We will set the tone for the day so that you may enter into a retreat-like state and take a pause from “business as usual.” Many lay leaders are feeling burnt out or questioning their call to ministry in this season; this day will give you a chance to listen to God, rest and reset, and connect with others as a reminder that you’re not alone. Callie and Jerusalem will lead you in prayer, contemplation, connection, and soul-enriching conversation.
Quiet Day Schedule
The Advent Quiet Day will be hosted on Zoom video platform from 11 am - 3:30 pm EST on Friday, December 11. We encourage you to set aside space and join us for the entire day; we’ll send out tips for creating home altars and ways to extend your retreat before or after our time together.
11:00 am - 1 pm EST: Gathering #1, including opening meditation, reflection time, and interactive session with Jerusalem Greer
1:00 - 1:30 pm EST: Open time for food, rest, and optional break-out affinity groups
1:30 - 3:30 pm EST: Gathering #2, including interactive session with Callie Swanlund, reflection time, and closing meditation
Retreat Leaders
Jerusalem Greer is the Staff Officer for Evangelism for The Episcopal Church in the Office of the Presiding Bishop, and member of the Way of Love creation and leadership team. She lives with her family on a hobby farm in rural Arkansas. As a family they are attempting to live a slower version of modern life. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. Jerusalem is also a speaker, an occasional blogger and the author of At Home in this Life: Finding Peace at the Crossroads of Unraveled Dreams and Beautiful Surprises, and A Homemade Year: The Blessings of Cooking, Crafting and Coming Together, as well as several curriculums. You can read more about her at jerusalemgreer.com
The Rev. Callie Swanlund is an Episcopal priest serving in Philadelphia, helping others Find Their Spark, and building a creative ministry. She leads individuals and groups in the work of Dr. Brené Brown as a Certified Daring Way Facilitator. Callie is a mama, creator, lover, and dreamer who has created a virtual and traveling space—The Epiphany Space—for others to discover and use their creative gifts, and learn the digital tools to tell their story. Find out more at CallieSwanlund.com, and follow her #WholeheartedWednesday movement through @calliewanlund on social media.
Logistics and Cost
To create a true quiet day, we invite you to find a space for the day where your mind can be focused, your body can be rested, and your soul can be stirred. All that’s required is a computer or tablet (phone is okay but not ideal) and a strong internet connection, but headphones may help you to better engage. Surrounding yourself with some favorite things—tea/coffee/snacks, a candle, blanket, journal, cozy slippers—and dressing comfortably is encouraged! As humans who oversee pets and children and ministries, we understand the demands on women in ministry and will have great compassion for distractions that may arise.
In the space of this retreat, we commit to embracing antiracist principles, and strive to be inclusive of all ages, abilities, social locations, and more. We offer a special welcome to those who are LGBTQ+. You can note on your registration form or reach out directly about any needs for accommodations related to dis/ability.
The cost for the Advent Quiet Day is $65. Please be in touch if you’d like to contribute toward another woman’s registration fee or if you’d like financial assistance. Those individuals with continuing education or professional funds can use those to register; an email receipt will be sent.
Note: When completing registration, you’ll select “add to cart,” fill out your information and push “add to cart” again; then you’ll need to select the cart in the upper right corner to pay and check out.
We hope you’ll take a pause with us to be nourished and restored, and find quiet in a season that’s been anything but quiet.