Persons in Ministry Retreat - September 19-21, 2016
Many Paths, One Mountain
The World's Religions: Primary Perspectives and a Closer Look
Local church pastors, retired clergy, chaplains, youth ministers/directors, Christian educators, and music directors are all invited to this year's PIM!
Our journey will begin with an overview that groups religions into three families with similar traits and vastly different ways of approaching the central questions of faith. Then we will spend time exploring Islam, Daoism and Hinduism in more detail. How can we better understand our neighbors? How can really seeing them help us better understand ourselves and our own faith?
Our presenter will be Brian Carwana, Director of the Encounter World Religions Centre in Toronto. His presentation comes highly recommended by two of our clergy colleagues, Michael Stephens and Karen Aitkens. Here's what they have to say:
"I had the pleasure of hearing Brian Carwana when he led his course on World Religions at Southwood. His knowledge of world religions and his
unique approach to teaching others about not only the differences, but also the similarities we share was fascinating. By learning more about
these faith traditions, it gave me hope that with knowledge of the other we can truly build understanding and deeper relationships. It is a workshop
that is needed for 'such a time as this.'". ~ Rev. Karen Aitkens, Bethel UCC
"Brian Carwana's lectures on world religions are filled with humor, insight and beautiful slides. When people ask follow-up questions it is clear that we are just scraping the surface of all that he knows. His keynote presentation that groups the world's religions into three families has been formed and reformed over the course of fifteen years. It gave me a better appreciation of other faiths and lenses through which to better understand and explore my own." ~ Rev. Michael L. Stephens, Southwood UCC
Enjoy time for fellowship, rest, and renewal, as well. Spouses/partners are welcome!
The cost of registration is $125 until 9/8/16; $135 after that date.
Accommodations are at the Inn at Grand Glaize, site of the 2015 PIM ( Rooms are $89 (king) and $99 (double beds) plus tax, and must be reserved directly through the resort.
See the Missouri Mid-South website ( for registration and further details. Questions? Contact Betsy Happel at .