New Around the Mission

Refreshment and Renewal for Anglican Mission Clergy Couples

September 12, 2009

Communication, resolving conflict, intimacy, loving your spouse and financial fatigue from church planting... These are just some of the topics covered in the "Two Shall Become One" Marriage Retreat hosted by the Little Rock Network in August.

Twenty-three Anglican Mission clergy couples attended the unique three-day retreat held at the Peabody Hotel in Little Rock, Arkansas. Speakers, the Rev. John and Susan Yates, (John is Rector of The Falls Church in Falls Church, Virginia), and Bob Lepine, (associated with Family Life Ministries), covered a wide variety of topics tailor-made to address the needs and challenges of marriage amidst ministry.

"This retreat helped us to carve out the time in a beautiful setting and address some of the deeper topics that are hard to discuss in the bustle of work, church and family life with four small children," share Cliff and Christine Warner of Christ Church, Austin, Texas.
"We feel blessed that our Bishop and Network want to invest, not only in the ministry skills of its clergy, but also in our hearts, marriages and personal well-being. We feel covered and cared for and returned to our parishes strengthened...."

Demanding schedules left behind, the retreat kicked off with a special meal in a picturesque setting, and couples participated in daily assignments that helped them dive into the material and focus on one another. The men proposed all over again to their wives, and each couple renewed their marriage vows, a powerful end to a meaningful retreat.

"We see the gift of this conference as a quiet but deep statement of the core values of the Mission, that marriages and families are of profound importance to God," noted Jeff and Cinde Rawn of Christ Church, Plano, Texas.

"This retreat represents a great model that we hope all of our Networks will replicate and offer to their clergy." -Bishop Philip Jones

For more information about Family Life Ministries, visit their website.

Posted By: Cynthia P. Brust
Categories: Recent News