Members of Diocesan Leadership Gather for Retreat

Members of the Standing Committee, Diocesan Council, and Trustees of the Diocese gathered for a joint retreat earlier this week at St. Christopher Camp & Conference Center. Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley welcomed the group, which also included Chancellor Skip Utsey and Vice-Chancellor Melinda Lucka Kelley. Ms. Katie Ong, the consultant assisting with the Diocese's Strategic Visioning process, and the two co-chairs of the Visioning Team, Ms. Deb Harris and Ms. Ray Sabalis, were also present. ​

View an album of photos from the event on our Facebook page at this link. 
 
The retreat was also an opportunity for leaders of the diocese to learn more about St. Christopher. On Tuesday, the group toured many parts of the campus and inspected the progress of the renovations of the buildings and grounds, including the camp cabins and the Prayer Center. In addition to worship and fellowship, Bishop Ruth facilitated a Strategic Vision listening session for the entire group. It was a rich discussion about where God is calling the whole diocese as we enter the next chapter of our common life. 
 
As part of the closing devotions of the retreat, small groups worked to compose collects (the typical form of liturgical prayer in the Episcopal tradition) based on their experience of the retreat and their hopes for the Diocese. 
 
Gracious God, Creator of all that is beautiful, all that is good:   Give to us, your people of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina, the wisdom to discern that which you would have us do and the strength and courage to fulfill it, for the sake of your people of this diocese and all of creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O God, who calms the seas and blesses the waters of creation, gather us from the scattered islands of our lives and the fractured communities we live in; keep us steadfast in the way of Jesus, so that we may share your love and grace with the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is above and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and fore ever. Amen.
 
Our gracious heavenly Father & Mother, who has steadfastly and compassionately walked alongside us; inspire us with your generosity, creativity and grace, that we may joyfully move forward together to accomplish your will. All this we ask in and through you Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
 
Most high, omnipotent, all good God, who has placed us in the leadership community of the Diocese; give us wisdom and a servant's heart, so that we may serve your people and unite them in the love of your Son; through Jesus Christ, who gathers all. Amen.
 
Creator God, in this place you created a magnificent diversity of life: the gentle deer, the fierce alligator, the grace-filled pelican. Be with us, we pray, as we envision a new, life-giving future of gentle hearts, fierce commitment, and grace filled communities to follow where you lead. In the name of Jesus the Christ. Amen.

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