Clergy serving rural churches are invited to retreat, reflect, and renew at this lightly scheduled gathering that offers opportunities for self care, rich conversation with rural ministry resource leaders, soul-lifting scenic views, grace-filled worship, and enjoyable time with colleagues who till similar soil. The venue is Hinton Rural Life Center in Hayesville, NC. Hinton is a retreat and mission outreach agency of the Southeastern Jurisdiction. Our resource leaders include: singer/songwriter/guitarist and worship leader Tom Conlon from Virginia; lifelong rural ministry enthusiast and SC Conference District Superintendent Rev. Telley Gadson; rural ministry/Methodist studies “scholar from the holler” and WNCC local pastor Dr. Jonathan LeMaster-Smith; and Rev. Laura Hamrick, Clergy Engagement Coordinator for the Duke Clergy Health Initiative and WNCC elder. What to Expect: The retreat begins Monday at 5:00pm with a Welcome gathering at Hinton’s Lakeside Pavilion. There will be tips for making the most of your renewal time, followed by dinner, boat rides, and then evening worship in the Chapel. Tuesday features free time and conversational times with our resource leaders, as well as options for Creative Dabbling (art fun!) and therapeutic massage. There will be morning and evening worship times to help center us and draw us closer to God, and meals prepared by our head chef that we’ll enjoy together. The retreat ends at noon on Wednesday, but participants have the option to add an overnight stay before and/or after the retreat, with our 10% clergy lodging discount, to extend their personal renewal time. (Contact Kelli Miller for lodging availability and rates at 828-389-8336 or kelli@hintoncenter.org.) Although programming options are provided, this is a “do what you need to do for you” retreat; participate in as much or as little as you want. Cost: $395 for individual clergy; $600 for clergy & spouse — includes 2-nights lodging (Nadine Johnson Retreat House private room with bathroom or Hermitage cabin, as available), 5 meals, resource leaders, supplies, and Hinton amenities. Check with the Conference on availability of continuing education and clergy renewal funds. For more details and to register by pdf or online form, visit www.hintoncenter.org/retreat