Art Ministers Retreat 2014

i just spent 4 days at the secluded Laity Lodge Retreat Center in the Frio River canyon in the Texas hill country. no cell service, no locks on doors, no worries! 2 hours drive outside of San Antonio, Laity is like stepping into a safety zone of heart, mind, and soul. once the vehicle turned into the river i entered a special place. it's the opportunity for renewal and refreshment equally with inspiration and challenge. what Laity offered was unique (I've never experienced any retreat like it yet!). the retreat was for pastors and ministers to artists. 

the setting was intimate and beautiful. no cell service, limited wifi, no locks on doors, flexible relaxed schedule, delicious food, good ol Texas hospitality, and the chance to connect with people from all various Christian churches throughout the states and the world about what it means to and how we do this thing called art ministry. the grounds houses lodge and cottage places to stay, a family style dining hall, a large meeting hall that overlooks the water, 2 art studios, an art gallery and performance center, a library and bookstore, outdoor fireplaces, water fountains, hammocks to lounge in, trails to explore, contemplative services, recreational opportunities on the water and in the canyon, an interactive at installation, and plenty of quiet. 


the retreat this year was the 6th of it's kind. taking place annually, it is facilitated by arts pastor and author David Taylor (currently at Duke University). this years' topic was "Artists as Stewards of Physical Reality" (i.e. recognizing the responsibility that artists have in our world, stewarding the physical). our main speaker was Dr. Trevor Hart from St. Andrews, Scotland (professor of Theology and the Arts at St. Andrews University, and Episcopal priest). we were also joined by world renowned tap dancer, Andrew Nemr and hammer dulcimer musician Max ZT of New York City (they offered us stunning performances as they shared with us). and on a panel of speakers they were joined by Cam Anderson (director of CIVA: Christians In the Visual Arts) and Meaghan Ritchie (assistant director of IAM: International Arts Movement). 

i traveled with a team of 6 other art ministers from the VineArts Boise art ministry of Vineyard Boise church in Boise, Idaho. traveling with fellow art ministers to attend this retreat each year has been so enriching to my life. the continued building of relationship with the various people i meet at the retreat, and amongst my own team members throughout the time of travel has always been and continues to be a highlight for me each year. in fact, it's this relationship building (as a team and with the other attendees at the retreat) along with the topic discussions at the retreat that help to set the tone for the rest of my year. 

Next year the retreat will be held on April 30-May 3, 2015. The topic will be "Artists as Stewards of the Emotions". The main speaker will be Jeremy Begbie.