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CLERGY RENEWAL WEEK 2012

It's time once again for all Christian clergy to consider attending the 2012 Clergy Renewal Week at Chautauqua, NY from August 4 - 11. If you have had an opportunity to talk with any of the participants from the last five sessions, I'm sure that you have heard encouraging responses. They felt that the time spent there was educational, inspirational, relaxing and renewing.

The requirements are minimal. We want everyone to know that (1) they must be recommended by a member of IOKDS, which includes the Order's Vice-President/Spiritual Life Director, (2) the bedrooms in all of our houses are on the 2nd and 3rd floors with a few basement rooms in Bonnie Hall, (3) most rooms share a bath, (4) Chautauqua is a walking campus - cars are left in a parking lot across from the Main Gate - bicycles and handicap motorized scooters are allowed. Our process of selection is basically on a first-come first-served basis, but priority will be awarded to those who will be visiting Chautauqua for the first time and those who are actively/currently serving as pastor of a congregation.

The theme of the week will be "The Ethics of Cheating". Who regulates behavior? To whose ethical standards should society be held? Lectures this week will examine cheating as an ethical wrong, but also challenge the assumption that cheating is always wrong. What are the motivations for cheating - psychological, evolutionary - and do we see it in nature? Do we make a distinction between cheating and "finding a loophole" or "bending the rules"? We will explore the history of cheating and its effect on business, sports, politics, technology, relationships and society. How can we maintain a culture of honor and integrity?

Clergy Renewal Week is sponsored jointly by IOKDS and the Chautauqua Department of Religion. IOKDS provides housing, breakfast foods and several night meals. We usually have a reception on Sunday afternoon so that guests from all the houses will have an opportunity to get acquainted and be introduced to the work of IOKDS. The Department of Religion will provide gate passes for the clergy. Clergy are responsible for transportation, spouse gate passes and all meals other than the above. Each house has limited refrigerator space, full kitchens and laundry facilities. More specifics will be sent to those who will be attending.

Applications may be received by e-mailing me at nrpointer52@gmail.com or by phone at 804-693-2317 or by www.IOKDS.org. Applications may be forwarded to me anytime before the deadline of April 1, 2012. I look forward to meeting new clergy and spouses and sharing another week of relaxation, rejuvenation, fellowship and spiritual renewal.

Nan R. Pointer
International Vice-President/Spiritual Life Director