Each first-year student has been prayerfully placed in a small, intentionally diverse spiritual formation group. These groups are led by local pastors, many of whom are Duke Divinity alumni. Each week the groups gather to share concerns, to reflect theologically on the nature of Christian discipleship, and, most importantly, to pray together.
Sponsored by the Chaplain’s Office of Duke Divinity School, attendance at one of these retreats fulfills the M.Div. requirement for Spiritual Formation.
As part of the spiritual formation experience, students are also be invited to take time apart from their studies to attend two spiritual retreats, one each semester.
A Journey into Prayer and Service
Duke Divinity School’s curriculum seeks to cultivate a life of worship, study, and service. We are committed to the very ancient idea that to be a person of God for others, one must be with others — in prayer, in study, at work, and at play. Central to this commitment is spiritual formation.
Prayer and ministry are inextricably joined. Through intentional spiritual formation we become acclimated to the divine longing of our hearts and begin to sense that our lives are being turned ever God-ward.
As Ellen Davis writes in Getting Involved with God,
“Once we start reading in a spiritually engaged way, it is evident that the Old Testament is urging us toward certain ‘habits of the heart and mind’ …that encourage us to cultivate counter-cultural habits such as seeking solitude, or repenting of our sins, or offering praise to God …. I will not say that these habits make it easier to be involved with God…, but they deepen our involvement and make it more profitable for our souls.”
Each first-year student has been prayerfully placed in a small, intentionally diverse group. These groups are led by local pastors, many of whom are Duke Divinity alumni. Each week the groups gather to share concerns, to reflect theologically on the nature of Christian discipleship, and, most important, to pray together. As part of the spiritual formation experience, students are also be invited to take time apart from their studies to attend two spiritual retreats, one each semester.
Our group leaders represent a wide spectrum of religious traditions, and it is our hope that students will become familiar with Christian practices of prayer and spirituality other than their own — developing a wider, deeper prayer vocabulary. Students will also have the opportunity to build confidence in their abilities as a spiritual leader as they journey into more faithful Christian service. I pray God’s blessing on you as you undertake this most joyous discipline.
Spiritual Formation Retreats
Fall Semester 2012
Sponsored by the Chaplain’s Office of Duke Divinity School
Attendance at one of these retreats fulfills the M.Div. requirement for Spiritual Formation.
Students who do not fulfill this requirement will receive a grade of “incomplete” for the semester.
During Spiritual Formation retreats, students are asked to surrender to God their time, anxieties, and desire to achieve. Through disciplines of solitude, silence, and Sabbath rest, we will practice opening ourselves to the presence of God.
With the exception of Retreat A, all retreats will be held at the Aqueduct Retreat Center. Just five minutes from downtown Chapel Hill, the Aqueduct Center is located on 23 hilltop acres. The scenic setting includes walking trails, beautiful vistas, a main farm house, and two modern eight-bedroom cottages. The center accommodates 40 overnight guests in double accommodations with private baths. Peaceful natural surroundings offer excellent opportunities for reflection and play. Three delicious home-cooked meals are served daily.
Retreat A — Women’s Retreat at Camp Rockfish
Friday and Saturday, September 7-8, 2012
Sponsored by the Office of Black Church Studies, Baptist House of Studies, the Women’s Center, and the Office of the Chaplain.
Open to women of all denominations, this retreat will be held at the beautiful, rural setting of Camp Rockfish in Parkton, N.C. Travel on your own, arrive at 6:00 p.m., and depart by 5:00 p.m. the following day. The retreat, W. E. (women encouraging) Women, is framed around call and vocational discernment, networking, worship, and spiritual healing. Clergywomen who are serving in various capacities have been invited to serve as program participants. Expect to experience prophetic worship, moving testimonies, transformative prayers, and opportunities for relationship building. Please direct questions on Retreat A to Elizabeth A. Moyer, staff assistant for the Office of Black Church Studies, Gray 108, 660-3461.
Retreats B–E at Aqueduct Retreat Center
Friday and Saturday, September 21-22, 2012
Friday and Saturday, October 5-6, 2012
Friday and Saturday, October 26-27, 2012
Friday and Saturday, November 2-3, 2012
Retreats B–E are structured similarly to include worship and music, brief times of instruction/leading, extended periods of silence and personal prayer, and opportunities for individual spiritual direction. Three delicious home cooked meals are included. Drive to Aqueduct on your own, arriving at the retreat center by 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Departure will be at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. Participants are encouraged to carpool. Learn more about the Aqueduct Center.
Retreat Leaders
In addition to Chaplain Bates, spiritual formation group leaders will serve as spiritual directors for the retreats. These leaders include Diane Amidon, Evelyn Craig, Keith Daniel, Liz Dowling-Sendor, Bryan Faggart, Cherie Henry, Polly Hilsabeck, Steve Hinkle, Michael Martin, Roger Owens, Lori Pistor, Edward Rommen, Randy Sherron, Robert Simpson, and Joanna Walsh.
Retreat Registration
Registration begins on Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at 9:00 a.m.
Priority will be given to early registrations. Contact Sonja Tilley, staff assistant for the chaplain, at 660-3539 or visit the chaplain’s office at 101 Westbrook to register.
Retreat Registration (pdf)
Costs
Attendance at one fall retreat is part of the requirement for every student enrolled in Spiritual Formation.
The cost of each retreat is largely funded by the Divinity School. Students who do not show up, or who cancel confirmed registrations less than five days prior to their retreat date, are subject to a $115 charge to cover the cost of the cancellation.
Rescheduling a retreat date may be discussed with the chaplain, provided space is available.
Questions
See Sonja Tilley in the chaplain’s office, 101 Westbrook if you have additional questions.
Our group leaders represent a wide spectrum of religious traditions, and it is our hope that students will become familiar with Christian practices of prayer and spirituality other than their own — developing a wider, deeper prayer vocabulary. Students will also have the opportunity to build confidence in their abilities as a spiritual leader as they journey into more faithful Christian service. I pray God’s blessing on you as you undertake this most joyous discipline.
Diane Amidon
(B.Mus., University of Hawaii; M.A., San Jose State University; M.Div., Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary) is an ordained Lutheran pastor who served most recently at St. Philip Lutheran Church, Raleigh.
Urging Christians to live their faith daily, remaining personally grounded by prayer and reading Scripture, and preaching prophetically in a place where I’ve been pastor for years are challenges that are hard, but also joyful.
Sally G. Bates
(B.A., Mary Washington College; M.A., UNC-Chapel Hill; M.Div., Duke Divinity School) joined the Divinity School as chaplain in 2002 and she is ordained in the United Methodist Church. She has particular interest in the intersection of faith and the arts, and Haitian missions.
Each day, my work challenges me to find different ways to create spaces of hospitality and openness where persons can encounter the Holy.
Evelyn Craig
Sr. Evelyn Craig is an Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister based in Monroe, Mich., where she served in formation and vocation discernment. Recognized as a mentor of a healthy spiritual life and effective campus minister, she presently is a spiritual director for clergy and members of all denominations. As a practioneer of tai chi, she offers a balanced, wholistic approach to spirituality.
My greatest spiritual question is, "How much is enough?" Enough effort on my part, then letting God be God, enough time spent, then resting, enough resources in this country so other countries have what they need. All of which requires attention to balance, discernment, and a lighthearted sense of humor and honesty with myself.
Keith Daniel
(A.B. Duke; M.Ed. NC State University; M.Div. Duke Divinity School) has worked at Duke University for 23 years, most recently as the Director of the Duke Chapel PathWays program. He is ordained in the American Baptist Church and is enrolled in the Divinity School's D.Min. program.
The Old Testament story of Eli and Samuel (1 Samuel 3) is especially meaningful to me, where Samuel hears his name called repeatedly by God and learns to say, “Speak, Lord, your servant hears.” This is how I enjoy living out my faith, with a heart for listening to God speak, and being a witness to the faithful replies of others.
Liz Dowling-Sendor
(A.B. Harvard University; M.Div., Duke Divinity School) is an ordained priest in the Episcopal Church, N.C. Diocese. She is a retreat leader and certified spiritual director, and has special interests in writing and the spiritual life.
Providing leadership during times of theological disagreement in the parish; balancing prayer time, family time and parish ministry time; and discerning ways in which God is calling me into deeper relationship and new ministries are significant challenges.
Cheryl Barton Henry
(B.A. Rhodes College; M.Div. McCormick Theological Seminary) is an ordained Presbyterian (USA) minister since 1987. She currently serves as the Pastor at Efland Presbyterian Church. Previous to that call she served in campus ministry at Duke University and in rural and small town churches as a co-pastor, associate minister, and interim minister.
The challenge I have in ministry is helping a crazy busy world so desperately in need of Christ’s community called the Church -- the Good News of God’s love in Jesus Christ it proclaims and attempts to embody, its ancient practices, its hope, its vision of justice and the friendship it offers all -- to spend enough time being church to know why this is so!
Polly Hilsabeck
(B.S., University of California, Irvine; M.Div., The Church Divinity School of the Pacific) is an ordained Episcopal priest who most recently served at St. Titus Episcopal Church in Durham. She is a writer and has extensive experience as a teacher, counselor, and chaplain.
“Faithfully living into the questions,” as Rilke puts it, is the challenge that informs my ministry.
Steven R. Hinkle
(B.S., N.C. State University; M.Div., Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is a member of the religious life staff for Duke University InterVarsity for graduate and faculty ministry.
It is a challenge to find effective and culturally appropriate ways to engage graduate students and faculty with the gospel.
Fr. Michael T. Martin, OFM Conv.
(B.A. Philosophy, St. Hyacinth College-Seminary; S.T.B., Pontifical Theological Faculty of St. Bonaventure – Rome; M.Ed. Education Administration, Boston College) is an ordained Roman Catholic priest and member of the Conventual Franciscan religious community who serves as the Director of the Duke Catholic Center.
I am edified to walk with people as they share their spiritual journey – it is truly holy ground!
L. Roger Owens
(B.A., Anderson University, Anderson, IN; M.Div., Duke Divinity School; Ph.D, Duke University, Durham, NC), a United Methodist Elder, is the Preaching Pastor at Duke Memorial United Methodist Church, Durham NC and serves on the faculty of the Upper Room Academy for Spiritual Formation.
The greatest challenge in my ministry is staying close to the heart of my vocation, and the ongoing discernment of what that heart is.
Lori Pistor
(B.A. Trinity University; M.Ed., University of North Texas; M.Div., Columbia Theological Seminary) is an ordained PCUSA pastor who has served interim parish appointments in Dallas, Durham, and Manteo. She is a frequent workshop facilitator at the Avila Retreat Center in Durham.
“What does the Lord require?” is a constant negotiation between solitude and community, listening deeply and singing out loud, and living into the sacrament of baptism … living into both God’s claim on us and our promise to serve.
Fr. Edward Rommen
(B.A., Nyack College; M.Div., D. Missiology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is an Orthodox priest serving Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church in Raleigh. Fr. Rommen is also an adjunct faculty member at Duke Divinity School teaching in the areas of Christian spirituality and Orthodox theology.
Overcoming the effects of modern secular society on the spiritual life of the church is one of the most significant challenges of my ministry.
Randy Sherron
(B.S., Campbell University; M.Div., Southeaster Baptist Theological Seminary; D.Min., Drew Divinity School) is the senior pastor at Ridge Road Baptist Church in Raleigh.
My challenge is teaching people who live in a fast-paced affluent society what it means to pray while I am still learning myself.
Robert Wesley Simpson
(B.A., University of Baltimore; M.Div., Duke Divinity School; D.Min., The University of the South, Sewanee) is the pastor at Resurrection UMC in Durham, and admits to reading constantly to keep himself grounded and growing.
Knowing when to step in, and when to let things emerge as the spirit leads is an on-going challenge in my ministry.
Sr. Joanna Walsh
(B.A., University College, Dublin, Ireland; M.A.T., English, Rhode Island College; M.T.S., Jesuit School of Theology) is a member of the religious order Faithful Companions of Jesus (F.C.J.). She is a visiting lecturer at Duke Divinity School and a certified spiritual director.
Remaining hopeful in a world where there is so much violence is one of the challenges of my ministry.