The first Rural Ministry Colloquium of the semester is coming up this Thursday, September 23. Be sure to join us for lunch and a powerful discussion.

September 23, 2010
Ministry in the Lonesome Valley
12:25-1:20 p.m.
059 Langford (Centenary), Duke Divinity School

Parish ministry can be a lonely vocation. The “set-apartness” of the pastoral role, the effects of geographical isolation, and the time demands of congregational life can all conspire to make the parish feel like what the old spiritual calls “the lonesome valley.” And yet Jesus walked that same lonesome valley, and, through him, even the loneliness of ministry can become a source of beauty and communion. Join Jeremy Troxler, director of the Thriving Rural Communities initiative, in discussing the loneliness of rural, and all, ministry. A good, free lunch is available.

Rural Ministry Colloquia are monthly lunch-time gatherings hosted by the Thriving Rural Communities initiative.  During each, a pastor, scholar, layperson, or practitioner is invited to address an issue related to rural life or ministry and then lead a discussion on the topic. These events are open to the public.