Major changes   (see sidebar for more details)

* Reduced cost of Introduction retreat from $550 to $475
* Reduced cost of series from $2000 to $1700.
* Revised schedule to be a 4 retreat series beginning in February 2010.
* Created a commuting option for the introductory retreat in the Chicago area.  

After thoughtful consideration, we have revised the schedule and rates for our Midwest Courage to Lead series.  We have heard from many of you that the time and cost were prohibitive.  Because we believe in this work so much, we are revising our plans in hopes of making this opportunity possible for more people.

As you know, Courage to Lead retreats are inspired by the Center for Courage & Renewal's senior adviser, Dr. Parker J. Palmer, teacher and author of A Hidden Wholeness: The Journey Toward an Undivided Life. Each Courage to Lead retreat is designed to provide experiences of the "circles of trust" core principles and practices described in Palmer's A Hidden Wholeness.

In large group, small group, and in solitary settings, Courage to Lead explores the intersection of participants' inner lives and their outer work, making use of stories from their own journeys, reflections on their vocations, and insights from poets, storytellers and diverse wisdom traditions. Within this sanctuary, participants become available to the insights and blessings of deep mindfulness that arise only in stillness and time with trustworthy peers. When we can listen from a place of deep rest in a diverse community, we are more capable of hearing each other with greater compassion, more likely to discern our own still, small voice, and more likely to be able to respond in new and transformative ways.

The NEW DATES for our Courage to Lead seasonal retreat series dates are listed below, and will be held at the Conference Center of University of St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein, IL.

    Winter February 2-4, 2010
    Spring May 25-27, 2010
    Summer July 13-15, 2010
    Fall September 21-23, 2010

Space is limited to 24 participants.  Application deadline is December 1. To assure participation, please register early.  After December 1, contact any of the facilitators to learn if any space is still available.  We will send detailed information once your application is accepted for the series.

Facilitators for the Courage to Lead Seasonal Series II for Clergy and Congregational Leaders are:

The Rev. Winton Boyd has been a member of the Wisconsin Conference UCC, and Senior Pastor at Orchard Ridge UCC church in Madison, WI since 1999. In this position and previous at First Congregational Church in Fresno, CA and Lyndale UCC in Minneapolis he has functioned as a retreat leader, conflict mediator, service learning experience coordinator, youth worker, spiritual guide, preacher, and political activist. Winton and his wife Tammy have three high school and college aged children.

The Rev. Greg Eaton spends much of his time in the corporate sector as the co-owner of a meeting planning company, a corporate promotional specialties company, and a local destination management company in Hawaii. He also serves as the Executive Director for the Arbor Falls Foundation which provides scholarships for higher education. Greg is an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church, served in local congregations (urban and suburban) for nine years. He holds three Master's degrees: University Administration, Counseling Psychology, and Theology.

Barbara Hummel works with leaders and organizations from corporations as well as public and non-profit sectors to help them be more authentic and effective. She has also facilitated teacher, clergy, and cross-professional circles of trust over the past eight years. She has a master's in counseling, and brings the experience of being a "PK" to her strong interest and commitment to spirituality. Barbara is an active member of Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ in Madison, Wisconsin.

For further information contact any of the facilitators:

Winton Boyd - winton@orucc.org  608-271-7212
Greg Eaton -  gregjeaton@yahoo.com  847-317-1280
Barb Hummel -  bhummel@chorus.net  608-233-7400

We'd be delighted to respond to any individual questions you may have. To discover more about our work and to learn how to sign up for our Courage to Lead retreats for Clergy & Congregational Leaders, you can also go to The Center for Courage and Renewal website: Courage and Renewal

The website has the applications for the seasonal series.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,

Barbara Hummel
Winton Boyd
Greg Eaton

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