There was a great “vibe in the room” and a lot of positive energy being generated by the 35+ participants in the 800 square foot Trinity Grace Conference room at the Rosemary Heights Retreat Centre on the morning of July 26th, 2012 . On this, the fifth day of the seven day Diocesan School for Leadership the plenary had grown comfortable with each other, and with the process under the experienced leadership of Instructor, Rev. Melissa Skelton and four facilitators; Rev. Susan Cleveley, Rev. Marnie Peterson, Tasha Carrothers and Rev. Jeremy Clark-King. The eclectic mix of men, women, clergy and laity ranging in ages from 30-65 dressed in casual, summer clothing listened intently as a group exercise was being discussed and analyzed. The walls of the conference room were punctuated with flipchart pages attached to the brick with painter's green tape, evidence of a spirited morning plenary session.
The principal purpose of the visit to the site by diocesan communications was to take a group photo of the 2012 “Class” for sharing and for archival purposes.
Following the posing for photos, diocesan communications asked Diocesan Director for Ministry and Mission Development, Rev. Douglas Fenton, the senior synod staff person responsible for the School for Leadership program how he thought the week was progressing,
“ the participants are excited by the opportunities to gain greater levels of competency in assisting their parishes to gain in vitality. Each day the energy level in the room increases as the first ever D of NW School for Leadership grows in community.”
Douglas was also delighted to report that next year’s School has already been booked and will take place at the Rosemary Heights Retreat Centre, July 21-28, 2013. For 2013, registration will be expanded from 35 to 50 participants.A full report about the first Diocesan School for Leadership is being planned for publication in the September, 2012 edition of TOPIC, the monthly publication of the D of NW.
Images: Top, Diocesan School for Leadership participants listen as a group exercise is analyzed. Middle right, Instructor Rev. Melissa Skelton enjoys a laugh. Below, The Class of 2012