Fellowship in Unity

TERRY SHANAHAN, NE REGIONAL PASTOR

“How good and pleasant it is when brothers
live together in unity” Psalm 133:1

Winters in Maine can be long! In the middle of January the windows of our houses have been closed up for a few months. It can feel claustrophobic. We are apt to get “cabin fever.” We need a break. We need a breath of fresh air. We need to get out of the doldrums.

Relief from the doldrums is exactly what happened on January 13th and 14th of this year. Fifteen ministry couples from the state of Maine came together for a first ever CCCC Maine Pastor and Spouse encouragement retreat. Meeting in a nice hotel, complete with indoor pool and hot tub, having meals provided, being away from church business and family concerns, the overnight retreat was just was what needed for pastors and their spouses to be nourished and refreshed.

The retreat started with free time and use of the hotel amenities. A teaching by Jason McConnell, a rural pastor from Vermont and CCCC Board member, followed dinner. His teaching and insight on rural ministry and what can be what can be effective and helpful in a rural setting was informative and encouraging to everyone. That was followed by small group time and the opportunity for everyone to share their current ministry settings and challenges.

The next day was more of the same, good food, good time, good small group interaction, free time and a good lunch. The retreat ended with a circle of prayer where lives were shared even more deeply.

One comment we received afterward said it all, “Thank you for the encouraging and informative weekend for pastors and spouses. It was good mix of being able to visit and being challenged spiritually. … The whole time was a blessing. We are so glad we were able to be a part of it.”

Indeed how good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!