The Eastern Shore District of The United Methodist Church
Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Clergy Association

2011-2012 E.S. District Clergy Association Officers:

Rev. Gary Miller, Nominee for President
Rev. Rebecca McGee, Nominee for Vice President
Rev. Kenneth "Skeeter" Armstrong, Treasurer and Secretary
Rev. Elizabeth Lutz, District Chaplain
Rev. Jon Woodburn, District Chaplain
Rev. Tammy Estep, District Superintendent
 

The District Clergy Association plan each conference year:

  • Welcome Picnic (around August)
  • Christmas Banquet (in December)
  • Day Retreat -CEU (fall or spring)
  • Farewell Dinner (May or June)
  • At least one program with key laity of each church (during Advent or Lent)
  • 9 a.m. -12 noon CEU Programs (Tuesdays) once a month with the exception of the above events

Morning Prayer for Pastors:

 "Morning Prayer" is a 1/2 hour worship service with communion for the Shore's pastors.  The District Superintendent usually leads the service.  It is held twice a month at 8 am in a host church--one in Northampton County the first Tuesday and one in Accomack County on the last Tuesday of the month.  Pastors extend an invitation to host via the District Office.  This event was offered to help pastors fulfill their Covenant requirements adopted by the E.S. District Clergy Association on Aug. 16, 2001.  Go to our Calendar for specific dates and places.
 

"Working Our Covenant"

 

"Prayer in Community"

 
"Lectionary Study" for pastors is held every Monday @ 12:30 pm.  For more information, contact Jon Woodburn at 757-787-2621 or woodburn_es@verizon.net

Membership Dues ($35 annual fee):

Due in August of each conference year (July 1-June 30).  Dues provide approved CEU programs offered on the district. Checks payable to:  E.S. DCA and remit to the DCA Treasurer.  Use this remittance form

Go to our Calendar for scheduled District Clergy Association events and programs  

 

Check out our Library for available resources  

 
A Clergy Retreat That Will Long Be Remembered -by Rita Kanten, Pastor New Hope Charge, June 2008
 
"In the heart of Richmond lies an oasis of calm, a place of spiritual renewal.   In the mid 1800s Sisters of the Visitation established a monastery and girl’s school on the highest hill in Richmond. Eventually that monastery would become present day Richmond Hill Ecumenical Retreat Center. 
     On April 1st the clergy of the Eastern Shore visited this amazing place for an overnight retreat. Behind the walls of this old monastery we discovered beautiful gardens, historical insights, and a community of wonderful Christian fellowship. As we ate, prayed and worshiped together in this peaceful setting we were all renewed-- spiritually and physically.
     During our visit we were blessed to have Rev. Ben Campbell, Rev. Mpho Tutu and Rev. Doug Tanner guide us on an historical tour of the African slave trade in Richmond. The most compelling part of the tour was walking the old slave trail that leads from the river to the Way Station some three miles away. Arriving in ships from Africa, the human “cargo” was unloaded, placed in chains and forced to walk through the dark of night to the station where they were held for auction.   The location of one of those stations, Lumpkin’s Jail, has been designated as an archaeological site and hopefully it will one day be excavated.
     Walking single file and holding hands to simulate being chained, we were transported back in time to the terror and humiliation of the human slave trade.   As we stumbled over the uneven ground, edged by the river, ducked hanging branches, while clinging to hands in front and behind, we were able to experience in a small way how the people, torn from their native lands, arrived in the “New World”. It was an overwhelming experience; one that left most of us in tears.
     Back at the monastery we discussed with Rev. Campbell and Rev. Tutu how the racial tensions of the African slave trade have affected Richmond down through the years. Today the community of Richmond Hill, together with local clergy, work to bring about reconciliation between the descendents of the slaves, slave owners and slave traders. As part of this on-going ministry, on March 31, 2007 the Reconciliation Statue, a 15’ bronze statue depicting two people melded in an embrace, was placed in a small plaza at 15th and East Main Streets near the former slave market in Shockoe Bottom.  
     This was a clergy retreat that I doubt any of us will ever forget."