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"Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth." (Psalm 46:10, NRSV)
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The National United Methodist Camp and Retreat Leader Gathering (January 26-30) occurs immediately following the certification course.
This course explores the biblical foundations of camp/retreat ministry and faith formation. It includes:
- Developing creative strategies for reaching out and welcoming people of the twenty-first century into faith formation experiences
- Preparing intentional pathways for people of all ages to connect and deepen their relationship with God;
- Developing effective methods for teaching core elements of Christian faith and discipleship;
- Providing campers, participants, and guests with opportunities to actively practice Christian discipleship with one another and all God’s creation.
Strengthening the partnerships among camp/retreat ministry, local congregations, and conference ministries for long-term faith formation and developing spiritual leaders are important aspects of this course. The course will also cover the unique dynamics of Christian hospitality and faith formation when hosting culturally diverse guests and groups. "Faith Formation and Christian Living" (CERT 301) is one of the three required courses for certification. The next time it will be offered is January 2010.
Application and registration information is available at www.depts.drew.edu/tsdean/commonground.
Students are encouraged to register and participate in the 2007 National United Methodist Camp and Retreat Leader Gathering from January 26-30, 2007, at Sumatanga. Those seeking certification in United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministry must take the workshop on United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministry History offered at that event.
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The Rev. David Berkey is Executive Director of Florida United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries. He has served on the United Methodist National Camp and Retreat Committee since 1997. The Rev. Berkey was the founding Director of the Common Ground program at Drew, and he is now a member the Common Ground Committee for The United Methodist Camp and Retreat Certification Program. He was Executive Director of Camp and Retreat Ministries for the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of The United Methodist Church for ten years before moving to Florida in 2005.
The Rev. Berkey is an ordained elder in The United Methodist Church, and he is certified in camp and retreat ministries. He holds an M. Div. from Union Theological Seminary in New York and is completing his D.Min. at Drew University. He has master of science degree in pastoral counseling from Iona College.
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The Rev. Dr. Karen-Marie Yust is Associate Professor of Christian Education at Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education. She is an ordained clergywoman with standing in both the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ. She has directed Lilly Endowment-funded grant projects focused on children’s faith formation, camp ministries, and youth spirituality. She is certified as a specialist in Church Education by the UCC, and she served eleven years in the local pastorate before becoming a full-time seminary professor.
Dr. Yust holds a Th.D. in systematic and historical theology from Harvard University, an M.Div. from Brite Divinity School, and a B.A. from Trinity University.
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About United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministry Certification
The United Methodist Church has added camp/retreat ministry to the official certifications offered by the denomination. These courses give new and veteran leaders in-depth learning related to core aspects of the ministry. The courses have been developed in a cooperative effort with the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, the General Board of Discipleship, Drew University Theological School, and the National Camp/Retreat Committee.
We encourage all of your key staff and volunteers to participate in this outstanding growth and training opportunity.
For more information, see:
For more information about the certification program at Drew University Theological School, contact Jenny Phillips, Coordinator for Continuing Education and Academic Outreach, at jphillip@drew.edu or 973-408-3622.
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