Leaders of the Wood River Valley's two Episcopal churches are taking time off from their congregations to further their religious studies.
The Rev. Ken Brannon, rector of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Sun Valley, was chosen to attend the Clergy Leadership Project at Trinity Conference Center in West Cornwall, Conn. Brannon is attending a six-day conference, April 18-23, and will continue to meet with his clergy colleagues for another three sessions over a period of two years.
"I didn't realize just how big an honor this is until I was accepted," said Brannon, one of 28 participants chosen from several hundred nominees across the country.
The Clergy Leadership Project is a national initiative formed to develop and strengthen clergy leaders, support new visions for vigorous ministries in their congregations and communities, and support their personal growth. The themes of the April conference are offering spiritual leadership during times of conflict and fostering true multicultural communities.
The Rev. Shawn Carty and his wife, Jeanne Carty, of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Hailey, will attend the Virginia Theological Seminary Summer Collegium in Alexandria, Virg., from June 23 to July 1.
The collegium is fully ecumenical. Nearly 175 applications were received from 20 denominations in 43 U.S. states and eight Canadian provinces.
The Cartys were in the top 25, chosen from clergy who serve small congregations, ranging in size from about 11 to 100 worshipers on an average Sunday.
The theme for the 2010 Collegium is "Leadership in the Small Church." Workshops will focus on transformational leadership, conflict and spiritual leadership, with an additional workshop on the ministry of spouses and partners.
The Cartys will do a follow-up project after they leave Alexandria.
Carty and his wife will also enjoy a summer-long sabbatical, from June to September. A retired clergy couple will take their place this summer in Hailey.
Tony Evans: tevans@mtexpress.com
The Rev. Ken Brannon
