Stoking the Fire 2024
May 17–19
Quaker Hill Conference Center, Richmond, IN
and
Online, Everywhere
This annual retreat is for those afire with the Holy Spirit, who seek deeper faith and bolder witness. Through worship, learning, and fellowship, we will open ourselves to Christ’s presence, and allow the Spirit to work within us as we seek God’s power. We hope you'll consider joining us as we seek to stir up the embers of our faith—both as individuals and as Friends. This year's Stoking the Fire will be a hybrid event, with in-person and virtual options.
"But the blazing discovery which Quakers made, long ago, is rediscovered again and again by individuals, and sometimes by groups. The embers flare up, the light becomes glorious. There is no reason why it cannot break out again, today, with blazing power. The world needs it desperately. It is in the hope that you and I, today, may rediscover this flaming center of religion that those words are written—not in an historical interest in a charming past."
—Thomas Kelly, The Eternal Promise
Plenary Speaker:
Jennie Isbell Shinn
Jennie Isbell Shinn carries a ministry of spiritual companionship, encouragement and pastoral care for individuals and groups who are seeking to respond to glimpses of the Holy in their own lives. The outward forms this ministry takes at present include serving as a spiritual director, facilitating groups for ministers, leading retreats and programs, and providing hands-on prayer and care/massage therapy for hospice patients and caregivers, and oncology patients. Jennie has spent more than 25 years in non-profits as an employee, board member, volunteer, and consultant. She currently serves on New England Yearly Meeting’s Legacy Gift Committee, the 2024 NEYM Sessions Themes and Speakers Committee, and on the oversight of ministry committee for a Friend in Mt. Toby Monthly Meeting.
While in seminary, Jennie focused as many papers as possible on untangling the missed opportunities for redeeming the body in Christian theology and practice, and she continues this in her work with individuals and groups, both “in church” and out in the world. She ascribes her love of prayer to her mother, who modeled for her a life of persistent conversation with God. Jennie became a mother herself for the first time in her early 40s, and currently lives and works on an island off the coast of Massachusetts. She is a member of Mt. Toby Friends Meeting (NEYM), where she is under the care of an oversight of ministry committee. She is author of Leading Quakers: Discipleship Leadership, A Friends Model and co-author of Finding God in the Verbs: Crafting a Fresh Language of Prayer.
Worship Leader:
Nate Macy
Nate Macy is a Quaker minister and musician living in Newberg, Oregon.Nate has done a variety of ministries including released pastoral work inlocal meetings, retreat leadership, touring as a musician, writing, recording,and speaking.
Workshops
Saturday workshops will be offered in the same hybrid manner as our plenary gatherings. Prior to the retreat, participants will be asked to select which workshop they plan to attend.
Questions?
For more information about Stoking the Fire, email michaels (at) fum.org.
"Our FUM mission statement says, in part, that we have committed ourselves to energize and equip Friends through the power of the Holy Spirit. I appreciate this yearly gathering of Friends so much because it reminds us that we are first and foremost a faith-based community—not just an organization with legacy projects and global activities—but a spiritual movement of Friends. To gather on Pentecost Sunday is to be reminded of who we really are in Christ, together."
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