Chaplaincy and Care Director's Note July 2021

Plans for 2021 Annual Chaplain Training

As I write this at my desk in San Diego, my community has lifted mask requirements for those who have been vaccinated. Restaurants, theaters, and other public gathering places, are allowed to have 100% capacity. People now can gather inside churches, sing with gusto, and renew relationships with those outside their immediate family or friend group. However. . . 

I also know that much of the world is nowhere near this point, and in light of current CRCNA travel restrictions, I have decided to host our annual Chaplain training event virtually for one more year. This is not what we hoped for but I believe we can still provide an amazing time of spiritual growth and renewal. Though not face-to-face in person, we can still gather to hear and support each other in our ministries. 

Our format/schedule is similar to last year where we take into account that one can only be on Zoom for so long! We created space for spiritual practices, both personally and corporately. And with no travelling time or expenses, this virtual training format will undoubtedly open the door for higher attendance and larger community involvement!

We will hear from chaplain and New York Times best selling author, Kerry Egan, who wrote the book On Living. Many of you have had the opportunity to read it. Please join us virtually for encouragement, support, and spiritual growth. Read more about the training event in September on the Chaplaincy and Care Ministry website or the main registration web page.  

Grace and Peace,

Tim Rietkerk
Director of Chaplaincy and Care