Aurora pastor begins spiritual-renewal series
The Rev. Tammy Scott, pastor at Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora, is among 18 pastors selected for a yearlong spiritual-renewal program.
From July 10-17, the Ecumenical Center for Clergy Spiritual Renewal at Holy Wisdom monastery at Middleton, Wis., near Milwaukee, hosted the first of three contemplative-renewal retreats.
The eight-day, seven-night program offers attendees time for deep sabbath and immersion in the Benedictine rhythms of Holy Wisdom. Included is praying with the monastic community of sisters three times daily, encountering restored prairies and dedicating time for silence.
During the residential retreat, pastors develop and deepen their contemplative practices through a balance of group and individual time for renewal.
Rev. Scott was installed at Wesley UMC July 1 after serving as lead pastor at Sugar Grove UMC.
ECCSR director Nancy Enderle said, "Rev. Scott was chosen out of a large pool of applicants to be in a cohort of 18 ecumenical pastors participating in contemplative renewal.
"This program is part of the Lilly Endowment's Thriving in Ministry initiative, a high-quality experience meant to benefit your pastor, and also your congregation."
According to Enderle, Rev. Scott will return for additional immersions in January and June of 2024 as part of a yearlong program that reunites the same group of pastors.
Participants leave the retreat as a deeply connected cohort that journeys together during the coming year, supporting each other in spiritual renewal and contemplative leadership goals.
In October 2018, the Benedictine Women of Madison received a $1 million grant from The Lilly Endowment, Inc.'s "Thriving in Ministry" initiative for the purpose of establishing an Ecumenical Center for Clergy Spiritual Renewal at Holy Wisdom Monastery.
The Benedictine Women of Madison is an ecumenical Christian monastic community of sisters based at Holy Wisdom Monastery. The monastery's mission is to weave prayer, hospitality, justice, and care for the earth into a shared way of life.
Since opening the retreat and guesthouse more than 50 years ago, the Benedictine Women have been welcoming people from all faith backgrounds to pray, study, and nourish one another.