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Pastors Conference
October 18 @ 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
![](https://esr.earlham.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Pastors-Confrence-flyer-1.jpg)
Join us on Friday, October 18th for a day of reflecting on the role of silence in pastoral ministry.
Whether programmed or unprogrammed, Quakers have always valued silence as an important means of accessing divine grace and listening to God. Some talk about “centering down” or “communion in the manner of Friends”; programmed Meetings talk about “open worship” or “waiting worship.” In a noisy and divisive time, the place of silence and stillness seems more important than ever. Yet we are also aware of folks being “silenced” from sharing hard truths or strong emotions. How do we address these issues?
Non-Quakers are also welcome to join the conversation! Many other traditions have contemplative components to their worship and liturgy. Let’s learn from each other.
REGISTER HERE
Our featured presenter will be Gregg Koskella from Newberg, Oregon. Here is his bio:
After spending decades as a pastor, I no longer have that as my job. Our faith community shattered, and yet I still am committed to walking the journey of life and faith in community. Writings of women from the Middle Ages, mystics like Hildegard of Bingen and Catherine of Siena, have grounded me in the last few years and given me a new (and ancient) spiritual life.
I want to be someone who pursues and explores in all kinds of ways. I’m deeply committed to honesty and living with integrity to the best of my ability. I know and love theology, Quakers, and church life, and also have found that the distance of not serving in day-to-day ministry gives a different perspective. I hope that will be helpful and encouraging to those in vocational ministry.
I’ve been Elaine’s husband since 1990. I’m also Aubrey, Hayley, and Natalie’s dad.
He is the author of Finding Hildegard: Healing through Medieval Wisdom.
Join us for a rich time of fellowship, conversation, worship, and learning. Breakfast and lunch will be provided for those attending in-person.
![](https://esr.earlham.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Finding-Hild.jpg)