14 months ago, when The Pilgrim Press released the book
Weird Church: Welcome to the 21st Century, Beth Estock and I began to dream
about convening a major gathering of spiritual innovators, 21st century
evangelists, and out-of-the-box characters! Now, in 2017, we are making that
dream a reality!
INTRODUCING WEIRD CHURCH CAMP. It will be held AUGUST 29 - SEPTEMBER 1: three days and nights of community, renewal, spiritual practice, play inspiration and learning in the Rocky Mountains, north of Denver, in a delightful place called Estes Park. Estes Park sits at the base of Rocky Mountain National Park surrounded by some of the most beautiful land in America. We will build connections, experience Sabbath, listening deeply to one another and to the Spirit among us.
Why Weird Church Camp? There is a growing movement of leaders developing creative expressions of faith communities all over the United States. As innovators they face questions of legitimacy as well as funding barriers from the institutions that they represent. Many feel isolated and misunderstood. They are searching for a learning community where they can show up in their fullness, share stories, ideas, failures and best practices as well as spiritual connection. There is also a growing number of leaders in traditional churches who are searching for ways to connect the gospel with a post-Christian culture, but they lack the framework and practices to begin experimenting in new ways. They are looking for inspiration and ideas.
What is our Compelling Question? How can we make a difference in the world that ripples out to the ends of the earth?
Who will be there? Our design team and staff come from all four time zones in the USA, from as far south as Houston and as far north as New York City or Portland (whichever is farther north.) People are expressing interest from all over the country, from a variety of settings, a variety of theological points of view and a variety of denominational tribes. There will be laity and clergy, and those who wouldn't even know which of those two boxes to check for themselves. Some will bring along spouses and kids (only one registration fee per family). With first-time events, it is hard to say how many people there will be, but our best estimate right now is around 100 leaders and their families. Each will be empowered to return to the places and people where they serve with fresh ideas and a renewed commitment to be the change that they wish to see in the world.
Who is Sponsoring Weird Church Camp? Sponsors include two seminaries (Iliff and Duke), Path 1 New Church Starts, The Epicenter Group, The Pilgrim Press (United Church of Christ) and Rocky Mountain Conference of the UMC (who is graciously running registration for us)!
What will we do for three days? See the Weird Church Camp Facebook page for information. There will be a mix of structured and unstructured time, ranging from deep listening to practical learning. There will be time to hike or read or lie in a field of grass staring at the sky. The evenings each have special events which take the camp experience to uncharted places. For further questions, please email us at epicentergoup.dc@gmail.com.
Are CEUs offered? Of course. 3.0 for the experience. You can request a CEU certificate upon arrival at Estes Park, and Epicenter Group will send it to you by the end of the week.
INTRODUCING WEIRD CHURCH CAMP. It will be held AUGUST 29 - SEPTEMBER 1: three days and nights of community, renewal, spiritual practice, play inspiration and learning in the Rocky Mountains, north of Denver, in a delightful place called Estes Park. Estes Park sits at the base of Rocky Mountain National Park surrounded by some of the most beautiful land in America. We will build connections, experience Sabbath, listening deeply to one another and to the Spirit among us.
Why Weird Church Camp? There is a growing movement of leaders developing creative expressions of faith communities all over the United States. As innovators they face questions of legitimacy as well as funding barriers from the institutions that they represent. Many feel isolated and misunderstood. They are searching for a learning community where they can show up in their fullness, share stories, ideas, failures and best practices as well as spiritual connection. There is also a growing number of leaders in traditional churches who are searching for ways to connect the gospel with a post-Christian culture, but they lack the framework and practices to begin experimenting in new ways. They are looking for inspiration and ideas.
What is our Compelling Question? How can we make a difference in the world that ripples out to the ends of the earth?
Who will be there? Our design team and staff come from all four time zones in the USA, from as far south as Houston and as far north as New York City or Portland (whichever is farther north.) People are expressing interest from all over the country, from a variety of settings, a variety of theological points of view and a variety of denominational tribes. There will be laity and clergy, and those who wouldn't even know which of those two boxes to check for themselves. Some will bring along spouses and kids (only one registration fee per family). With first-time events, it is hard to say how many people there will be, but our best estimate right now is around 100 leaders and their families. Each will be empowered to return to the places and people where they serve with fresh ideas and a renewed commitment to be the change that they wish to see in the world.
Who is Sponsoring Weird Church Camp? Sponsors include two seminaries (Iliff and Duke), Path 1 New Church Starts, The Epicenter Group, The Pilgrim Press (United Church of Christ) and Rocky Mountain Conference of the UMC (who is graciously running registration for us)!
What will we do for three days? See the Weird Church Camp Facebook page for information. There will be a mix of structured and unstructured time, ranging from deep listening to practical learning. There will be time to hike or read or lie in a field of grass staring at the sky. The evenings each have special events which take the camp experience to uncharted places. For further questions, please email us at epicentergoup.dc@gmail.com.
Are CEUs offered? Of course. 3.0 for the experience. You can request a CEU certificate upon arrival at Estes Park, and Epicenter Group will send it to you by the end of the week.
How much does it cost? Early Registration is $200. After
April, regular registration fee is $269. Spouses and kids don't pay additional
registration. After you register for the camp, you will receive a link from
YMCA of the Rockies to register separately for Food and Lodging (hotel style
accommodations). Costs vary from $189 per person (four to a room) to $457 (one
to a room).
Where does one fly to get there? Denver International Airport is the closest major airport, and about a two hour drive to Estes Park. Southwest Airlines and other major carriers consistently have reasonable airfares - of course the earlier you book, the better those tend to be. We are telling folks to be sure your flight arrives by no later than 1 pm on Tuesday, August 29, and that you plan to fly out no earlier than 2 pm on Friday, September 1. Lots of folks will fly up early or stay over for Labor Day weekend and play in the mountains or in Denver.
HOW DO I REGISTER? Click HERE to get started!
Based on those whom I know are coming so far, let me just say - the quality of the fellow pilgrims and 'campers' will be a wonderful gift to each participant!
Where does one fly to get there? Denver International Airport is the closest major airport, and about a two hour drive to Estes Park. Southwest Airlines and other major carriers consistently have reasonable airfares - of course the earlier you book, the better those tend to be. We are telling folks to be sure your flight arrives by no later than 1 pm on Tuesday, August 29, and that you plan to fly out no earlier than 2 pm on Friday, September 1. Lots of folks will fly up early or stay over for Labor Day weekend and play in the mountains or in Denver.
HOW DO I REGISTER? Click HERE to get started!
Based on those whom I know are coming so far, let me just say - the quality of the fellow pilgrims and 'campers' will be a wonderful gift to each participant!
Feel free to forward this information letter to anyone you
know who would likely enjoy and benefit from Weird Church Camp!
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