(Pat Luna) - Every three years the Upper Room offers The Academy for Spiritual Formation in the Southeast Jurisdiction. Three of the six members of the leadership team are from AWF: Pat Luna (Point Washington UMC) is the Retreat Leader. Dr. Robbins Sims (FUMC-Eufaula) is the Theologian. Kathy Norberg (Gulf Breeze UMC) is the Hospitality Coordinator. Minta McDavid, Chair of the AWF Spiritual Formation team said "This is very exciting to have so many people from AWF to lead this important ministry. The Academy experience is a life transforming one and one I would hope all in our conference could have if and when they feel that deep yearning and call to attend."
The Academy is a two-year intentional journey of spiritual formation that was started nearly 30 years ago by a group of people including Danny Morris, Bishop Rueben Job, Glenn Hinson, Douglas Steere, Wendy Wright, John Mogabgab and Gerald May. The Academy is a ecumenical, covenantal community where the participants seek a deeper relationship with God as they grow in the image of Christ for the sake of others. Participants meet at Camp Sumatanga for five days each quarter for two-years. Clergy and laity are selected to be a part of the Academy from all over the country.
A typical day includes worship, meditation and reflection, covenant group meetings, and morning and afternoon curriculum sessions with faculty. During each two-year academy, a total of sixteen courses are offered. These courses, taught by outstanding scholars and leaders in today's church, offer insights into the history and practices of Christian Spirituality. Over the course of the two years, two topics per session are examined. Topics include Spirituality of the Psalms, Early Christian Spirituality, Healing and Wholeness, Prayer and many more. Faculty for Academy #34 includes Roberta Bondi, Bob Mulholland, Don Sailers, Robert Benson, Margaret Guenther, Elaine Heath, and UMC Bishop Jung.
The next Academy for Spiritual Formation begins July 31, 2012. A number of people from AWF have already been selected to participate. Space is filling fast so if you are interested in participating apply soon! For more information, visit www.upperroom.org/academy or contact Pat Luna at patluna@charter.net or 334-262-9440.
From left to right Pat Luna (AWF), Kathy Norberg (AWF), Robbins Sims (AWF), Irene Brownlee (MS), Linda Beasley (LA) and Blake Kendrick (NC).