During the November 6-8 retreat, Rev. Elbert Dulworth will share insights from his Camino de Santiago pilgrimage by encouraging town and country churches to value the impact they make in Christ’s name.
The annual Town and Country Circuit Rider Retreat will be held November 6-8, 2023, in Birch Run at the Comfort Inn and will feature Rev. Elbert Dulworth as the keynote speaker. The theme is “Strength for the Journey.” Register by October 14 using this downloadable form.
All pastors and lay leaders serving smaller single and multiple-point churches are invited for a time of mutual support and education on the specific needs facing town and country churches today. Spouses are welcome to join the retreat, and break-out time will be provided for them.
Rev. Elbert Dulworth is the senior pastor of St. Paul’s UMC in Rochester, MI. He served as the Marquette District Superintendent from 2012-2017 and has experience working with small churches. He will share insights from his pilgrimage in 2015, walking the 500-mile Camino de Santiago across northern Spain to the tomb of St. James, the apostle.
Pastor Dulworth experienced the presence and love of God through those churches and individuals who ministered to him and blessed him in his journey across Spain. They also inspired him and showed him the impact small churches can make in Christ’s name.
“In the towns through which I traveled,” he says, “the small congregations and people along the way witnessed God’s unconditional love and presence for us. They received us as gracious hosts, generously welcomed us, fed our bodies, nurtured our souls, and blessed us on our journey. They were the heartbeat of the journey for the pilgrims.”
Pastor Dulworth hopes to tell stories that illustrate the blessing he experienced through people of faith — in small but powerful ways. One particular story is about Sister Maria, who was part of a small church outside Pamplona. Sister Maria met Elbert and reminded him about the importance of yielding to every moment along his journey, a lesson he needed to learn.
Each person in a faith community, no matter the size of the church, can significantly impact others. “Like Sister Maria,” Elbert says, “our town and country churches and small membership churches make a great impact on others that impact so many throughout the world that they’ll never meet. I thank God for the Sister Marias, who help remind us who and whose we are.”
These powerful stories from Pastor Dulworth’s pilgrimage mirror the kind of outreach and hospitality ministries small churches throughout Michigan know so well.
Elbert notes, “Town and country churches have an amazing understanding of hospitality. They can welcome new people into the family and create a sense of belonging, where others struggle with this. They’re also resourceful and know how to make God’s love real in the lives of others.”
Pastor Dulworth will also share out of his experience as a superintendent of a district comprised of many small and multiple-point churches. He was superintendent of the Marquette District for about five years.
“I hope that some of my experiences might bring some strength, hope, and insight for our small and multiple-point charges,” he says. “My district was filled with town and country churches, and I’m so thankful for their ministry together with me at that time in my life. They empowered me to be who I am today. I look forward to sharing some gifts in return.”
The Michigan Conference’s Town and Country Circuit Rider will be held November 6 through November 8. The retreat begins at 1 p.m. on Monday, with an evening meal at West Vienna UMC and a white elephant gift exchange back at the hotel meeting space. Tuesday evening will feature a game night. The retreat ends on Wednesday with closing worship at 9:15 a.m.
The cost is $200/night for double occupancy ($175 for single occupancy) at the Comfort Inn in Birch Run, near the outlet mall. All meals are included.
$75 is the cost for those commuting. All meals, except for breakfasts, are covered.
Last Updated on September 25, 2023