Two-Year Academy for Spiritual Formation
Variety of Locations
The Academy for Spiritual Formation is a two-year journey into the heart, mind, soul and will of Christ. Participants gather eight times for five days every calendar quarter-a total of 40 days in retreat. Recognizing the power of the Holy Spirit to shape our lives, worship, lectures, silence and small groups offer a balanced approach to spiritual formation. Participation is open to laypersons and clergy from all denominations; racial-ethnic participants are encouraged to apply.

For more information, download the PDF, go to www.upperroom.org/academy or contact the Upper Room Ministries at 1-877-899-2781, ext. 7233.

Catalyst
Together, We Create the Future
Do you want a future of misinformation, misunderstanding, and miscommunication? Do you know anyone who does? Do you want a future of clear communication, healthy relationships, creative environments, and collaborative leadership? Let's talk about Catalyst!

Catalyst is concepts, tools, and processes for building healthy relationships, creating collaborative leadership, and promoting clear communication. Catalyst draws on family systems theory, brain research and leadership theory, AND you don't have to be an expert in any of these subjects to be a Catalyst or to use Catalyst. Catalysts are disciples of Jesus Christ, working together to transform the world into the kingdom of God.

For further information, browse our website or download our brochure (109 kb PDF).

Faith Alive! (2012-2014)
Location: Mt. Morris Camp/Conference Center, Wautoma, WI
Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , 608-250-9990
Time: 7 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

A series of six weekend sessions over two years. Browse the "Faith Alive 2012-2014" event for complete details!

• September 14-16, 2012: Who Is the God Who Calls Us?
• January 18-20, 2013: What Is My Story?
• April 19-21, 2013: Civility: Conflict Prevention and Resolution
• September 13-15, 2013: Inclusiveness
• January 17-19, 2014: Social Justice Issues
• April 25-27, 2014: Hearing God's Call/Discernment and Celebration

Madison/Dane County Courage to Teach 2013-2014 Retreat Series
Applications are now being accepted for Courage to Teach, a four session professional development and renewal series especially designed for classroom teachers, support staff and administrators. Educators apply to participate in four weekend sessions beginning Friday evenings and ending Sunday afternoons at Bethel Horizons, near Dodgeville. Dates of the four sessions are:

• November 8-10, 2013
• January 17-19, 2014
• March 21-23, 2014
• June 20-22, 2014

CTT is rooted in the premise that good teaching flows from the identity and integrity of the teacher. Educators are offered ample time in a beautiful natural setting to reconnect with the passion that brought them into teaching.  In an atmosphere that encourages honesty and compassion for themselves and others, they will be invited to make use of personal stories, reflections on classroom practice, insights from poets, storytellers, and various wisdom traditions as well as rich metaphors of the seasons to explore vocational and life questions.

Educators from Madison and Dane County pay a total of $850 (in three installments) for the series, which represents about 50% of the total cost of lodging, meals, facilitation, and materials.  The remainder comes from a community match provided by local organizations and individuals who are committed to investing in educational excellence for our young people.  Educators from other areas are accepted as space is available, paying a total of $1050.  Participants can also sign up for a maximum of four hours of graduate credit from Edgewood College, available at an additional cost of $160 per credit.

For further information and an application form, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Applications are encouraged by June 30 to ensure a spot and will be accepted until all spots are full.

Wisconsin Council of Churches
750 Windsor St. #301
Sun Prairie, Wisconsin 53532

Sheltered-Reality Training Site
Peshtigo United Methodist Church
Peshtigo United Methodist Church (501 French St.) is an official training site for Sheltered-Reality (SR). SR is a non-profit drumming organization.

Some people golf, some kids do sports, others 4-H, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, etc., and some people drum. Literally anyone willing to learn the drums (timbale drums) can join SR since all skills are taught by the instructors. Membership spans all ages from 4 - 76 years old. Teamwork and a commitment to help others succeed are expected, with rewards including increased self confidence, strengthened abilities and new friends - all while having a great time playing the drums! Presently, drum practice at Peshtigo United Methodist Church is every Sunday afternoon from 3- 6 p.m.; we have 11 members (so far).

For further information, call Pastor Jean Waldron at 715-582-4388 or 715-582-4944. The SR website is: www.sheltered-reality.org.

United's new program is designed to include "Gathering Weeks" so that students need only spend one week per semester on campus. For more details about the program, including a course schedule, please visit United's website at www.united.edu and click "3 Yr Online MDiv."

United also offers many online courses for those who just need a course or two for ordination or who may have an interest in a theological topic. For a list of courses please visit http://united.edu/Course-List-Chart/Course-List/menu-id-383.html or contact United's Admissions Office at 800-322-5817.