Updates

Hey Everyone,

Ian Morgan Cron, one of our main speakers and guides for the “Refuge” retreat is sending a free, autographed copy of his brand new book, “Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me” to the next 10 people who register for the Refuge Retreat.  (existing registrants, don’t worry – we’ve got a signed book for you!)

Early bird registration ends in less than a week – so take advantage of the $99 registration fee and the autographed copy of the new book.

REGISTER NOW!

——————————————————

Praise for Jesus, My Father, The CIA, and Me

“Simultaneously redemptive and consoling with bright moments of humor…this story is chock-full of sacredness and hope. Cron is one of only a few spirituality authors who could articulate these themes as poignantly.”
– Publishers Weekly

“Much tongue-in-cheek humor (and pain) in a fast-paced narrative…the author’s English major shines through with an interesting, well-written plot of pain and redemption. Cron’s realism and lack of bitterness are a refreshing blend. A powerful story of faith and forgiveness.”
– Kirkus Review

“Ian Cron walks us through the drama of his life, making us laugh and cry with him every step of the way. His memoir is filled with everything from boyhood stories of celebrating communion in the woods with chipmunks and blue jays, to poignant reflections about growing up with an alcoholic father. Ian’s honesty, vulnerability, and humor will bring a measure of healing to all who go on the journey with him.”
– Jim Wallis, President of Sojourners, and best-selling author of God’s Politics, and Rediscovering Values

“Ian is an absolutely magnificent writer, and this memoir is a stunning work. With Miles Davis and squirrels and weddings and Red Bull and fawns and cliff diving—it’s like he has this bottomless bucket of images and metaphors and they’re all so spot-on brilliant. The prose is light and loose and free, and then there are these moments when there’s just so much soul right on the page. I literally had to put the book down several times because I began tearing up. What a gift!”
– Rob Bell, best-selling author of Love Wins and Velvet Elvis

“Ian Cron’s story is a compelling one. Each turn of the page draws you closer to God.”
– Craig Groeschel, author of The Christian Atheist

We are thrilled to announce that we’ve just booked Ian Morgan Cron to be our primary speaker and spiritual guide at Refuge!

Web:  www.iancron.com
Twitter:  @iancron

Ian Morgan Cron is an author, speaker, Episcopal priest, psychotherapist, and retreat guide.  From his Twitter profile you see “Storyteller, Speaker, Retreat Guide. Author of Jesus, My Father, the CIA and Me: A Memoir…Of Sorts and Chasing Francis: A Pilgrim’s Tale.”

I was first introduced to Ian Cron at the re:create conference in Franklin, TN in 209.  I was drawn to his gentle way of leading us into one of the most intimate, inspiring worship encounters of my life.  Weaving sacred liturgy and contemporary music with the Eucharist was a moment I will never forget.

In addition to writing, facilitating retreats, and speaking around the country, Ian is an adjunct priest at Christ Episcopal Church in Greenwich, Connecticut where he curates the Conversations in Courage and Faith series (www.courageandfaith.org). He is also a student at Fordham University (The Jesuit University in New York) where he is completing his doctoral work in Christian spirituality.

Ian’s newest book was chosen as a featured title in the prestigious Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers program.

Below are some excerpts from some interviews with Ian Cron and “The Work of the People“.

(more videos at www.iancron.com)

We are truly excited for this great opportunity. In addition to speaking during our sessions, Ian will be present throughout the retreat for personal conversation and discussions.

Speakers & Artists Page

Several people have contacted us about scholarships or financial assistance to attend “Refuge”.  Our registration cost is extremely low, and does not even cover the actual costs of the event.  However, with travel and lodging, the costs can add up quickly.

“Refuge” is an event which is hosted through Worship International.   Worship International, Inc. is a Georgia Non-Profit Corporation. We exist to advance true worship of God throughout the world by providing dynamic worship events, seminars, concerts, internet broadcasts, web sites, and other methods of delivery.

As a non-profit, we are able to receive tax-deductible contributions towards our General Scholarship Fund.  If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to the scholarship fund to help offset the costs of a person’s expenses to attend “Refuge”, please remit to:

Worship International, Inc.
PO Box 24525
St. Simons Island, GA  31522

So even if you won’t be attending “Refuge” – please consider sending someone, or making a tax-deductible donation to the scholarship fund.

(Online Payments and Donations coming soon)

A few points about donations:

* you cannot officially designate your donation to a specific person; however,  we will do our very best to honor any request you have.  (there is no reason that we wouldn’t be able to scholarship the person you wish to support; however, we have to have this disclaimer)
* actual registration costs paid by attendees is not tax-deductible.  (in other words, if you pay for yourself to attend, and you actually attend, that is not tax-deductible)

I’ve been called a “gatherer”.  For years I’ve dreamed of “gathering” a group of people for a time of refreshing, encouragement, and direction.  As the founder and publisher of TheWorshipCommunity.Com and as a blogger at FredMcKinnon.Com, I’ve seen a growing community of worship leaders, pastors, volunteers, and creative artists share their burdens, their victories, their dreams, their songs … and I’ve wanted a way to gather us.

For several years I’ve wondered what our conference would look like.  The reality is this:  there is a large list of conferences and seminars for leaders that are designed to resource and equip.  These events are wonderful and empower creative leaders with new ideas, new resources, new technologies, and new relationships.

My dream was for something different …

I believe that the greatest ideas, the greatest visions, the most strategic plans are often birthed in a place of stillness, rest, and solitude.  From my own experience, I’ve seldom tapped into the flow of empowering ideas and Spirit-led directions without removing myself from the busyness of life that our culture has created.

I believe that God is speaking … that God has been speaking … but we’re too busy to hear.

I believe that our fast-paced schedules – work, ministry, family … many good things … have deafened our ears to the “still, small voice” of God that often whispers to us “this is the way you should go”.

I believe that if we can create an environment for leaders to be relaxed, rested, and renewed, big dreams will be birthed.

My dream is to create that environment where this can happen.  That place is called “Refuge”.

Sponsored by TheWorshipCommunity.Com and Worship International, Inc., in cooperation with St. Simons Community Church and an incredible team of volunteers, the dream becomes a reality here on St. Simons Island on October 23, 2011.