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Hello, !

This week I am headed to Kirkridge Retreat and Study Center. It is an amazing oasis of welcome, grace, activism, and hope at the crossroads of the Appalachian Trail and the Christian pilgrimage that seeks to follow the way of Jesus and leads to justice and love. 

I'll be working with new and experienced writers and leading them to explore what makes better habits for the writing life. I consider writing a spiritual practice, but that does not mean the content of one's writing must be overtly spiritual or religious. It means that like other practices, we need to engage it by planning, learning, setting intentions, drawing on our creative best, returning when we forget to show up, giving it our solid focus, and also holding it lightly.  

The only way to really learn to write (or preach or pray or ride a bike) is to jump in and do it. To learn from the practice itself. To let time and effort shape the way we write. Yet so many have gone before us, we also can benefit and learn from their experience and wisdom.  

Here are a few ways you can begin to improve your own practice of writing (no matter what you are writing... from letters to your grandchildren to church worship liturgy, from your next book to your next recipe, from your own journaled poetry to a young adult novel). Learn more about how to grow in your writing practice in these ways ...  

1. Join us this week on #FreeWrite Friday
2. Explore good books about writing like this one by Stephen King.
3. Hit reply on this email and tell me what you are writing this week. I'll send a word of encouragement!

Life is so full. So much is just exhausting. Moments of joy and solidarity are a welcome respite. May they be yours this week. Glad to be along the way with you, . Let's keep taking each next step.  

Blessings and peace,

Eileen

 Podcast Episode 103 
"How to Worship"

Listen to the final installment of my interview with Rev. Dr. Cláudio Carvalhaes!

We all feel the heaviness of what's going on in the world around us. There are new and ongoing crises almost daily. It's hard to know how to navigate it all.

In this episode, we're thinking about those who lead worship each week. How do you as worship leaders navigate the heaviness of the world? How do you care for your soul in these difficult days while also caring for your congregation? How do you plan meaningful worship in these days?

I conclude my interview with Rev. Dr. Cláudio Carvalhaes by asking for his words of support and encouragement for worship leaders. Listen in as he shares wisdom and helps us remember how to worship and why worship matters. 

New State of Clergy Report

Exciting things are happening this fall! Here is my news:

NASHVILLE, TN – Dr. Eileen Campbell-Reed has won two grants to revise and expand “The State of Women and LGBTIQ Clergy in the U.S.” Data collection begins August 1, as Campbell-Reed takes a new one-year position with Vanderbilt Divinity School. She expects to release a newly revised report in late 2026. 

All of you reading this are welcome to tell me about: 

• information
• stories
• data
• books
• articles
• blogs
• news reports 
• elections of bishops or other church leaders
• conferences and events
• people we should interview
• questions you must have answered! 

All contributions will be independently verified before including them in the report. 

My questions for you this Monday morning: 

What spiritual practice is sustaining you presently? 

How might you lean into gratitude, naming your thanks 

 for just three minutes each day of this week?  

Do you want your writing practice to become more sustainable? This retreat is for you!

Do you have a big project to start or finish? 

We have a supportive group awaiting you.

Do you want a community of writers in a beautiful setting?

Kirkridge is the place! 
 

The retreat includes: 
* short teaching sessions each day about writing craft and habits
* daily time for writing in community

* evening sessions for sharing brief excerpts of your work
* individual coaching with Eileen is available (discounted fee)  

Q: Did this event meet your hopes and expectations? 

"More than! Such a deep rich weekend that I think will 

be a gamechanger for my project. So grateful!" 
-retreat participant 2024 WT Retreat

Q: What did you value the most about it?

"Eileen's guidance, the hospitality of Kirkridge - 

so comfortable and welcoming!"
-retreat participant 2024 WT Retreat

Please consider joining us in a few weeks!

Remember, , what you do and who you are matters! I believe in you, and I hope you will let me know how I can support you!

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