The Summer Collegium is a nine-day intensive residential program, ecumenical in scope, for clergy in mid-career serving small parishes (average worship attendance 100 or fewer). Each summer the Collegium will serve 25 clergy (along with their spouses or partners), addressing the specific needs of clergy and clergy households committed to small-church ministry. Single clergy and non-ordained pastors are welcome to apply. 

The dates for the 2009 Summer Collegium are June 24-July 2, and the emphasis will be on Pastoral Care in the Small Church.  More information will be posted here as it is available.  Applications will be available on September 1, 2008 by clicking on the "downloads" box at the right, or through the mail.  The postmark deadline for your application is December 15, 2008.  Get your application in early!

The Summer Collegium is fully funded through the generosity of the Lilly Endowment through its "Making Connections" initiative, and is offered to participants at no cost. It is our hope that this time away will provide refreshment, education, collegiality, and encouragement in this important ministry.

In addition to an array of workshops, worship, and small group sessions, the Collegium will organize and sponsor a one-day Small Church Religious Arts Festival at VTS which, for this coming summer, will be open to the public on Saturday, June 28, 2008, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be displays of arts and crafts from local churches, and music and storytelling throughout the day - even a moon bounce for children! Box lunches will be sold for $5 and free snacks will be available. There is no admission cost to attend - just come and spend the day on the beautiful VTS campus! If your congregation is interested in displaying arts and crafts at the Arts Festival, please download an application form at the right.

Marilyn Johns, D.Min., is the Project Manager for the Summer Collegium. If you have questions about the Summer Collegium, first read the FAQ sheet and look at the other downloads in the downloads box.  Contact us using the contact box at the right.