by Rev. Dr. Deb Uchtman, Bethel-Murdoch
Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 1 Timothy 5:17
The Presbyterian beloved community truly wants its minister members and Board of Pension participants to THRIVE, so this blog is for my fellow ministers in the Presbytery.
One of the things that I appreciate as a minister member of the Board of Pensions is the great learning programs they provide for the health and well-being of all who are participants. Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the THRIVE conference in Montreat, North Carolina. The program was jam-packed for two solid days of learning, discerning and engaging actively in planning for retirement.
The fascinating thing is that while THRIVE is technically a retirement program, clergy of all ages are encouraged to attend so that they can learn how to retire well. The Board of Pension instructors repeatedly said that the earlier people begin to check in with their physical, spiritual and financial health, the more opportunity they will have to affect real positive change.
I will testify that I have had the opportunity to do all of these things in the years since I first attended a THRIVE conference. It was thrilling to take a good look at the healthy changes my husband and I have made physically, spiritually and financially. These changes are based upon where we were that first conference when we committed to truly get ready and be able to enjoy our retirement. I was amazed in the difference of where we had been as compared to where we are now at this most recent conference. The changes were small but effective and with enough time we have had the opportunity to make those changes with great success.
Let me encourage you to take the time to attend a THRIVE conference the next time you get an invitation from the Board of Pensions. It will help put your feet on the path to health: physical, spiritual and financial. I found THRIVE to be a true blessing, I pray that you do, too.
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