Convocation

Vermont Conference UCC
Ministers Convocation

Building a Culture of Spiritual Growth, Accountability, and Direction in Our Personal Lives and in Our Congregations

September 17-19, 2012

Bishop Booth Conference Center, 20 Rock Point Circle, Burlington, VT

The 2012 Convocation Planning Committee is pleased to welcome:

Dr. Nicki Verploegen

as our leader this year. Dr. Nicki Verploegen is Co-Founder of TATENDA International, a nonprofit which provides retreats and motivational instruction for relief workers and pastoral agents worldwide. For eight years she served as Director of Spiritual and Ministerial Development and Visiting Professor at Weston Jesuit School of Theology in Cambridge, Massachusetts and she presently is a visiting professor at graduate schools of theology in the USA including The College of Mount Saint Joseph in Cincinnati, OH, University of Dayton, and University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas. Her academic degrees include: Ph.D. and M.A. Formative Spirituality from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, M..A. Spiritual Theology from Gonzaga University, Spokane, Washington, and B.A. Political Science, Elementary Education, Religious Education from Carroll College, Helena, Montana. Some of her ministerial accomplishments include: Director of Sabbath Center, Attleboro, MA (Ongoing formation of clergy and religious), Pastoral Ministry Team and Radio Producer, Liberia, West Africa, Formation Team, Queen of Apostles Seminary, Dedham, MA, Diocesan Director of Youth Ministry and the Catholic Youth Coalition (Western Montana).

She serves as a consultant to several missionary societies including The Society of African Missions (S.M.A.), Maryknoll Mission Society, and the Holy Ghost Congregation (C.S.Sp.). She also has served on the Formation Committee for the National Association of Lay Ministry.

Originally from Montana, Dr. Verploegen has traveled on private pilgrimage throughout the US, Japan, Indonesia, Tanzania, Kenya, and Liberia (1984), exploring creative cultural approaches to contemplative community life. Most recently, she conducted retreats in Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Bangladesh. She has been conducting retreats for over 25 years and giving spiritual direction since 1983, as well as being involved in liturgical ministries as a dancer, cantor, and planner. Her most recent book is Legacy of the Founders: From Monks to Missionaries. Other books include Planning and Implementing Retreats: A Parish Handbook (2002) and Organic Spirituality: A Sixfold Path for Contemplative Living, and Meditations With Merton, (1991) (1993) translated into Spanish (1997) and now with Wipf and Stock Publishers. She presently lives in Massachusetts.

Registration Deadline:  September 10, 2012

Click here for the brochure,

Please register early. 

Those requiring single accommodations should book hotel rooms early for best selection and price.