Select Page

Diocese of Easton 2023 Clergy & Spouse Conference

Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort, Ocean City, MD

Monday, May 1st –  Wednesday, May 3rd

Keynote – The Rt. Reverend Jim Mathes  
     Theme:  “It is well with my soul”

Enjoy a small snapshot of our time together below.

What are some of your key takeaways from the event?

“Networking and meeting fellow clergy from the other convocations.”

“I liked the leader’s style and presentation.”

“Grief is a process that takes time. It takes time to focus on a new reality.”

“That others face the same challenge day in and day out that I do.”

“Don’t take everything so seriously. Be more playful.”

“The need to pick up some of the things that give me life and put down some of what I do that does not. I am also planning on participating in one of Bp Mathes’ clergy wellness groups.”

“Take time for yourself, relax, how to bridge divides, listening to the insights of others.”

The theme comes from the well-known gospel hymn by Horatio Spofford, “It is well with my soul.”…

When peace like a river, attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say

It is well, it is well, with my soul
It is well
With my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come
Let this blest assurance control
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate
And hath shed His own blood for my soul

It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul
It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Enjoy a small snapshot of our time together…

A NOTE FROM OUR KEYNOTE:

It is a privilege to come to Ocean City in a few weeks to be with you as you gather as a community of clergy and spouses. Over my nearly forty years of ministry in parishes, schools, seminary and diocesan work, I have developed a deep interest and passion in wellness, especially for those who serve in the church and their families.  It is often much easier to focus on the wellness of others rather than ourselves.  I am deeply interested in ways to live a whole, healthy life, spiritually, physically, intellectually, and communally.  I pray that in our time together I may have something to aid you to flourish and be well; I am certain that I will gain from being with you!

Now in my “retirement years, I serve as a spiritual director, leadership coach, and assist in our diocese with our diaconal formation program.  In addition, I have opportunities to do retreats like your clergy conference.  Terri and I have been married for 42 years.  Our son, Lee, who teaches middle school, and his wife, Annie, and our two granddaughters live near us in San Diego.   Our daughter, Sara, her partner, Bre, and their two boys live in Denver, where Sara works for an internet security firm.   As an avocation, I do woodworking….or at least I make a lot of sawdust!

Please know that in the days leading up to our time together that I will be holding the diocesan community in prayer. 

Agape and peace,

Jim Mathes - Keynote