Erin Clifford
Director, Spiritual and Missional Formation
The Rev. Dr. Erin Clifford hails from Washington, DC. An Anglican priest and passionate activist for the poor she has lived for many years in East Africa and London. Erin grew up in a YL family, was a campaigner, college leader, work crew, and summer staff gal over the years which led her to serving as Urban Young Life staff in Washington, DC. Erin loves creating space for people to meet God, whether through preaching, writing or retreat leading. Having received her MDIV from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and just finished her Doctorate of Missiology in the area of theology of suffering. Erin can often be found sitting somewhere sunny, drinking coffee, talking about Jesus and laughing loudly.
Instructions
General Order
Scripture Pre-read
28 Minute Video
Followed by 30 minutes of solitude
In-Session
1 Hour of Group Discussion
Scripture Pre-Read
Read and meditate on John 15:1-8.
I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
Video (Pre-Work):
Assign and have everyone watch the video on their own.
Your team will interact with the video and answer questions to foster engagement. For information on the questions and answers access the Facilitator Video Information.
Personal Reflection/Solitude (Pre-Work):
After the video, send your staff will be asked to go out into solitude. Read and respond to the personal reflection questions and the Abiding Personal Reflection Cards worksheet before your next group call.
Group Discussion:
Group Discussion: Have the group share about their personal reflection time and the questions asked during that time. Use these Abiding Discussion Questions.
Additional Resources
- Ruth Haley Barton article Beyond Words: An Invitation to Solitude and Silence
- Song to play while staff leave for solitude - Slow Me Down by Robbie Seay Band
- Printable cards with phrases and verses from the call for staff to hang up.
Solitude Retreat documents from the Southeast Region. These are examples of stations that can be set up around camp to help staff engage spiritually, mentally, and physically.
