From February 4-6, 2025, I had the privilege of traveling to Phoenix, Arizona, to join clergy from across the Reformed Episcopal Church (REC) Diocese of Mid-America’s Western Deanery for our annual Clericus retreat. We met at the Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree, Arizona, and were hosted by the Very Rev. Dr. Steven Rutt of St. Andrew’s Reformed Episcopal Church and Arizona Christian University.
A Retreat Rooted in Worship and Prayer
The rhythm of the retreat was beautifully structured around the Daily Office and Holy Eucharist – with Fr. Brian Foos leading our choir and our brother priests swapping roles for reading and leading the services.
One of the highlights of the retreat was an Evening Prayer service held at Christ Anglican Church, where we were warmly welcomed by Canon Steve Dart of the Anglican Province of Christ the King. This is the second year that we’ve partnered with them for worship during clericus. Rev. Matthew Visk of Christ Chapel Riverside gave the homily.
Theological Reflection and Practical Resources
The retreat’s sessions were led by Bishop Sutton, Dr. Greg Peters, and Dr. Steve Rutt, who guided us in thoughtful discussions on ministry, pastoral care, and preaching. This year’s focus was particularly timely, as we explored resources and themes for preaching the lectionary from our prayerbook. The lectionary, with its structured calendar of Scripture readings, is a gift to the Church, ensuring that we engage with the breadth of God’s Word throughout the year. The sessions provided practical tools and fresh insights to help us proclaim the Gospel more effectively in our congregations.
The theme was focused around Robert D. Crouse’s The Soul’s Pilgrimage – Volume 1: From Advent to Pentecost – The Theology of the Christian Year: The Sermons of Father Robert Crouse (London: Darton, Longman and Todd Ltd, 2023). Amazon Link
Service Booklet
Here’s the PDF of the worship services, we celebrated communion for Cornelius the Centurion, The Martyrs of Japan, and St. Titus.
David Chilton and Dean Rutt
Rev. David Chilton’s books (Author of Days of Vengence and Paradise Restored) were my introduction into real “Reformed Theology” when I was a member at Church of the King Sacramento (CREC) under Pastor John Stoos from 2008-2014. My wife Sarah was baptized by him in the early 90’s when he was pastor at Church of the Redeemer (COTR) in Placerville, CA. In 1997, Chilton suffered his second heart attack and died at the age of 45 years. Dr. Rutt was also at COTR and led a Christian school in the area. Rutt’s office (and overflow in the garage) now house a large part of Pastor Chilton’s library.
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