"A much needed break for body, mind, and soul." That's how Ben Wessel, pastor at Woodlawn, West Allis, Wis., describes the "Renewed in Grace" retreat that he attended in San Antonio, Texas, with his wife, Lynn, in April.

Sponsored by Grow in Grace, the institute for continuing education at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wis., the retreat was the first in a series of "celebrations of ministry" that the institute will hold. As the program develops, celebrations of ministry will be held at 3 years, 10 years, and 25 years after graduation from the seminary as well as at retirement.

Prof. Richard Gurgel, director of Grow in Grace, says, "Just as it is worthwhile for our synod to invest millions each biennium to train a new generation of workers, so also it is wise for congregations to invest in the encouragement of their present workers. [These retreats] provide a concrete way to do that for pastors."

Twenty-nine pastors from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary's graduating classes of 2001 and 2002 celebrated ten years in the pastoral ministry at this three-day retreat. They enjoyed fellowship with classmates and their spouses, workshop sessions on a variety of topics, worship, and a four-session Bible study focused on finding sustainable joy for life and ministry in the gospel.

"The whole 'Renewed in Grace' experience was just so wonderful and such a blessing," says Lynn Wessel. "In some ways it's intangible, and yet also very real—sharing trials and joys in the ministry, sharing faith and fellowship, appreciating the grace God has given us in the opportunities he gives us to serve in his kingdom, and so much more."