October 17 to October 19, 2022
Embassy Suites, La Quinta
50-777 Santa Rosa Plaza, La Quinta
A joint church leaders’ event (a theological oasis):
Rostered leaders, professional lay church staff, youth leaders, church administrators, office managers, outdoor ministry leaders, worship leaders… ALL are welcome!
“Grief: Reflecting on Loss, Love, and Leadership”
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34: 17-18
Online registration is NOW open and will close October 3.
CLICK HERE to register online.
Please note: This year’s event will be in-person only.
Livestream or recorded options will not be available.
EVENT COSTS
(Includes program and two meals, excluding hotel)
$250 (rostered leader, lay staff, ministry partner)
$190 (retired rostered, interns, candidates & non-rostered spouses)
$75 Optional Golf Tournament (Palm Desert Country Club)
A limited number of registration scholarships are available, each $50 maximum. Applicants must register by September 1 and choose the scholarship option, completing the additional question required. Applicants will be notified by email within 2 days of their request. Once notified, final payment must be received by October 1 to receive the scholarship discount.
HOTEL INFORMATION
Theoasis takes place at the Embassy Suites, La Quinta (not Palm Desert), located at 50-777 Santa Rosa Plaza, La Quinta. Hotel reservations must be made directly with the hotel. A discounted rate of $135 (plus taxes) per night is available through September 17, or until the group block is sold out, whichever comes first. You may reserve a room online at this rate by following THIS LINK or reserve by phone, using Group Code PSS, by calling 760.777.1711.
GOLF TOURNAMENT
A optional golf tournament will be held the afternoon of Tuesday, October 18 at Palm Desert Country Club (77-200 California Drive, Palm Desert). The cost is $75 per person. To register for the golf tournament, please select the Golf Tournament option found on the Theoasis registration page.
SCHEDULE
Theoasis begins on Monday, October 17. Registration will open at 12:00 p.m. Programming will begin at 2:00 p.m. The event ends on Wednesday, October 19 by Noon, following closing worship.
EVENT SPEAKERS
Ms. Debie Thomas
Debie Thomas is the author of Into the Mess and Other Jesus Stories, and a columnist and contributing editor for The Christian Century. She serves as the Minister of Lifelong Formation at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Palo Alto, California, and leads retreats and workshops on scripture, Christian formation, and writing as spiritual practice. Her published work includes personal essays, book reviews, sermons, and reflections on the Revised Common Lectionary. She holds a Masters in English Literature from Brown University, and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from The Ohio State University. You can learn more about her at www.debiethomas.com.
Dr. Robert Wicks
For over 35 years, Dr. Robert Wicks, has been called upon to speak calm into chaos by individuals and groups experiencing great stress, anxiety and confusion. Dr. Wicks received his doctorate in Psychology (Psy.D.) from Hahnemann Medical College and Hospital, is Professor Emeritus at Loyola University Maryland, and has taught in universities and professional schools of psychology, medicine, nursing, theology, education, and social work. In 2003 he was the Commencement Speaker for Wright State School of Medicine in Dayton, Ohio and in 2005 he was both Visiting Scholar and the Commencement Speaker at Stritch School of Medicine in Chicago. He was also Commencement Speaker at and the recipient of honorary doctorates from Georgian Court, Caldwell, and Marywood Universities.
Dr. Wicks has published over 60 books for both professionals and the general public including the bestselling Riding the Dragon. Among his latest books from Oxford University Press for a general audience include: The Simple Care of a Hopeful Heart: Mentoring Yourself in Difficult Times; The Tao of Ordinariness; Perspective: The Calm within the Storm and Bounce: Living the Resilient Life. His books for professionals include: Overcoming Secondary Stress in Medical and Nursing Practice (Second Edition with Gloria Donnelly); The Resilient Clinician;and The Inner Life of the Counselor. In 2006, Dr. Wicks received the first annual Alumni Award for Excellence in Professional Psychology from Widener University and is also the recipient of the Humanitarian of the Year Award from the American Counseling Association’s Division on Spirituality, Ethics and Religious Values in Counseling. For a complete biography, click HERE.
COVID-19 PROTOCOLS FOR ALL EVENT ATTENDEES
(SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
We are committed to an event that works to keep participants safe and healthy as possible. ALL 2022 Theoasis attendees must provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or negative test, as per Pacifica Synod Council vote.
Full vaccination for this event is defined as both shots of Moderna/Pfizer vaccine or one shot of Johnson & Johnson, PLUS at least ONE booster, if eligible.
For information on eligibility and timing of booster shots, please visit the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) website and scroll to “Booster Shots and Additional Doses” or the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website and scroll to “When Are You Up to Date?”
Theoasis attendees will be asked to do ONE of the following when registering for the assembly:
• Acknowledge they will show proof of vaccination (vaccination card or digital vaccine record) upon arrival at Theoasis.
• Acknowledge they will show proof of negative test upon arrival at Theoasis. Test results may be from either a PCR, antigen, or self/home tests taken within 72 hours of the start of Theoasis.
At the request of the planning team, wearing of face masks at the event by all attendees will be required.
ADDITIONAL EVENT
Pacifica Synod Boundaries Workshop for Rostered Ministers
Pacifica Synod will be offering a Boundaries Workshop in Palm Desert following the close of Theoasis in the afternoon on Wednesday, October 19. Watch for more details and registration information to come soon.
If you have questions about this workshop, please contact Rev. Terry Tuvey Allen at terrytuveyallen@pacificasynod.org or Carol Youngman at carolyoungman@pacificasynod.org.
QUESTIONS?
For registration and other questions about this event, please contact Terri Robertson at 714.692.2791, Ext. 732 or by email at terrirobertson@pacificasynod.org.
