WHY STORIES MATTER | Clergy Convocation
Sept. 18-20, 2023 | Pilgrim Pines, Swanzey, NH | Registration begins soon
Join the Rev. Dr. AbbyLynn Haskell and the Rev. Holly Tomilson as they share with us why storytelling is essential to humans. We will explore the biology, psychology, sociology, and ministry of stories; the spiritual practice of storytelling in the Biblical World and in the Jewish & Christian traditions; and tell stories of ministry. Let us gather this fall to share stories that inspire and motivate us.
Rev. Dr. AbbyLynn Haskell thoroughly enjoys eating whoopie pies, the smell of campfires and the sound of laughter. AbbyLynn has been delighting in the joy and ministry of storytelling since graduating from Bangor Theological Seminary in 1999. She has served churches in New Hampshire and Maine in the roles of pastor, associate pastor, and director of program development. She firmly believes storytelling to be a vibrant way of shaping community, worship and pastoral care that effectively shares the Gospel. AbbyLynn completed her Doctorate of Ministry in Semiotics, Church and Culture at Portland Seminary of George Fox University in 2022 with a dissertation focus on Teaching the Art of Sacred Storytelling for Use in Ministry. She takes great joy in teaching and supporting others in their work to develop their preaching craft. AbbyLynn shares her storytelling ministry at retreats and conference events as well as summer Sunday mornings on the Sunrise Boat Church YouTube channel. AbbyLynn also loves sailing, is a USCG Captain and runs a coastal sailing retreat business BroadReachMinistries.com with her husband that operates out of Saco Bay, Maine.
The Rev. Holly Tomilson believes in the power of stories. She loves listening to The Moth Radio Hour to hear people’s stories. One aspect of ministry that Holly enjoys is hearing her parishioners’ stories. She has worked both as a chaplain and in parish ministry. Holly Is currently serving as the Moderator for the Rockingham Association, is on the Clergy Convocation Planning Committee, is a leader at her home church, and is on the Board of Directors for the NH Alliance for End-of-Life Options. She is also a certified End-of-Life Doula. Holly lives in Deerfield, NH with her dog, Cato.