14th Annual Healthy Congregations National Gathering
Body and Soul: The Brain and Life in Community
October 15-17, 2012
St. Paul of the Cross Passionist Retreat Center
Detroit, Michigan

Focus of the National Gathering
We gathered for the 14th annual National Gathering of Healthy Congregations around a theme that focused on integration and regulation. Humans have always been fascinated by the brain. It represents both mystery and foundation. It is a source of action, reaction, and belief. Curiosity has increased in recent years as science has expanded its capacity to understand and explore the strange world of this vital center of humanity. Current research focuses on the brain’s capacity to oversee and impact emotion, language, understanding, and functioning. This conference offered presentations by a neuropsychologist, a social worker with experience in neurofeedback and family theory, and a minister who has challenged thinking about congregational and leadership vitality.
With Thanks To
- Angelo Bolea, Priscilla Friesen and Larry Matthews for excellent presentations each day
- Larry Foster for organizing family of origin time for participants
- All those who joined us for the First Ever Livecast of the National Gathering
- Board Chair Bob Mathis for his kick-off presentation for the Healthy Congregations: The Next Generation Campaign
Plan to join us for our next National Gathering: October 14-16, 2013 in Columbus, Ohio



