Covenanters Retired in Ministry

CRIM (Covenanters Retired in Ministry)

CRIM Communion 2CRIM (Covenanters Retired in Ministry) was founded and organized several years ago by some of our retired pastors who recognized that there were significant needs and desires of retired ministers and missionaries within the Northwest Conference.

While the fellowship and inspiration drawn from the Ministerial Association Retreat for active pastors were helpful and enjoyable, the particular and unique issues surrounding retirement from active ministry were not being adequately addressed.

The CRIM Retreat, held in the week following Labor Day, proved to be the answer for retired pastors and spouses. Between 40 and 60 individuals have met annually at Covenant Pines Bible Camp for fellowship and inspiration dealing with issues that specifically related to their situations. All retired Covenant clergy are encouraged to participate.

The CRIM story

An idea was born and a proposal presented to the Northwest Conference Ministerial annual meeting in 1994 by the Rev. Selmer Jacobson. After acceptance by the ministerial group, plans were made for an exploratory meeting that resulted in the formation of CRIM, an organization specifically designed to meet the needs and desires of retired ministers, missionaries and spouses in the NWC.

CRIM activity would center on a retreat at Covenant Pines Bible Camp, which held it’s first gathering in the fall of 1994. Each year since then Covenant ministers and other resource people have been used as speakers and presenters with topics designed specifically to meet the needs of those who were retired but still active in daily ministry and service.

Each retreat has featured someone sharing his or her journey of faith; a good deal of singing; a conference report; a closing communion service; and a wide variety of speakers and topics. Covenant Pines Bible Camp has provided superb food, support and facilities. The environment has always been one of encouragement, understanding, support, and bonding. Newcomers are enthusiastically and warmly welcomed each year.