Where Grace Church
When October 24, 2026; 9 AM – 3 PM
Cost $10/$20/$30, includes lunch
Contact Brandon Nonnemaker
Register below by Sunday, October 18
In a time of disconnection and polarization, how do men pursue a life of purpose, virtue, and deep connection? Drawing on the Greek idea of Arete (excellence), Christian faith, and the Benedictine Rule of Life, this retreat invites us to explore a disciplined, life-giving path rooted in wisdom, practice, and community.
Together we’ll look at how excellence, faith, and intentional living shape practical wisdom for everyday life—moving beyond personal achievement toward love, humility, service, and authentic relationships with God and one another. Guided by John 10:10—“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly”—we’ll spend the day together learning, reflecting, building a personal Rule of Life, and enjoying meaningful fellowship, worship, and recreation.
Come away, reconnect, and be renewed alongside other men seeking a richer, more grounded life.
Suggested reading: Always We Begin Again by John McQuiston
Register below by Sunday, October 18
Bill Harkins practices psychotherapy and marriage and family therapy at the Cathedral Counseling Center in Atlanta. He joined the faculty of Episcopal CREDO, a wellness program for clergy, as a psychological health faculty member in 2012. He serves as a psychological health faculty for the Columbia Seminary Lifelong Learning “Ministering to Ministers” program funded by the Lily Foundation. Bill is an Approved Supervisor in AAMFT, a Diplomate in AAPC, and an ACPE Psychotherapist and Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy Trainer. He holds a certificate in Jungian Psychotherapy. An ordained Episcopal priest, he has served as Interim Priest in Charge at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Family, Jasper, and for 18 years as Priest Associate at the Cathedral of St. Philip. He taught pastoral theology and counseling at Vanderbilt Divinity School, Emory University, and for 23 years at Columbia Theological Seminary, where he co-directed the THD program in pastoral psychotherapy, shared by Columbia, Emory, and ITC. He holds degrees from Rhodes College (B.A.) and Vanderbilt University (M.Div., Ph.D. with Honors). He is the author of numerous journal articles and has contributed to a variety of edited volumes on pastoral theology, psychology and religion, homiletics, and clinical practice. He has recently co-authored The Wilderness of Friendship (Wipf & Stock) based on 40 years of friendship with colleagues from Vanderbilt Divinity School.
Bill is married (45 years) to Dr. Vicky Harkins, an advanced practice nurse leader, educator, and healthcare administrator. They have two sons, Justin, an attorney practicing in Montana and Pennsylvania, and Andrew, an Oncology Fellow at MD Anderson in Houston, and four grandchildren. Bill is a veteran of 50 consecutive Peachtree Road Races and numerous marathons and ultra-distance trail races. He enjoys trail running, other forms of outdoor recreation, writing, playing the piano, and spending time with family. He works with individuals, couples, and families in clinical practice. He has extensive experience working with churches in transition, leading vestry retreats, providing clinical supervision, and consulting with institutions in conflict and transition.
This retreat is a key component of the ongoing work of St. Brigid’s School for Imagination, Creativity, and Practice as Grace continues to develop a wide spectrum of opportunities for the parish and community that support and nurture our practice of faith.