January 16, 2024
Dear Friends,
I am writing to you today to let you know of a decision that I have made regarding our Emrich Retreat Center in Brighton.
Effective immediately, we will pause operations at the Emrich. The few bookings that we have for 2024 will be cancelled with refunds extended where appropriate. No subsequent events will be scheduled at Emrich.
I met with Shari and Lance Spencer, the members of our Emrich staff, earlier today, and let them know that their employment at the Emrich Center will end effective January 31, 2024. While the terms of their severance packages are confidential, please know that all care has been taken to provide the financial support that they will need during this time of transition.
For those of you who might not know the history of Emrich, I offer you this brief overview. The Emrich Retreat Center was founded in 1944 as “Parishfield” by a group of Episcopalians as a center for lay education and empowerment. The Emrich Center at Parishfield has been a place for community activities, spiritual retreats, educational opportunities and quiet enjoyment all taking place on 26 acres of land in Livingston County.
In 2005, the Emrich Retreat Center was temporarily closed. Costs far exceeded the rental income and the buildings suffered from deferred maintenance. In 2010, following a trial re-opening period, Emrich began full time operations again. Through the efforts of the staff, the Emrich Advisory Board, volunteers and supporters around the diocese, the center had a ten year period of financial solvency and even experienced some periods of growth.
But now, like so many conference and retreat centers across the Episcopal Church, a self-sustaining model is no longer viable. Costs far outweigh any realistic income potential, and operations at Emrich have run with a significant deficit for almost 5 years. The retreat and camping industry as a whole has changed; the pandemic years have taken their toll, and it is time for us to make a change as we consider the future of Emrich.
If you have been to Emrich within the past 2 decades, you would have met Shari and Lance. Their abiding care for Emrich and everyone who has visited there is a testament to their love of this ministry of our diocese. I know that you will join me in thanking them for their many faithful years of service at Emrich.
Going forward, I will convene a group of stakeholders, dreamers, and practical thinkers to envision what comes next for the Emrich Center property. You will hear more from this group later in the year.
I am grateful for everyone who has supported the Emrich Retreat Center at Parishfield over the years. Your commitment to this ministry has meant a great deal to many, both in our diocese and in the Brighton community.
Thank you.
Faithfully,
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Bonnie A. Perry
11th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan
